8 Days Danakil, Gheralta and Lalibela Tours

Discover Gheralta: An 8-Day Adventure Awaits in Gheralta

Day 1 Fly Addis Ababa to Semera and drive to Ahmed Ella

Gheralta is rich in natural beauty and history, making it a must-visit.

You will meet upon arrival at Semera airport and drive to Afdera, which is used for salt extraction. It is named after the saline Lake Afdera, located in the southern part of the Afar Depression.

As we explore the region, the unique landscapes of Gheralta will leave you in awe.

Gheralta offers breathtaking views that will captivate any traveler.

Overnight camping at Ahmed Ella

Day 2 Visit Dallol Then Drive to Erta Ale

Morning tour drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the locals are mining salt. Observe the activity of breaking the salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it on camels.

The landscapes of Gheralta are shaped by unique geological processes.

Overnight camping at Erta Ale

Day 3 Drive Erta Ale to Hawzen

After breakfast, we will drive to Hawzen via Mekelle. On the way, we will visit the Church of Abreha wa Atsbeha, where their bodies are claimed to be entombed. At one time, the church served as a monastery but now operates as a parish church.

Exploring Gheralta reveals the diverse culture and traditions of the area.

Overnight Vision Hotel Hawzen/Similar

Day 4 Visit Abuna Yemata Guh and Yeha Temple 

This day after breakfast, you will visit the church of Abuna Yemata Guh. It is a monolithic church dedicated to Abuna Yemata (also referred to as Abba Yem’ata), one of the Nine Saints. It is situated at a height of 2,580 meters and must be climbed on foot to reach.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the wonders of Gheralta during your stay.

Overnight Sabean Hotel Axum/Similar

Day 5 Fly Axum to Addis Ababa

After breakfast at the hotel begin Sightseeing of Axum, a city more than 2500 years of history, once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization, home of the original Ark of covenants. Axum is the prime historical site in the north of Ethiopia. Take a city tour that include the St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary Chapel which is the repository of the ‘Ark of covenant’, the coronation yard, Stele Park, Tomb of Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, Ezana’s Inscriptions, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins and Axum Museum. After lunch you will take to airport your flight to Addis Ababa.

Gheralta is an integral part of Ethiopia’s rich history.

Overnight Aya Hotel Addis Ababa/Similar

Day 6 Fly Addis Ababa to Lalibela

After breakfast, you will take a flight to Lalibela. You will meet upon arrival and be taken to your hotel. After lunch, you will visit the first group of seven churches that lie in rock cradles one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika’el, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danagl, and Bet Medhane Alem.

The churches in Gheralta are a testament to the region’s historical significance.

Overnight Lalibela Maribela Hotel/Simillar

Day 7 Drive Lalibela to Asheten Maryam and Na’akuto La’ab

After breakfast you will visit Na’akuto La’ab Monastery, it’s attributed to Na’akuto La’ab, the successor to King Lalibela. Inside, there are various artifacts believed to have belonged to Na’akuto La’ab, including crowns, gold-painted drums, crosses, a large painted canvas depicting ancient kings and an old, illuminated Bible. Intriguingly, the monastery has some ancient stone receptacles that gather the water that drips from the cave’s roof, thought to be holy water. Later drive to another ancient church, there are many sacred items found at Asheton Maryam, including crosses and a Bible illustrated with colorful, intricate drawings, presented by the priest for visitors to see.

Gheralta’s monasteries offer a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the area.

Overnight Maribela Hotel Lalibela/Similar

Day 8 Fly Lalibela to Addis Ababa

In the morning, after breakfast, you will visit the remaining churches of Lalibela, including Bete Gabriel, Bete Marqorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Aba Libanos while reflecting on your journey through Gheralta. Later, drive to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.