Duration
8-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
8-Day Ethiopia Danakil, Mekelle & Lalibela Tour
Overview
Discover Ethiopia's most spectacular cultural and natural wonders on this 8-day adventure through Addis Ababa, the Danakil Depression, Mekelle, Gheralta, and Lalibela. Explore colorful sulfur fields at Dallol, witness the active lava lake of Erta Ale, visit ancient rock-hewn churches in Tigray and Lalibela, and experience Ethiopia's rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes with unforgettable guided excursions and domestic flights throughout the journey.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Danakil Depression, Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Hawzen (Town)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
10 years
Activities
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Triple-E Hotel and Spa - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; 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
$2,300 USD
$2,100 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,400 USD
$2,300 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$2,500 USD
$2,400 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 accepts children who are 10 years and older.
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
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 3
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 4
Hawzen (Town)
Day 5
Gheralta (Mountain Range)
Day 6-7
Lalibela (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 8)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and hotels.
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.
10
Minimum age of 10 years
The minimum age for this tour is 10 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
Triple-E Hotel and Spa
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4-5
Vision Hotel Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6-7
Mountain View Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast 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
Addis Ababa City Tour
Arrive in Addis Ababa and begin your sightseeing tour of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital city. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to see the famous fossil Lucy and learn about the country’s rich history and culture. Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Entoto. End the day with a traditional Ethiopian cultural dinner featuring local cuisine, music, and dance performances. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Triple-E Hotel and Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Fly to Semera & Drive to Danakil Depression
Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera and meet your expedition team upon arrival. Drive through the dramatic Afar desert landscape toward the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on Earth. Pass traditional Afar villages, volcanic scenery, and endless salt flats along the route. Arrive at the camp area near Hamed Ela and enjoy the sunset over the colorful desert terrain. 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 3
Visit Dallol & Drive to Erta Ale Volcano
Early in the morning, visit the colorful hydrothermal fields of Dallol, famous for its sulfur springs and mineral formations. Explore the salt extraction sites and witness camel caravans transporting blocks of salt across the desert. After lunch, drive across lava fields toward Erta Ale, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. In the evening, trek to the crater rim and observe the spectacular glowing lava lake under the night 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 4
Drive from Erta Ale to Mekelle & Visit Wukro and Abuna Yemata
Descend from Erta Ale early in the morning and begin the drive toward Mekelle through the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Afar region. Continue to the Gheralta area near Hawzen for visits to ancient rock-hewn churches. Explore Wukro Chirkos and then climb to the spectacular cliff-top church of Abuna Yemata Guh. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery and overnight in the Hawzen or Gheralta area. Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hawzen (Town) Stay: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Explore Gheralta Churches & Return to Addis Ababa
Spend the morning exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches of the Gheralta Mountains in northern Ethiopia. Visit famous churches such as Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, known for their ancient paintings and dramatic settings. After the tour, drive back to Mekelle Airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range) Stay: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela
Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to the historic town of Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a short orientation tour around the town and local market. Learn about the religious and historical significance of Lalibela, often referred to as the “New Jerusalem” of Ethiopia. In the evening, enjoy panoramic sunset views and experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Mountain View Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Visit Lalibela Group 1 & Group 2 Churches
Spend the day exploring the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Group 1 churches including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and nearby sacred sites. Continue to Group 2 churches such as Bete Amanuel and Bete Gabriel-Rufael connected by underground tunnels and passageways. Discover the incredible architecture, religious traditions, and spiritual atmosphere that make Lalibela one of Africa’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Mountain View Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Visit Group 3 Churches & Return to Addis Ababa
In the morning, visit the remaining churches of Lalibela including the iconic Bete Giyorgis, carved in the shape of a cross from solid rock. Explore the surrounding religious sites and enjoy the final views of Lalibela’s remarkable landscape and spiritual heritage. After the tour, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy some last-minute shopping or cultural experiences before the end of your Ethiopia adventure. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not 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
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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
Nigat Ethiopia Tours
4.8 operator rating
Nigat Ethiopia Tours offers immersive travel that goes beyond simple sightseeing, focusing on culture, history, and authentic local experiences. Travelers explore highlights like Lalibela, Simien Mountains National Park, Omo Valley, and Danakil Depression. Their professional, responsible, and trustworthy guides ensure safety, comfort, and deep understanding, always prioritizing customer satisfaction beyond profit while creating meaningful, respectful, and unforgettable journeys across Ethiopia
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2015)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA, ATOA & STT
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
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 10 years and older.
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?
Triple-E Hotel and Spa - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast 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 Nigat 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 Nigat Ethiopia Tours.
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