Duration
5-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
5-Day Danakil Depression and Lalibela Tour
Overview
In this combined tour, you will explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the otherworldly landscapes of the Danakil Depression on this 5-day tour and visit the most famous churches in Lalibela, including the famous Bet Giyorgis, and see the colorful Dallol geothermal site.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Lalibela to Semara
Via Addis Ababa (City), Danakil Depression
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
15 years
Activities
game drives & walking safaris (with an armed guide)
Accommodation
Tabor Hotel Lalibela - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Meals at Own Expense
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
$1,650 USD
$1,430 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$1,980 USD
$1,870 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 15 years and older. Children under 18 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
Lalibela (Day 1)
Day 2
Addis Ababa (City)
Day 3-4
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
End
Semara (Day 5)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and hotels.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 6 people per group.
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.
15
Minimum age of 15 years
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives & walking safaris (with an armed guide)
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle & minivan
Getting around: minivan & 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
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Caravan Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Meals at Own Expense
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 Lalibela & Visit the Rock - Hewn Churches
You'll visit the rock-hewn churches that have been here for at least 900 years and include an active Christian shrine, the spiritual center of the country's religious life. Visit the Northwestern Clusters of churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danagel, Bet Mikael, and Golgotha. After lunch, you'll continue to visit the Southeastern Cluster of Lalibela churches —Bet Gabriel-Rafael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you'll visit the most famous of all the churches —Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolith in the shape of a cross, constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. NB: To ensure a seamless travel experience to and within Ethiopia, I highly recommend Ethiopian Airlines for both your international and domestic flights. Renowned for its reliability, convenience, and affordable services, Ethiopian Airlines ensures a smooth and comfortable journey. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Tabor Hotel Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Fly back to Addis Ababa
Early in the morning, depending on the day, you may have the opportunity to attend a morning church service in one of the churches. Then, after breakfast, you will drive to Lalibela Airport and take your flight back to Addis. Overnight stay: Caravan Hotel Optional ads: You can explore Addis Ababa city tour in half days such as the national museum, Entoto park and biggest Market Merkato. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Caravan Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Morning Flight to Semera - Visit Danakil Depression
You'll arrive in Semera in the morning and on the same day drive to Hamedela town. You'll begin your journey with an excellent cook team, a local guide, a road leader from the tourism authorities, and a police escort, all with camping gear ready to depart with you. You'll head directly to the Hamedela town of Dallol. You'll visit the Sunset at Lake Assale late in the afternoon. Your overnight stay will be open-air camping with clean beds, mattresses, pillows, clean bedsheets, and a lot of water for hydration 6 liters per person per day. 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 4
Visit Dallol & Active Volcano
Early in the morning, before sunrise, you'll drive to the lunar landscape of the Dallol geothermal site for an amazing wonder seen nowhere else on the planet. You'll have a picnic breakfast near this cave with wonder. After this visit, you will drive to the vast salt plains, the lake Karum swimming saltwater cold pool in that scorching sun, and finally visit the salt miners before leaving back to Hamedela for some rest. After lunch, you'll continue driving to Ertale, an active volcano. You'll reach the camping ground at the top of the Caldera. Walk 30 minutes until the summit crater lake is at its active cycle. You'll enjoy the wonder happening right in front of you and walk back to the campsite. You'll leave for the volcano around 5:30 PM, late in the afternoon, and walk back after visiting around 8:00 PM. Your overnight stay will be open air camping on flat ground with a suitable mattress, pillow, clean bed sheets, and quiet environment. 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 5
Visit Salt Lake & Fly back to Addis Ababa
In the morning, you will wake up with the sun. After breakfast, you will drive to Afdera salt Lake Town. You'll have lunch in town, get a glimpse of the salt lake, and take a walk along the salt farms. After this, you'll drive back to Semera. In the afternoon, you will drive back to Semera and take a late afternoon flight back to Addis. Meals at own expense Drinks not included
Destination: No major destination visited Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Meals at own expense 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
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Getting There
This tour starts in Lalibela and ends in Semara, Ethiopia
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to Lalibela Airport (LLI - Check price)
Fly back from Semara Airport (Sam - Check price) or (SZE - 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
Essence Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
80 reviews
We always offer you an itinerary that is personally tailored to your needs at competitive prices. We are passionate about creating exciting and unique trips with our customers at the heart. Our specially crafted itineraries include historic routes, cultural tours, short holiday stays, business trips, one-day excursions, trekking and wildlife expeditions – according to your needs and budget.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2018)
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5He is very helpful
Overall, my trip with this company was excellent. All the activities and sites listed were fully covered during the journey, and most importantly, they were very flexible with the traveler’s wishes—whether you want to change something or cancel an activity. They have excellent tour guides who speak fluent English, and the prices are suitable for all budgets. In the end, I highly recommend this company. Thank you.
Abdelaziz · United Arab Emirates
Exceptional
This is a great tour company! Tsahaynew knows so much and shares it easily with his guests. He is extremely friendly and accommodating. You won't regret using him for your tour!
Don · United States
Tension Free Travel
Essence Ethiopia and Mr Tsechay referred by one of my friend ,But from the first WhatsApp Message to End other tour he did a greate coordination and Tension free travel. He was really concerned about the small things that could be missed from our side. Even reminder of early flights and time lines.i Strongly recommend this team if any of you planning to Visit Ethiopia. All the best Essence Ethiopia
Sanu Sivashankar · Qatar
Well-organized tour
The tour was well organized. Big pros: When any issues arose, the organizer immediately intervened and rectified the situation. Points: 3-star hotels. All were clean, with showers, breakfast included. Transfers: I was met and seen off everywhere, and they helped with our luggage. There was a slight hitch when we arrived in Ethiopia at the airport. I expected to be met at the arrivals exit (this is usually the case). It turned out I had to exit the airport and walk to the parking lot, which I should have mentioned in advance. Transportation: I had private tours around Addis Ababa. The vehicle was clean and good. Around the salt lake, we traveled in a large Land Cruiser, with a driver and three tourists. No problems at all. Guides: Guides with good English. Both the guides and drivers were friendly, helpful, informative, and answered questions. No tips were required. Everything was fine. Additionally: In the area of the volcano and salt lake, you have to sleep outside. I even liked it – the view of the star is stunning. Cons: no shower or proper toilet.
Evgeny · Russia
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 15 years and older. Children under 18 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?
Tabor Hotel Lalibela - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
How does the quote request work?
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours, 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.
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 Essence Ethiopia Tours.
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