Duration
7-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
7-Day Addis Ababa, Lalibela & Danakil Depression
Overview
You'll explore Ethiopia's incredible diversity on this 7-day journey combining culture, history, and adventure. You'll discover Addis Ababa's vibrant life and ancient churches, marvel at the rock-hewn wonders of Lalibela, and experience the surreal volcanic landscapes of the Danakil Depression home to Erta Ale's active lava lake and the colorful salt formations of Dallol. A once-in-a-lifetime expedition through Ethiopia's past and present.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Lalibela (Town), Semera (Town), Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
2 years
Activities
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Caravan Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Breakfast & Lunch Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 22, 2026 - Jan 4, 2027
$3,080 USD
$1,815 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. Children under 13 receive a discount and children under 10 are free.
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 2-3
Lalibela (Town)
Day 4
Semera (Town)
Day 5
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 6
Hamad Ela (Village)
Day 7
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
End
Addis Ababa (Day 7)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range 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.
2
Minimum age of 2 years
The minimum age for this tour is 2 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: 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
Caravan Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2-3
Sora Lodge Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Ruftana Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Mid-range camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Mid-range camping Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Lunch 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
Exploring Addis Ababa Culture History and Daily Life
Your journey begins with a guided exploration of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s lively capital and cultural heart. You'll visit the Entoto Mountains for sweeping views, the National Museum—home of “Lucy”—and the bustling Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. You'll discover the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built by Emperor Haile Selassie, and enjoy an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. In the evening, you'll experience traditional food and live music at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Caravan Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Discovering the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela—famed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you'll explore the first group of Lalibela’s legendary monolithic churches, carved entirely from solid rock. These UNESCO World Heritage sites include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denaghel, Bete Golgotha, and the iconic cross-shaped Bete Giorgis. Each church reveals intricate carvings, unique architecture, and a deep spiritual atmosphere that has inspired pilgrims for centuries. As the sun sets, you'll enjoy the stunning views over Lalibela’s highlands before dinner at your hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Hike to Asheten Maryam Monastery and Lalibela Second Churches
After breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic hike to the Asheten Maryam Monastery, perched at over 3,000 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Abune Yoseph. This ancient rock-hewn monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding highlands and Lalibela below. The climb passes through small villages and farmlands, providing insight into traditional Ethiopian rural life. After lunch, you will continue to the second group of Lalibela churches, including Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, and Bete Emanuel, each with distinctive architecture and fascinating biblical symbolism. You'll return to your hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Scenic Drive from Lalibela to Semera via Woldia
You'll depart Lalibela after breakfast and drive south through the spectacular Ethiopian highlands toward Semera, the gateway to the Danakil Depression. You'll enjoy stunning views, changing landscapes, and small farming villages along the route. You'll stop in Woldia for lunch at Lal Hotel before continuing through the arid lowlands and Afar settlements. You'll arrive in Semera by evening and check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Semera (Town) Stay: Ruftana Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Drive to Erta Ale Volcano and Night Lava Experience
You'll begin your journey from Semera toward the legendary Erta Ale Volcano, one of the world’s few continuously active lava lakes. You'll travel across surreal Afar landscapes—salt flats, rocky lava fields, and remote desert terrain—before arriving at the base camp in the late afternoon. As sunset approaches, you'll hike for about one hour to the crater rim to witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava. After this unforgettable experience, you'll descend to camp for dinner and an overnight stay under the desert sky. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Mid-range camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Journey from Erta Ale to Hamed Ela and Lake Asale Sunset
You'll wake up early to revisit the lava lake before sunrise, then descend to the base camp for breakfast. You'll drive through the dramatic Danakil landscapes toward Hamed Ela, crossing salt plains, volcanic terrain, and small Afar villages. In the afternoon, you'll visit Lake Asale to see the local salt miners carving and loading salt blocks onto camel caravans. You'll end the day with an unforgettable sunset over the vast white salt flats before returning to camp for dinner and rest. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Stay: Mid-range camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Explore Dallols Colorful Hot Springs and Return to Semera
You'll begin the day with an early drive to the otherworldly landscapes of Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. You'll marvel at the kaleidoscopic salt formations, bubbling acid springs, and colorful mineral deposits that make Dallol a geological wonder. You'll observe local Afar people mining and transporting salt by camel caravan. After lunch near the salt canyons, you'll drive back to Semera for your afternoon flight to Addis Ababa, marking the end of your unforgettable Ethiopian adventure. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
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 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
Hidden Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
17 reviews
Hidden Ethiopia Tours is a locally owned Ethiopian tour operator offering authentic, customized travel experiences across Ethiopia. We specialize in cultural, historical, trekking, and nature tours, ensuring travelers discover the true hidden beauty of Ethiopia through professional and personalized service.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2017)
Member Of
ETOA & ETTA
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5A great guide in Lalibela!
I visited Lalibela for two days and Ayaliwu, my guide, was arranged by my travel agent in Addis. He was a true expert on the history of this stunning site as well as its broader cultural context. Ayaliwu was able to provide detailed information about the history of the Rock-cut churches. He payed attention to the details and was very well-prepared. He was also very solicitous of my physical capabilities and always found solutions for me. My visit to the churches of Lalibela was unforgettable thanks to him! I definitely recommend Ayaliwu to anyone visiting Lalibela.
Stergios · Greece
Super knowledgeable and super funny!
I did a small private tour with Ayalew ! He is an experienced guide with a wealth of knowledge and an amazing sense of humour. He is fully accredited and I feel I walked away from my three days with him with a better understanding of the history and landscape of not just the churches, but also of Lalibela and Ethiopia . Despite the travel advisory, the town of Lalibela was very friendly and secure . There was a strong military presence in the town but very few tourists. Thanks hidden Ethiopia for such a lovely adventure !
June · Canada
Best Guide Possible in Lalibela
Our tour with Ayaliwu was arranged by our travel agent in Addis, and we could not have been better pleased. This guide was able to provide detailed information the history of the Rock-cut churches, the symbolic significance of architectural features, and also to field questions about unrelated matters, like the crops being grown. He was also very solicitous of our physical capabilities and always found places for us to sit. Ayaliwu ‘s English, too, is easily understood.
Mary · United States
local & porfesional
I took a half&half day Lalibela tour with airport pickup / dropoff, and everything went very smoothly. The service was professional from start to finish — communication was clear, timing was perfect, and everything was well organized. I also appreciated their agile problem-solving when small issues came. Ayalew handled everything quickly and efficiently. Overall, it was a great experience, and I can definitely recommend Ayalew to anyone visiting Lalibela.
Maja · Poland
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. Children under 13 receive a discount and children under 10 are free.
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?
Caravan 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 Hidden 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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