Journey from Axum to Mekelle with Church Visits

Tigray Region - In a single day, explore three distinct churches: Abuna Yemata Guh, Maryam Korkor, and Daniel Korkor. Each church boasts its own unique style and breathtaking beauty. To reach Abuna Yemata Guh, embark on an hour-long walk leading to a steep climb up the Gheralta massif. This challenging ascent involves using footholds and handholds carved into the sandstone by countless visitors. The climb and the narrow ledges with sheer drops are not for the faint-hearted. The church is accessible by walking along a one-meter-wide ledge with a 200-meter drop on the left. At the entrance, there is a small cave and a wooden door set into the rock. Among the three, Maryam Korkor stands out architecturally, with a vast, high ceiling supported by 12 freestanding pillars. It’s awe-inspiring to consider how the architect managed to carve so high from the ground. In the afternoon, drive back to Mekelle.

Abuna Yemata Guh Church - A church reached by climbing a mountain.

Mekelle to Erta Ale

Erta Ale - Begin the day with a drive to Erta Ale, meaning “smoky mountain” in the Afar language. Erta Ale is one of Ethiopia’s most captivating and physically demanding natural attractions. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale hosts the world’s only permanent lava lake. Standing at 613 meters, it features a lava lake, one of only five globally, at the summit. It is renowned for being the longest-existing lava lake, present since the early 20th century, though it may not be as active as before, with flank eruption activity slowing down. Start early at 9:00 AM, driving to Dodom (at the base of Erta Ale). This journey may be one of the roughest roads worldwide. The 80 km distance can take about 6 hours, passing through landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. After passing several small hamlets scattered in this deserted land, arrive at the Dodom campsite, located about 17 km from Erta Ale. Dinner is served around 5:00 PM. After a short break, embark on a 30-minute trek up to Erta Ale. Camels will transport all camping materials and some food (including sleeping materials like light mattresses, mats, and water) to the volcano’s rim, where the night is spent watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Spend the night atop the mountain, at the volcano’s rim.

Dallol - Known for its colorful salts.

Erta Ale to Hamad Ela

Return Journey from Danakil to Mekelle

Dallol - Morning tour drive to Ragad (Asebo), where locals mine salt. Observe workers breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels. Continue driving to Dallol to witness the diverse landscape formed by volcanic activity, including Dallol, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Excursion to Dallol (116 meters below sea level, one of the world’s lowest places) features colorful salt mining, a visit to Lake Assal, and following camel caravans (no camel caravan in July, August, and early September) while walking with the Afar people. Drive back to Hamedela and proceed to Mekelle. End of the Danakil tour.

Lake Assale - A salt lake.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Other

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.