Duration
5-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
5-Day Ethiopian Extreme & Sacred--Danakil Tigray & Addis
Overview
Fly from Addis Ababa to Semera and explore the surreal Danakil Depression, known for its colorful geothermal landscapes and salt flats. Visit Erta Ale Volcano to witness its active lava lake before continuing your journey to the rock-hewn churches of Tigray, where ancient cliffside sanctuaries offer breathtaking views and rich history.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Hamad Ela (Village), Mekele (City)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included - Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$1,067 USD
$1,067 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$1,067 USD
$1,067 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 1
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 2
Hamad Ela (Village)
Day 3
Mekele (City)
Day 4
Hawzen (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 5)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and hotels. Guests must assist with camp chores.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Budget camping Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Homeland Hotel Mekelle
Mid-range hotel in Mekele (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Bentark Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Fly to Semera and drive to Erta Ale (Danakil Depression)
Spend the next few days exploring the Danakil Depression, one of the most extreme and otherworldly landscapes on Earth. Known as the “hottest place on the planet,” it sits at the meeting point of three tectonic plates and features vast salt flats and vivid geothermal formations in striking shades of yellow, orange, and green. Today’s highlight is Erta Ale Volcano, the “Smoking Mountain,” famous for its rare active lava lake. After a challenging 5–6 hour drive over rugged terrain, you’ll reach base camp for a short rest and early dinner. Then, hike to the summit at sunset to witness the glowing crater, where the heat and sound of bubbling lava create an unforgettable experience. Descend back to camp and spend the night under the open sky. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Erta Ale - Lake Giulietti (Lake Afrera) - Hamed Ela Camp
After breakfast, travel deeper into the Danakil Depression to visit Lake Afrera (also known as Lake Giulietti), a remote hypersaline lake named after explorer Giuseppe Maria Giulietti. Here, observe the Afar people’s traditional salt harvesting, where large crystals are cut by hand and transported by camel. Continue to Hamed Ela Camp for an overnight stay. This simple desert camp, home to the resilient Afar community, offers a unique glimpse into life shaped by centuries of salt mining in one of the world’s harshest environments. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Hamed Ela – Dallol – Mekelle
Today, we will start our day by a drive to the Dallol region, which is one of the lowest points here at 116 meters below sea level. The area's volcanic features create a dramatic and unforgettable scenery, with volcanic cones and craters scattered throughout the area. We will then drive back to Mekele for overnight. Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Mekele (City) Stay: Homeland Hotel Mekelle Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Mekele - Tigray's churches - Addis Ababa
Drive from Mekelle to explore the rock-hewn churches of Tigray, including a visit to Abuna Yemata Guh, for its dramatic cliff-face location and 6th-century wall paintings. The artwork includes a dome depicting the Nine Saints, who played a key role in spreading Christianity in Ethiopia. Accessible via a guided hike with some climbing and rope support, the church rewards visitors with ancient frescoes and breathtaking mountain views. This visit is recommended for travelers with good fitness levels and no fear of heights; comfortable shoes and clothing are essential. In the afternoon, drive back to Mekelle and take a flight to Addis Ababa. Overnight in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hawzen (Town) Stay: Bentark Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Addis abeba city tour with farewell dinner
After breakfast, explore Addis Ababa, starting with the Ethnological Museum, set in the former palace of Haile Selassie, showcasing Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage. Continue to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil “Lucy” and remarkable archaeological treasures. Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral, the resting place of Haile Selassie and Menen Asfaw, then experience the vibrant Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian farewell dinner with music and dance before your transfer to the airport. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Inward Ethiopia Tours
4.5 operator rating
4 reviews
At Inward Ethiopia Tours, we believe travel is more than just visiting new places—it's about meaningful connections, cultural immersion, and discovering the soul of a country. Based in the heart of Ethiopia, we specialize in curated travel experiences that take you beyond the typical tourist trail and deep into the rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultures of this extraordinary land.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2025)
Member Of
lalibela guide associations, addis abeba guide associations & Ethiopia tourism associations
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
4.5/5Communication
4.5/5Accuracy
4.5/5Value
4.5/5Safety clarity
4.5/5Cultural value
4.5/5The true essence of Addis ababa
I’m a solo female traveller, and I really enjoyed this tour with Saleamlak. I felt completely safe the entire time; he’s very knowledgeable, approachable, and flexible. He shared many stories about his country, it’s clear he knows a lot and has a wealth of experience. It’s a shame I already had the rest of my trip planned; otherwise, I would have taken another tour with them. Good price as well .
Alessandra · Italy
Well-organized tour to Debre Libanos
My tour to Debre Libanos and Blue Nile Gorge was wonderful. This excursion was a first in my trip to Ethiopia, and it was a good first impression. Our guide was exceptional. He explained everything clearly, answered all our questions with patience, and ensured everyone in the group felt included and comfortable throughout the day. Everything was interesting and well-organized. From the ancient church and museum to the Portuguese Bridge and the panoramic views. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the region.
Vladislav · Russia
I’m very happy having a good tour guide Saleamlak, he is nice and knowledgeable.
During the holiday seasons,we encountered some non-human-caused problems, but the tour guide resolved them promptly, allowing us to complete the trip smoothly.
Angela · United States
OUr tour guide Saleamlak is a knowledeable, willing to learn, helpful and service-oriented person.
The tour was great, but the qeuipments provided were not that great, especially the vechicle was broken during the trip. Well the 3 days volcano trip with 4x4 was fatastic, the food, the service are also great. It wasw a wonderful experiecce.
Jennifer · United States
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour is unavailable for children.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included - Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Inward Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Inward Ethiopia Tours.
Keep comparing
Similar Tours
Awash National Park
Ethiopia · 3-Day
Beach & Island
4.5
3-Day Discover the Wildlife of Awash National Park
Awash National Park, Ethiopia · 3-Day · Inward Ethiopia Tours
Duration3-Day
From$517 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$517 pp (USD)
Bale Mountains National Park
Ethiopia · 8-Day
Culture & Heritage
4.5
8-Day Bale National Park and Omo Valley Tour
Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia · 8-Day · Inward Ethiopia Tours
Duration8-Day
From$2,199 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$2,199 pp (USD)
Simien Mountains National Park
Ethiopia · 9-Day
Culture & Heritage
4.5
9-Day Visit Erta Ale Volcano, Lalibela, Simien Mountain
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia · 9-Day · Inward Ethiopia Tours
Duration9-Day
From$1,980 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$1,980 pp (USD)