Duration
8-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
8-Day Danakil Depression and Tigray Churches Tour
Overview
Exploring Northeast Ethiopia reveals the ancient rock-hewn churches of Tigray--including Abuna Yemat, Maryam korkor, and Abuna Abraham--carved with astonishing detail high in cliff faces. From there, the iconic Obelisk of Axum stands as a monumental link to Ethiopia's ancient empires. The Afar region hosts the Danakil Depression, with hot springs and salt flats, while Erta Ale remains the region's most active volcano, offering dramatic lava lake vistas and stark desert landscapes.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Axum (City), Hawzen (Town), Gheralta (Mountain Range)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
7 years
Activities
walking safaris (with an armed guide) & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Best Western Premier Dynasty Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$2,200 USD
$1,320 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,200 USD
$1,320 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 7 years and older. Children under 8 receive a discount.
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 2
Axum (City)
Day 3
Hawzen (Town)
Day 4
Gheralta (Mountain Range)
Day 5
Hawzen (Town)
Day 6
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 7-8
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
End
Addis Ababa (Day 8)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 12 people per vehicle.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Cannot be customized
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
7
Minimum age of 7 years
The minimum age for this tour is 7 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: walking safaris (with an armed guide) & nature hikes/walks
Getting around: minivan, hiking/walking & air transfer
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Best Western Premier Dynasty Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Sabean International Hotel Budget hotel in Axum (City) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Axum (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Gheralta Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Tigray – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Planet Hotel
Budget hotel in Mekele (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
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
Cultural & Historical City Tour- Adds Ababa
Cultural & Historical City Tour – Addis Ababa Begin your Ethiopian journey with a comprehensive exploration of the bustling capital city, blending royal heritage, grand architecture, and lively street life. Highlights Include: Mount Entoto, where a scenic drive delivers panoramic views of Addis and a window into the origins of the city as Emperor Menelik II’s capital; Entoto Village Visit, offering a hands‑on cultural experience with injera baking, Ethiopia’s beloved national dish. St. George’s Cathedral awaits with its striking octagonal design and a deep link to Ethiopia’s victory at the Battle of Adwa. The National Museum of Ethiopia showcases Lucy, the 3.2‑million‑year‑old hominid, alongside rich archaeological finds, traditional attire, weaponry, and art that narrate the country’s long, proud history. Merkato (Addis Mercato) invites you to navigate Africa’s largest open‑air market, where your guide reveals ending your tour with a sensory celebration of Ethiopian hospitality. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Best Western Premier Dynasty Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Fly from Addis Ababa to Axum Cradle of Ethiopian civilization
Axum City Tour On arrival at the Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our agent, After check-in, explore Axum’s famed landmarks: the towering obelisks, underground tombs, Ezana inscriptions, tombs of King Kaleb and G/Meskel, St. Mary of Zion Church, and the legendary Queen of Sheba’s palace, plus the town’s scenic beauty. Budget hotel located in Axum (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Axum (City) Stay: Sabean International Hotel Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Axum to Gheralta
Axum - Gheralta Early in the morning after breakfast, we drive to the great temple of Yeha, the center of Sabean civilization 55km east of Axum via the historic mountains of Adwa. Then we continue our tour to visit one of the ancient monasteries of Debre Damo dating back to the 6th century A.D. The only access to climb to the magnificent church is using a leather rope and climbing a 15m high cliff. This flat-topped mountain is a spectacular and very religious site for Orthodox Christians found in Ethiopia. After that we head to Adigrat town for lunch and late afternoon, passing through the chain mountains, the beautiful landscape of Tigray and we will drive over 3000m to reach the town. In the afternoon, we continue our drive to stay for. Mid-range lodge located in Tigray All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hawzen (Town) Stay: Gheralta Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Tigray Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Visit Gheralta Churches
Visit Gheralta Churches Today you’ll hike the stunning rock-hewn churches around the Gheralta mountains. In the morning, explore Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, marveling at their carved façades and serene interiors. In the afternoon, continue to Mariam Papasit Church to absorb more of this remarkable sacred landscape. Mid-range lodge located in Tigray All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range) Stay: Gheralta Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Tigray Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Gheralta - Mekelle
Gheralta - Mekele After breakfast, we drive west of Hawzien to visit one of the most remarkable churches in Abune Yemata, built on a hill. It takes an hour to hike to the mountain, and the church is famous for its paintings, challenging climb, treasures, and stunning views of the Gheralta area. Next, we drive to Abraha We Atsibeha church, built by two Axumite kings in the 4th century A.D., and then to Wukro for lunch. Finally, we head to the northern star city of Mekele for an overnight stay. Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hawzen (Town) Stay: Planet Hotel Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Drive from Mekelle to Hamedila
