Duration
5-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
5-Day Ethiopian Odyssey; Lalibela & Danakil Wonder
Overview
You'll experience an unforgettable journey through Ethiopia, starting with the breathtaking rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll marvel at the stunning architecture and intricate interiors of these 12th-century monolithic structures. You'll continue your adventure with a scenic drive to Semera, where charming villages and picturesque landscapes await. You will explore the surreal beauty of Dallol, witnessing vibrant salt formations and traditional salt mining.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Lalibela (Town), Semera (Town), Danakil Depression
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
2 years
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
Sora Lodge Lalibela - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – 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
$2,420 USD
$2,310 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 2 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 1
Lalibela (Town)
Day 2
Semera (Town)
Day 3-4
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 5
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
End
Addis Ababa (Day 5)
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.
2
Minimum age of 2 years
The minimum age for this tour is 2 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & 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
Sora Lodge Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Erta Ale Motel Budget hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Semera (Town) – 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)
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
Arrival in Lalibela from Addis Ababa
After breakfast, you'll take a flight to Lalibela. Upon checking into your hotel, you will embark on a guided exploration of the remarkable rock-hewn Ethiopian Orthodox Churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll discover the architectural marvels of the 12th-century monolithic churches, including the Northwestern cluster, which features Bet Medhane Alem, the largest church, alongside five additional sacred structures. You'll marvel at the beautifully painted interiors and the fascinating internal channels connecting the churches. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Southeastern Cluster Churches & Journey to Semera
You'll begin your day with a visit to the Southeastern cluster churches of Lalibela. If you completed your exploration on the first day, you'll start your scenic drive to Semera. You'll enjoy the picturesque landscapes as you traverse through charming villages and small towns. You'll arrive in Semera for an overnight stay, immersing yourself in the local culture. Budget hotel located in Semera (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Semera (Town) Stay: Erta Ale Motel Budget hotel located in Semera (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Semera to Dallol via Afdera
Following breakfast, you will depart for Dallol. First, you'll stop at Ragad (Asebo) to witness traditional salt mining practices. You will observe local artisans skillfully extracting salt, cutting it into rectangular blocks, and loading it onto camels. You'll continue to Dallol, where you will encounter stunning volcanic landscapes, vibrant salt formations, and the striking Lake Assal. You'll experience the local culture by interacting with the Afar people and witnessing camel caravans. After a fulfilling day, you will drive to Hamed Ela for an overnight stay at Hamadella. 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
Hamad Ela to Erta Ale
Your adventure continues with a drive to Erta Ale, known as the "smoky mountain" in the Afar language. This remarkable shield volcano boasts the world’s only permanent lava lake, situated at an elevation of 613 meters. You'll depart early at 9:00 AM, navigating one of the roughest roads in the world over an 80 km route, which takes approximately six hours. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of solidified lava, unique rock formations, and occasional palm-fringed oases. Upon reaching Dodom, the base camp for Erta Ale, you'll enjoy dinner around 5:00 pm. After a brief rest, you'll trek to the summit at 8:00 pm, where you will camp on the volcano's rim, witnessing the mesmerizing spectacle of bubbling lava throughout the night. 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
Erta Ale to Afdera, Semera, and Departure
You'll wake up early to witness a stunning sunrise over the main pit crater, an impressive 200 meters deep and 350 meters wide. After a hearty breakfast, you will begin your descent from Erta Ale around 9:00 am, aiming to return to Dodom by approximately 10:30 am. If time permits, you'll visit the enchanting Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera), a picturesque saltwater lake located over 100 meters below sea level. You'll observe the Afar people harvesting salt through evaporation amidst stunning landscapes. After your visit, you'll return to Semera for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Depending on your departure schedule, a farewell dinner at one of the finest traditional Ethiopian restaurants can be arranged, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) 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
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Bath towels
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
Ethio Backpacker Tours
4.6 operator rating
42 reviews
Ethio Backpacker Tours has established by young tourism professionals Gashaw Takele (CEO) who have excellent occurrence over decades.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2010)
Member Of
ASTA & ITAT
Tour Types
Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Just WOW!!!!!!
We booked a four days activity to visit Addis Ababa and the Danakil Depression with Ethio Backpacker Tours, and it was an exceptional experience. The trip was impeccably organized, and the team was amazing. I loved every aspect of the service and highly recommend them for anyone looking to explore these incredible destinations.
Maria · Spain
Lovely Short trip!
I was able to get a spare time for few days in Ethiopia since I came for business, but thanks to my friend's recommendation I contact with Ethio Backpacker Tours and they provided an excellent city tour in Addis Ababa. I visit the important places such as national museum, entoto park and big market merkato. Thanks for the excellent hospitalities!
Yuli · China
Extraordinary!
I recently completed a week journey through Ethiopia with Ethio Backpacker Tours, and it was truly unforgettable. The first three days in the Danakil Depression showcased the extreme beauty of one of the hottest places on Earth. From there, we spent three days exploring the Omo Valley, experiencing the vibrant culture of its diverse tribes and finally a city tour of Addis Ababa. Thank you Gashaw for such an extraordinary adventure!
Ruzan · Belgium
Everything organized perfectly!
My trip to Ethiopia was unforgettable, thanks to Ethio Backpacker Tours! With only six days off for my holiday, I was eager to explore this beautiful country that had long been on my bucket list. Gashaw organized everything perfectly, helping me prioritize what to see in such a short time. One of the most incredible experiences was witnessing the active volcano at Erta Ale. Seeing the lava exploding in the lava lake was beyond anything I had ever imagined. The raw power of nature was awe-inspiring, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to witness it.
Bahir · Turkey
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 2 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?
Sora Lodge Lalibela - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – 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 Ethio Backpacker 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.
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