From Rock-Hewn Wonders to Fiery Deserts: Northern Ethiopia & the Danakil Depression
Code / 1692
This 18-day journey blends ancient history, sacred landscapes, and the raw power of nature. From the iconic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the surreal, lava-filled expanses of the Danakil Depression, this itinerary offers an unforgettable dive into Ethiopia’s spiritual soul and geological extremes.
Our promise
What you'll experience
Why the Danakil Depression?
A land of extremes, the Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, driest, and lowest places on Earth — and one of the most otherworldly. Note: The Danakil experience is physically demanding but deeply rewarding. Prepare for heat, rough terrain, and unforgettable beauty. Here’s what makes it so special:
Alien Landscapes
Salt flats, sulfur springs, neon-colored mineral lakes, and the lava-filled Erta Ale volcano define a terrain unlike any other.
Volcanic Power
Hike to Erta Ale’s crater to witness its bubbling lava lake glowing under the stars — a truly primal experience.
The Afar People
Meet the resilient nomadic communities who’ve lived in this harsh environment for centuries, preserving traditional salt-mining methods.
Prehistoric Legacy
This is where humanity began. The Danakil is part of the Afar Triangle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous hominid “Lucy.”
A Photographer’s Dream
Every corner offers a surreal photo — from shimmering salt flats to kaleidoscopic acid pools and camel caravans on the horizon.
Program
Drive from Addis Ababa to Dessie (390 km), passing fertile farmlands and the dramatic Tarmaher Pass, framed by lush mountains.
Continue to Lalibela (290 km), with a stop at Lake Estiphanos and the remote Hayq Estifanos Monastery. While only men may enter, women enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the lake.
Explore the magnificent 12th-century rock-hewn churches — a UNESCO World Heritage site often called the "Petra of Africa." Visit Biete Medhane Alem, Biete Giyorgis, and the interconnected underground churches. In the afternoon, visit Yemrehanna Kristos, a stunning cave church 45 km away. Dine at the iconic Ben Abeba restaurant overlooking the valleys.
Trek or drive to a monastery perched high above Lalibela, offering breathtaking views and ancient relics. Return to explore the final group of churches and enjoy a night of traditional cuisine, honey mead, and dancing.
Walk (or ride a mule) 8 km to Baregota Village, home of Amlaku Teshome, whose personal mission brought education and development to his community. Sleep in a guesthouse built by the village and visit a 1,000-year-old church and local school before returning to Lalibela.
Drive 300 km to Mekele, the capital of Tigray, and visit the palace of Emperor Yohannes IV.
Begin your 4-day expedition into the Danakil — a place of constant volcanic activity, sulfur terraces at Dallol, endless salt plains, and the glowing lava lake of Erta Ale. Camp under the stars in one of Earth’s most extreme places.
Take a break after the desert adventure. Relax and recover with a restful night in Mekele.
Travel to Axum (187 km), ancient capital of the Axumite Empire. Visit the Stele Park, Queen of Sheba’s bath, Zion Cathedral, and the Archeological Museum.
Drive to Gondar (360 km), Ethiopia’s royal city. Explore the royal enclosure and the beautiful Debre Berhan Selassie church.
Journey to Bahir Dar (170 km), stopping at Awra Amba, a progressive community built on gender equality. In the afternoon, witness the powerful Blue Nile Falls.
Cruise across Lake Tana to explore island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mehret with its vibrant murals and ancient manuscripts.
Drive (500 km) or fly back to the capital. Enjoy an optional farewell dinner with traditional music and dance.
A final day to explore Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Visit museums, markets, and savor a last coffee ceremony before your journey home.
Euro 2.300
Prices are per person and include VAT.
Note: Due to local currency and economic fluctuations in Ethiopia, listed prices may vary. However, as part of Ayzoh! Ethiopia’s transparency policy, once your contract is signed, the agreed price is guaranteed and will not change under any circumstances.
What's included
- All domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines
- All ground transportation in a recent-model, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional Ethiopian driver
- Accommodation throughout the tour
- Three meals per day
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- All tips and gratuities, except for your tour driver (tipping is at your discretion)
- Entrance fees to all historical sites, museums, and national parks
- Fees for licensed local guides and required national park scouts
What's not included
- International flights
- Accommodation in Addis Ababa prior to the night before Day 1 (we’re happy to arrange extra nights for you if needed)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses – Credit cards are accepted in many places, but we recommend bringing some cash in US Dollars or Euros
- Ethiopian tourist visa (approximately US$52, available online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
How to Book Your Tour
FAQ / Suggestions
Absolutely! All our tours are flexible — we can adjust the itinerary, dates, and experiences to match your needs and interests.
Just fill out the contact form or message us directly. Once we agree on the plan, we’ll send you a detailed itinerary, contract, and payment instructions.
You can pay by bank transfer, credit/debit card, or PayPal. You may also choose to pay the final balance upon arrival in Ethiopia — no hidden fees.
Yes, fully refundable if you cancel at least 15 days before Day 1. After that, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
Yes! You can cancel or reschedule up to 14 days before departure with no penalty. We’ll always do our best to accommodate changes.
Yes, a 1-month tourist visa (around US$52) is required. You can get it online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Bring light, comfortable clothes for warm days, a sweater or jacket for cool evenings, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure! We'll send you a full packing list before departure.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Let’s Design Your Journey
Interested in this itinerary as it is? Or would you like to personalize it? Just fill out the form with your details — our travel designers will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
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