Deseret & Danakil Depression Expedition – 9 Days

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, our representatives will greet you and transfer you to the Harmony Hotel. Spend the morning at leisure, followed by lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to see the fossilized remains of “Lucy.” Continue to the Ethnological Museum and then visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral. End the day with a panoramic sunset view from Mount Entoto.

• Overnight: Harmony Hotel

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Take a morning flight to Semera, the capital of the Afar Region. Drive toward Erta Ale with a stop for a swim in Lake Afdera. After lunch in the town of Afdera, continue to the base camp of Erta Ale. In the evening, hike to the crater to witness the mesmerizing lava lake.

• Overnight: Camping near Erta Ale

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to the Dallol region, part of the Danakil Depression—one of the hottest and most geologically active places on Earth. Visit Lake Assale and Lake Karum, where you’ll witness Afar nomads extracting salt and transporting it via camel caravans. Enjoy the surreal sunset over the salt plains.

• Overnight: Camping near Dallol

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore more of the Danakil Depression, including Dallol (116 meters below sea level), known for its vibrant sulfur formations and salt mountains. After visiting the salt flats and colorful landscapes, drive to Hawzen in the Gheralta region, your base for exploring the rock-hewn churches of Tigray.

• Overnight: Hotel in Hawzen

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hike up to the awe-inspiring Abuna Yemata Guh, perched atop a steep cliff. Explore its ancient frescoes and religious manuscripts. Continue to Mariam Korkor Church, offering both spiritual significance and incredible views of the surrounding landscapes. Return to your hotel in Hawzen for rest.

• Overnight: Hotel in Hawzen

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region. En route, visit Abraha Atsbeha and Mariam Wukro Cherkos, two architecturally significant rock-hewn churches. Arrive in Mekele for an overnight stay.

• Overnight: Hotel in Mekele

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Catch a morning flight to Lalibela, also known as the “African Petra” or “Second Jerusalem.” Explore the famed 11 rock-hewn churches, divided into three groups. These architectural marvels, carved from solid rock in the 12th century, are still active places of worship and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Bahir Dar, a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Tana. Enjoy scenic mountain views and stops along the way through the Checheo chain mountains and fertile Ethiopian Highlands.

• Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a morning boat trip on Lake Tana to visit some of its historic island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mihret, which houses religious artifacts and murals from the 16th to 18th centuries. Fly back to Addis Ababa in the afternoon. Enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional music and cuisine before your international departure.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner