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6-Day Lalibela Churches and Danakil Depression

Accra, Ethiopia

6-Day Lalibela Churches and Danakil Depression

4.9 / 5 · 35 reviews Offered by Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours 6-Day

Overview

Lalibela is home to the famous rock-hewn churches, carved out of solid stone in the 12th and 13th centuries by King Lalibela. It's often referred to as "New Jerusalem" because of its profound religious significance. The town is one of Ethiopia's holiest sites and an important pilgrimage destination for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

6-Day

Route

Lalibela to Addis Ababa

Via Semera (Town), Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Danakil Depression

Country & park

Ethiopia

Style

Safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

Any day if available

Minimum age

10 years

Activities

nature hikes/walks

Accommodation

Sora Lodge Lalibela - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included

Meals

All Meals Included; Breakfast Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

6-Day Lalibela Churches and Danakil Depression
Accra visual context for this itinerary.

Rates

Rates Per Person

USD

Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 $1,430 USD $1,210 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 $1,540 USD $1,320 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
Request a Quote

Route

Tour route map
country Ethiopia
Start Lalibela (Day 1)
Day 2 Semera (Town)
Day 3 Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 4 Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 5 Mekele (City)
End Addis Ababa (Day 6)

Tour Features

Budget tour

This budget tour includes camping and hotels.

Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will 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

Activities: nature hikes/walks
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

Sora Lodge Lalibela

Day 1

Sora Lodge Lalibela

Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Sora Lodge LalibelaSora Lodge LalibelaSora Lodge Lalibela
Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

Day 2

Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

Mid-range hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Kuriftu Afar Semera ResortKuriftu Afar Semera ResortKuriftu Afar Semera Resort
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – 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

Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included

Day 4

Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included

Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Planet Hotel

Day 5

Planet Hotel

Budget hotel in Mekele (City) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Planet HotelPlanet HotelPlanet Hotel

Day 6

End of tour

No accommodation

(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.

Fly to Lalibela and Visit the Rock Hewn Churches

Day 1

Fly to Lalibela and Visit the Rock Hewn Churches

You'll fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines. You'll meet your guide and driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel, and have lunch at the hotel. You'll tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in the afternoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of ten monolithic and semi-monolithic structures was carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 900 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. You'll explore the churches of Lalibela, the first group of churches called Bete Medehanialem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagil, and Debre Sina, we Golegotha and the second group of churches, which includes Bete Emanuel, Bete Gabriel, Bete Merkorious, and Aba Libanos. Finally, you'll visit the famous St'George church. 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)
Drive to Semera

Day 2

Drive to Semera

The Danakil Depression is a land of extremes—intense heat, striking mineral formations, and raw geological power. This 3-day tour is designed for intrepid travelers who want to explore Erta Ale’s glowing lava lake, witness traditional Afar salt mining, and walk among the kaleidoscopic acid pools of Dallol. Starting from Semera, you’ll traverse solidified lava fields, sleep under desert skies, and encounter one of Earth’s most alien and dramatic environments. Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Semera (Town) Stay: Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Semera- Ert-Ale Volcano

Day 3

Semera- Ert-Ale Volcano

Your adventure begins after breakfast departure from Semera driving across an unforgiving yet fascinating terrain towards Dodom—the gateway to Erta Ale volcano. The journey covers 70 km of some of the roughest roads in Ethiopia, taking about 5 hours as you pass through an ever-changing desert landscape of black lava flows, sandy expanses, and scattered oases. Upon arrival in Dodom, located 9.5 km from the volcano, enjoy an early dinner and prepare for the trek. At around 8:00 PM, begin the 3-hour hike to the rim of Erta Ale, accompanied by camels carrying camping supplies, mattresses, water, and light food. At the summit, witness the world’s only permanent lava lake—an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. Spend the night camping near the crater, watching the dramatic, fiery spectacle unfold beneath a blanket of stars. 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)
Ert-Ale- Dallol

Day 4

Ert-Ale- Dallol

Rise early to soak in the last views of Erta Ale before descending back to Dodom, arriving by around 8:00 AM. After a well-earned breakfast and time to rest, begin your journey to Hamed Ela, approximately 100 km away. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route beneath the shade of desert palm trees. Arrive in Hamed Ela by late afternoon, a small desert village with around 500 inhabitants. This area is home to striking salt formations and camel caravans transporting salt across the desert. Cap off the day by watching the sun set over Lake Assale, one of the shallowest and saltiest lakes on Earth. 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)
Sunrise and Drive to Mekele

Day 5

Sunrise and Drive to Mekele

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. A chemical reaction happening right in front of you lives face to face with raw nature. You will revise your knowledge of colors from that moment on. After this, you'll drive to the salt and mud-formed mountain cave right underneath the Dallol crater. Another 10-minute drive and a completely different world. You will have a picnic breakfast in nearby the cave with wonder. After this visit, you'll drive to the vast salt plains, Lake Karum, swim in the saltwater pool in that scorching sun, before returning to Hamedela for some rest. After lunch, you'll drive to Mekele. This drive will take 3-4 hours. Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Mekele (City) Stay: Planet Hotel Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Mekele-Addis Ababa

