Danakil Depression and Tigray Mountains

3 days Danakil and a Day trip to Abune Yemata Guh and Mariam Korkor mountains of Tigray. Join our 4-day tour combining the Danakil Depression with the ancient, rock-hewn churches of the Tigray Mountains. This journey offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and historical exploration, creating a unique and unforgettable experience in Ethiopia.

Duration: 4 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Semera - Erta’ale

Semera - At 8:00 AM, our guide and driver will pick you up from Semera Airport and take you for a short coffee and juice break in town. Semera serves as the capital of the Afar Regional State. Shortly after the coffee break, you will embark on a leisurely drive to Afdera.

Lake Afrera - Afdera serves as a prominent hub for salt production and distribution. It is situated at an impressive depth of -102 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest points in the Danakil Depression. After enjoying lunch in this town, we will glimpse the nearby salt lake before indulging in a swim and float in its saline waters. Following this refreshing experience, we will proceed to visit the renowned Erta Ale volcano.

Erta Ale - From Lake Afdera we will continue with a relaxed and leisurely drive to Erta Ale Volcano. You will arrive at the base camp around 6:00 p.m. From there, you will embark on a 30-minute hike to the rim of the Erta Ale volcano. After ample time exploring Erta Ale, one of the few active lava lakes in the world, we will set up camp near the rim to capture stunning sunrise photos.

Ert Ale - Hamedela

Hamedela - Dallol - Mekele

Mek’ele - After a day of breathtaking natural wonders and cultural encounters, we’ll drive back to Mekele. You will arrive in Mekele around 4:30 PM and you will be transferred to a hotel of your choice.

Mek’ele - Hawzen / Tigray Mountains / - Mekele

Abuna Yemata Guh church - Abuna Yemata Guh is an extraordinary church located in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Known for its dramatic location and remarkable history, it’s one of the most unique and adventurous destinations for travelers interested in history, religion, and trekking.

Maryam Korkor - Mariam Korkor is another remarkable rock-hewn church located in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. It is part of a group of ancient churches carved into the mountains of the Gheralta range, known for their historical significance and stunning landscapes. Mariam Korkor, along with Daniel Korkor, is among the most famous of the Gheralta churches. These churches are known for their impressive architecture, beautiful frescoes, and the adventurous hikes required to reach them. Mariam Korkor dates back to the 6th or 7th century and is named after the Virgin Mary. Late Afternoon we will drive back to Mekele airport at 6pm you will arrive at the airport.

What's Included
  • On-board WiFi
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Breakfast
  • Entry/Admission - Visit Danakil Depression
  • Entry/Admission - Erta Ale
What's Not Included
  • Domestic flights
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(6 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Curiosity09779519675
Jan 6, 2024
I had a great time on this 3days Danakil tour - The volcanoes and the Dallol colorful mountain were the most amazing scenery I have ever seen. we cannot experience it in my country, Japan. Above all, I want to show my appreciation to Mr. Isaac, my tour provider. Before joining the tour, I was chatting with him. He arranged the tour schedule and my airline tickets so that I could join the Danakil tour during my limited stay in Ethiopia. But when I arrived at the airport in Ethiopia, I had trouble because of my mistakes. At that time, Mr. Isaac helped me throughout the day and he rearranged my tour schedule for me. Thanks to him, I was able to participate in the Danakil tour. I think Mr. Isaac is a flexible and very kind person. I really appreciate and recommend him. And the tour driver, guide were also very kind. I enjoyed talking with them. Over all, I am very happy to have joined this Danakil tour. I love Ethiopian. So, I can rate it 5 stars.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidjonatanp
Aug 20, 2023
Best travelling experience of my life! - On departure from Mekele city Our guide from the Great Ethiopian Tours gave us a presentation on how the Lava Lake can be dramatic, by the time we arrived we were lucky that the lake raised up so we were able to see the bubbling Lava. Check out the photos I took from the edge of the crater, it was amazing. The trip to the volcano was very tiring but getting there and seeing the lava flowing from the top of the crater was priceless. The whole region is unique, with the salt desert, the mineralized hot springs and the Afar people, and the most authentic place I've ever been. This is one of the best experiences I've had after travelling extensively in Africa and Ethiopia. I can really recommend Isaac from Great Ethiopian Tours. His professionalism and friendliness made me feel confident about the trip before it began. If anyone needs some advice you are welcome to write me a message.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel
Jun 6, 2023
Awesome trip - I visited the Dankil Depression and ErtaAle 2023. My tour was organized by well behaved and disiplined tour guide Isaac and he was  quite helpful with well mannered personality. The tour was awesome and informative, the drivers were friendly. I highly recommend Great Ethiopian Tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Teamir
Mar 28, 2023
Visiting a place where human being is defined. - I spent a great time in a group of 6 in the Danakil Depression and Ertale volcano. The company was well organized & well informative. they arranged 3 Landcruiser’s and 4 police man which were super friendly & helpful despite lack of basic English). As for the Accommodation we went spartan on bamboo beds, a mattress and a sleeping bag, you get only the essentials but was enough for camping in such a remote location. 2023
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Iacopo
Mar 7, 2023
AMAZING DANAKIL - Mr.Isaac, a local tour guide, planned a 4 days tour around DANAKIL for me and my friends. He knows everithing of this special region. I really can recommend him. THANK YOU BRO !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Basanths2022
Dec 1, 2023
Abusive Staff who use vulgarities when turned down by prospective clients - Approached them for a quote but ended up turning them down as another tour agency had offered a better package Their response was to be abusive and use vulgarities per the attached photo. Do not recommend and would advise prospective tourists to stay away
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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