Expedition tour to Dallol & Historical sites in Northern Ethiopia – 14 Days
Tour Highlights
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Discover Ethiopia’s origins and ancient history at the National Museum in Addis Ababa.
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Venture into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth.
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Witness the surreal volcanic landscapes of Erta Ale and the colorful acid springs of Dallol.
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Explore the dramatic rock-hewn churches of Tigray, including Abune Yemata Guh and Mariam Korkor.
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Visit the ancient city of Axum, home to obelisks and Ethiopia’s Ark of the Covenant tradition.
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Marvel at the rock-carved churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Tour the medieval castles of Gondar, Ethiopia’s Camelot.
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Trek through the Simien Mountains, home to breathtaking views and endemic wildlife.
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Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Tana and visit the iconic Blue Nile Falls.
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End with a traditional farewell dinner and local shopping in Addis Ababa.
Day 1: Addis Ababa City Tour
Begin your journey in the capital city. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous hominid fossil “Lucy” and other archaeological treasures from the pre-Aksumite and Aksumite periods. Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Merkato (Africa’s largest open-air market), and other city landmarks.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Fly to Semera – Gateway to Danakil
Fly to Semera and prepare for the upcoming expedition to the Danakil Depression, one of the most geologically active and unique landscapes on the planet.
Overnight at Semera.
Day 3: Drive to Erta Ale Volcano
Embark on a rugged desert drive toward Erta Ale, Ethiopia’s active volcano. Hike to the summit to view the molten lava lake, an extraordinary sight resembling an alien world.
Overnight n a basic campsite near the crater.
Day 4: Journey Through the Lava Fields to Dallol Camp
Drive across the vast volcanic plains toward the Dallol region, passing stunning salt flats, black lava flows, and camel caravans. Camp near Dallol in preparation for tomorrow’s exploration.
Overnight in a desert campsite.
Day 5: Dallol Excursion – Drive to Mekele
Today, visit Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest inhabited places on Earth, with vibrant mineral landscapes, sulfur pools, and acid springs in shades of yellow, green, and red.
Overnight in Mekelle.
Day 6: Visit Rock-Hewn Churches in Tigray
Discover one or two of Tigray’s hidden rock-hewn churches, carved into mountain cliffs and caves, offering both spiritual and architectural wonders.
Overnight in Lalibela
Day 7: Full-Day Trek to Abune Yemata & Mariam Korkor
Spend the day hiking to Abune Yemata Guh, renowned for its dizzying cliff-face ascent and stunning frescoes. Continue to Mariam Korkor, one of the largest and most magnificent churches in the region.
Overnight in Hawzen.
Day 8: Drive to Axum via Yeha Temple
Travel to Axum, stopping at Yeha, believed to be the oldest standing structure in Ethiopia and possibly a pre-Aksumite temple.
Overnight in Axum.
Day 9: Explore Axum – Cradle of Ethiopian Civilization
Visit Axum’s stelae field, the Church of St. Mary of Zion (said to house the Ark of the Covenant), the Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins, and other historical treasures
Overnight in Axum.
Day 10: Fly to Lalibela – Home of the Rock Churches
Fly to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities. Explore the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches, carved from solid rock in the 12th century. Visit the northern cluster, including the iconic Church of St. George.
Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 11: Fly to Gondar – The Royal City
Fly to Gondar and tour the Royal Enclosure, also known as “Africa’s Camelot,” featuring medieval castles and palaces. Visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie, famed for its angel-covered ceiling.
Overnight in Gondar.
Day 12: Simien Mountains National Park Excursion
Take a full-day trip to the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy stunning escarpment views and encounter Gelada baboons, endemic birds, and possibly the Walia ibex.
Overnight in Gondar.
Day 13: Drive to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls
Drive to Bahir Dar. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Tana, visiting ancient island monasteries. Continue to the Blue Nile Falls for a scenic hike
Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 14: Fly to Addis Ababa – Farewell Dinner
Fly back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy last-minute shopping at local markets and craft shops. In the evening, savor a traditional Ethiopian farewell dinner with live music and cultural dances before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Includes
Fees
Excludes
Flights
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