7-Day Danakil Depression & Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches Itinerary
(Adventure, Geology & Ancient Faith)
Day 1: Addis Ababa → Mekelle
- Morning flight Addis Ababa – Mekelle
- Meet your driver & team, briefing for Danakil expedition
- City orientation, rest & preparation (permits, supplies)
- Overnight in Mekelle
Day 2: Mekelle → Hamed Ela (Danakil)
- Drive through dramatic landscapes of northern Afar region
- Pass through small Afar villages and salt desert plains
- Arrive at Hamed Ela – base camp of the Danakil Depression
- Sunset over the salt flats
- Overnight in simple Afar village camp
Day 3: Dallol & Salt Caravans
- Morning excursion to Dallol (colorful hydrothermal fields, sulfur lakes, salt canyons – lowest point on earth at -116m)
- Visit Afar salt miners & witness camel caravans transporting salt blocks
- Afternoon return to Hamed Ela for rest
- Overnight in Hamed Ela
Day 4: Hamed Ela → Dodom → Erta Ale Volcano
- Long drive across lava fields and desert terrain
- Arrive at Dodom base camp in the late afternoon
- Evening trek (~3 hrs) to Erta Ale Volcano, one of the few permanent lava lakes in the world
- Overnight camping near the crater rim
Day 5: Erta Ale → Mekelle
- Sunrise over the lava lake, explore crater surroundings
- Descend back to Dodom & drive to Mekelle via desert route
- Evening rest at hotel with modern facilities
- Overnight in Mekelle
Day 6: Mekelle → Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches
- Drive to Gheralta Mountains
- Visit iconic rock-hewn churches such as:
- Abuna Yemata Guh (perched on cliffside, adventurous climb)
- Maryam Korkor & Daniel Korkor (panoramic views)
- Overnight in Hawzien (Gheralta Lodge or similar)
Day 7: Tigray → Mekelle → Addis Ababa
- Morning visit to another Tigray church (Debre Maryam or Wukro Cherkos, depending on energy & interest)
- Return to Mekelle for afternoon flight to Addis Ababa
- Evening: Traditional farewell dinner with cultural music & dance