6 Days Tigray Churches and Danakil Depression

This 6 Days Tigray Churches and Danakil Depression expedition is the ultimate adventure through Ethiopia’s spiritual heart and geological wonders. On this 6 Days Tigray Churches and Danakil Depression tour, you will trek to the “world’s most inaccessible church,” Abuna Yemata Guh, and stand before the ancient Obelisks of Axum. The journey continues with the 6 Days Tigray Churches and Danakil Depression highlights, including the bubbling sulfur springs of Dallol and a night hike to the glowing lava lake of Erta Ale volcano. From the ancient Ark of the Covenant to the lowest point on the African continent, this 6 Days Tigray Churches and Danakil Depression itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and extreme nature.

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Sightseeing

Welcome to Ethiopia! Meet your team at Bole International Airport and begin your journey with a panoramic view of the capital from the Entoto Hills. Explore the city’s vibrant culture before settling in.

Overnight: Aya Addis Hotel (or similar).

Day 2: Fly to Semera & Drive to Ahmed Ella

Take a morning flight to Semera. Drive into the heart of the Afar Depression to visit Lake Afdera, a massive saline lake where you can witness traditional solar salt evaporation.

Overnight: Camping at Ahmed Ella.

Day 3: Dallol Hydrothermal Wonders & Erta Ale Volcano

Visit the otherworldly landscapes of Dallol, featuring neon-colored salt formations and bubbling acidic springs. After observing camel caravans at the Ragad salt mines, proceed to the base of Erta Ale to witness the world’s oldest permanent lava lake under the stars.

Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale.

Day 4: Scenic Drive to Hawzen & Abreha wa Atsbeha

Descend from the volcano and drive toward the sandstone spires of Tigray. En route, visit the rock-hewn Church of Abreha wa Atsbeha, a 10th-century masterpiece and the burial site of the kings who brought Christianity to Ethiopia.

Overnight: Vision Hotel, Hawzen (or similar).

Day 5: Gheralta Mountains & Abuna Yemata Guh

Challenge yourself with a climb to Abuna Yemata Guh, a monolithic church carved into a vertical cliff face. Marvel at its perfectly preserved 5th-century frescoes before driving to the ancient city of Axum.

Overnight: Sabean Hotel, Axum (or similar).

Day 6: Axum Civilization Tour & Fly to Addis Ababa

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Axum. Visit the Stelae Park, the Tombs of King Kaleb, and the Chapel of the Tablet, which is said to house the Ark of the Covenant. After visiting the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, fly back to Addis Ababa to conclude your tour.