Drive from Mekelle to Hamedila After breakfast, we will start the most beautiful landscape going down to the Danakil depression. It will be fully scenic and beautiful to see as we will drive through dead volcanic rocks. We will make several stops for photos, lunch, and coffee as we arrive at the main camping site - Hamedila. Upon arrival, we will proceed to the most beautiful sunset over the Asale Salt Lake: we will walk on the lake ( Sandals would be needed here), and maybe join a group of tourists who might be swimming at a small salt Lake. Late evening, we will drive back to the camping site for overnight at the open-air place watching the beautiful sky full of stars. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Drive to Eartale Volcano
Wake up early morning to drive to the lowest place on the planet - Dallol. This is going to be another breathtaking view of the diversified colors of several minerals including Salt, Sulphur, magnesium, potash, and many more. We walk on top of these several colors and witness some active bubbling of these minerals: when finished with the excursions, drive back to another site where the huge Salt Mountains are situated. We will drive out of Dallol for a picnic lunch and continue driving to Afdera and on to Dodom the base of Ertale. The drive will take you through rugged moon-landscapes, characterized by volcanic rifts and faults and young black lava flows. In Afdera we will collect our local guide, camels, and policemen and drive 90 km to Dodmo the base of Ertale to set camp at the base of the volcano. After dinner, we will climb the volcano. And camping equipment to set up our camp on the rim of the caldera. Then we will enjoy the breathtaking sight of the bubbling volcano overnight. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Erta Ale to Lake Afdera / Return toward Addis Ababa
Erta Ale to Lake Afdera / Return toward Addis Ababa Time/Mode: Morning trek back; drive toward Lake Afdera or return route toward base camp Activities: Return trek from Erta Ale Lake Afdera hot springs for relaxation and thermal waters Return flight/re-routing to Addis Ababa. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (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)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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
Book your own international flights when using this operator
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
East Africa Tour Operator
4.7 operator rating
6 reviews
East Africa Tour Operator was established in 2011 as a premier Ethiopian tour operator based in Addis Ababa. In addition to providing tours of Ethiopia's many wondrous sites, including specialized Lalibela tours, Axum tours, and Gondar tours, we provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the country's rich cultures by facilitating meaningful connections with local communities across Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2011)
Member Of
Ethiopian Tour Operator Association & Ethiopian Tourist Guide Professional Association
Tour Types
Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
Destinations
Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5The Best Guide I’ve Ever Had – Beki Is Exceptional!
I travelled to Ethiopia in 2020 and still consider Beki the best guide I’ve ever had. I’ve visited more than 50 countries and been on countless tours, but no one has matched his warmth, professionalism, and deep passion for sharing his country. He has an incredible knowledge of Ethiopia’s history and culture, as well as the local insights that make every experience unique. A highlight of my journey was visiting Lalibela during Easter. Thanks to Beki’s organisation, connections, and understanding of the local traditions, it was far more than a sightseeing stop. It became a powerful and moving experience that I’ll never forget. Beki went above and beyond every single day. He anticipated our needs, handled every detail effortlessly, and brought genuine energy and joy to every moment. His storytelling brought Ethiopia’s ancient sites to life, and his kindness made the trip truly special. Even years later, I still compare every tour to my experience with Beki. If you have the chance to explore Ethiopia with him, take it. You will be in the very best hands.
Blake · Australia
An excellent organisation that I can recommend 100%!
My travel companion and I gave Beki the outline of what we wanted to see and do and he came up with a great plan very quickly. In fact, not only did we visit everywhere we suggested, but Beki showed us some amazing places we hadn’t even heard of and that made the trip even more memorable. Beki is the perfect guide, totally trustworthy, very knowledgeable, has fluent English and worked extremely hard to ensure that we were completely safe and happy. Without Beki as our guide, this would have been a good trip - but in Beki’s hands it was a GREAT trip, probably the best I’ve ever been on. Thank you Beki - we are looking forward to next time!
Paul Gilmore · United Kingdom
Beki is amazing guide , super clear with the plan and expectations !
We booked one week for my father and Beki arranged everything from the tribes of homovalie and all surrounding to the mountains area of the highest pick of Ethiopia (Ras Deshen) he planned everything very carefully and safely , always responsible and always on time , he is great guy!
Karo · Denmark
Excellent experiemnce!
Beki picked me up right on time, safely drove me to an historical area of Addis, showed me around along with another part of the city while also explaining much about the history and culture, taking me to a great museum and more. I highly recommend Beki Kibret as a great guide and he speaks good English as well. very polite and profession as well as fair and reasonable in cost. Anyone who choses to use Beki as their guide is assured to have a great experience!
James · 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 accepts children who are 7 years and older. Children under 8 receive a discount.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Best Western Premier Dynasty Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – 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 East Africa Tour Operator, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
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 East Africa Tour Operator.
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