Today is the last day of the tour. After breakfast, we will accompany you to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa or any other tour destinations. If you need any assistance, we are here to help. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

Destination: No major destination visited Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) 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

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 in Lalibela and ends in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to Lalibela Airport (LLI - Check price)
Fly back 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
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours logo

Offered by

Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours

4.9 operator rating 35 reviews

Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours is one of the leading tour operators in Ethiopia, providing comprehensive services with variety of tours that highlight the country’s indigenous cultures, fascinating history, and natural wonders. Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours organizes custom tours for groups of any size and pre-set itineraries that individuals may join also. We are also specialized in organizing package and tailor made tours to Axum, Lalibela, Gondar Castles, Bahir Dar & Lake Tana, Tigray rock-hewn

Office In

Ethiopia

Size

5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)

Member Of

ETOA & Lalibela & Surrounding Guide association

Tour Types

Customizable private tours and fixed group tours

Destinations

Ethiopia

Traveler feedback

Reviews

4.90 average

Overall

5.0/5

Communication

5.0/5

Accuracy

5.0/5

Value

5.0/5

Safety clarity

5.0/5

Cultural value

5.0/5
Verified

Go the extra mile!

Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours was a wonderful tour operator during my time in Lalibela. The guide, Ermiyas, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. His love and passion for the town and especially the churches shines through. When some activities did not work out as planned, EET went out of their way to find alternative options for me. Great experience for a solo traveller!

Tamryn · South Africa

Verified

Professional, ambitious and energetic

Choosing a tour operator is a risky business. You pay thousands of dollars in advance and you will experience the service only afterwards. I can guarantee on my behalf, that doing business with Extraordinary Ethiopia tours and Mareg is absolutely a safe business from the first step of communication until the very end of the journey. After having followed an itinerary of 15 nights and 16 days in Ethiopia I am more than grateful to Maereg and his team, that I had a truly great, a sort of a once-in-a-lifetime tour. Everything worked perfectly. There wasn't any issue, that I felt sorry of. To be honest: I fell in love with Ethiopia. I had s solo safari to Bale mountains, Omo Valley tribes, Gondar and Lalibela. All the arrangements were better than expected: In Addis Abeba I was welcomed by the efficient "liaison officer" Habtu. In my safari journey driver BK was just brilliant, Toyota Landcruiser wonderful, accommodation exceeding all the expectations, meals great and Maereg kept on following all my moves daily. I felt that I was in safe hands all the time. Ethiopia is an amazing country. Ethiopians are incredibly kind and nice. I wish I could have stayed longer. But decided already to return. I can warmly recommend Maereg and his mates to any type of traveller. His team is professional, energetic and ambitious and do not leave even the slightest detail unchecked. They do want to introduce and show their country to you, and they do it with love!❤️

Playful times in Ethiopia.
Playful times in Ethiopia.

Eeva · Finland

Verified

Ethiopia trip was seamless, enriching, and unforgettable thanks to Maereg’s expert planning and care

My 10‑day journey through Ethiopia was nothing short of extraordinary, and I owe so much of that experience to my tour planner, Maerag. The itinerary he prepared was thoughtful, seamless, and incredibly rich I t was a perfect balance of history, culture, and unforgettable encounters. From the moment I arrived in Addis Ababa, everything was organized with care. Gondar was another highlight. Walking through the castles and learning about their connection to the Egyptian empress felt like stepping into a living story. My guide’s knowledge brought every stone and corridor to life. Celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Lalibela at Saint Mary’s Church was a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience. The atmosphere, the devotion, and the beauty of the rock‑hewn churches were unforgettable, and I’m grateful for how smoothly everything was arranged. The Omo Valley was where the trip became truly immersive. Meeting tribes who walk on stilts, seeing intricate body‑painting traditions, dancing with community members, and witnessing a bull‑jumping ceremony were moments I will carry with me forever. These experiences were only possible because of my guide’s deep connections and respect for the communities we visited. On my 2 last days, I explored the city, visiting the cultural centre, and learning at the Addis Ababa University Ethnographic Museum gave me a strong foundation for understanding Ethiopia’s depth and diversity. Throughout the entire trip, flying from city to city, navigating different regions, and engaging with so many cultures. I felt supported, informed, and inspired. My guide’s professionalism, warmth, and expertise elevated every moment. I wholeheartedly recommend Maereg and some of his team to anyone considering a tour of Ethiopia. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll be in excellent hands, and you’ll experience Ethiopia in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.

Photo by Karen St Clare
Photo by Karen St Clare
Photo by Karen St Clare
Photo by Karen St Clare

Karen St Clare · United Kingdom

Verified

Knowledgeable and professional tour guide and incredibly beautiful UNESCO site

Highly recommend this tour. Our guide, Maereg, and driver, Gashaw, were incredibly professional. The tour was very informative and Lalibela is incredibly beautiful. A must visit!

Rita J · United States

Practical answers

Tour FAQs

8 answers

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?

Sora Lodge 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

Booking terms

Disclaimer

This tour is offered by Extraordinary 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.

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