Duration 7 Days
The Danakil Depression Tour
Description
The Danakil Depression is a unique and extreme natural phenomenon located in the northeastern part of Ethiopia, in the Afar Region. The landscape of the Danakil Depression is characterised by vast salt flats, active volcanoes, lava lakes, sulphur springs, and bubbling hot springs. It is known for its colourful landscapes, with various mineral-rich hot springs and salt formations creating vibrant yellow, green, and orange colour.
What is included
*Accommodation (usually basic campsites or lodges)
*Meals (usually breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
*Transportation (4x4 vehicles with driver)
*Round trip flight ticket
*Entrance fees to the Danakil Depression
*Guide services
*Permits and security escorts
What is not included
Tips for tour guides,
Personal expenses & Medical Insurance.
Tour itinerary
This is a two night and three day tour.
Day 1:
• Arrive at Semera Airport and meet your tour guide and driver.
• Drive to the town of Berhale, which is the gateway to the Danakil Depression. The journey takes about 4-5 hours.
• Have lunch in Berhale and then continue driving towards the Danakil Depression.
• Visit Lake Asale, a salt lake where the Afar people extract salt in the traditional way.
• Continue driving to Dallol, a geothermal area known for its colourful hot springs, salt formations, and otherworldly landscapes.
• Explore Dallol and take in the surreal scenery.
• Drive to Hamed Ela, where you'll spend the night in a basic guesthouse.
Day 2:
• Wake up early and have breakfast in Hamed Ela.
• Drive to the Erta Ale volcano, which is one of the main attractions of the Danakil Depression.
• Trek to the top of the volcano (about 3-4 hours) to see the lava lake up close.
• Spend some time at the volcano and then trek back down.
• Drive back to Hamed Ela for lunch.
• In the afternoon, visit the village of Kusrewad to see the traditional way of life of the Afar people.
• Return to Hamed Ela for dinner and spend another night in the guesthouse.
Day 3:
• Wake up early and have breakfast in Hamed Ela.
• Drive back to Lake Asale and watch the salt extraction process.
• Visit the hot springs of Dallol again and explore more of the area.
• Have lunch in Berhale.
• Drive back to the next destination.
Axum and Gheralta tours
Overview
Tigray is located in the northern part of Ethiopia, is a great place to visit for a unique travel experience that includes ancient history, diverse culture, natural beauty, and friendly hospitality. When you visit Tigray, you can expect
impressive collection of rock-hewn churches, some dating back over a thousand years. These churches, carved into the mountainsides or hidden in caves, showcase the remarkable architectural ingenuity and stunning frescoes. Axum, once the capital of Ethiopian civilization, is a significant historical site containing ancient obelisks, royal tombs, and archaeological artifacts.
Tigray is blessed with breathtaking landscapes. The Gheralta Mountains, with their towering cliffs and hidden monasteries, offer excellent hiking and rock-climbing opportunities.
Day 4
is dedicated to exploring Wokro and Gheralta
1. Begin your day by visiting
Abreha and Atsbeha, which are both rock-hewn churches located near each other. Abreha and Atsbeha are recognized for their impressive architecture and intricate carvings, which show the artist's skill. The church was chiseled out of the mountain- side between 335 AD and 340 AD by king Abrehan and his twin brother king Atsbeha.
2. Take a stroll through Abuna Yemata Guh church, known as the church in the sky. This church made of rock is situated on the edge of a cliff that is sheer and unique. Get started on your hike from the parking area and climb the rock face with the assistance of a local guide to reach this hidden treasure. The church's breathtaking views and stunning rock paintings make it worth the climb, even though it can be challenging.
3. After leaving Abuna Yemata Guh church, enjoy a picnic lunch with a beautiful view. The restaurant will arrange your picnic lunch.
4. After lunch, you will go to Maryam Korkor church, which is known for its impressive architecture and intricate ancient paintings. It provides another fascinating glimpse into Ethiopia's religious heritage. Stunning views of the surrounding landscape are provided by the short hike to reach the church.
5. Go to Debre Tsion church, which is another remarkable rock-hewn church situated in the Gheralta Mountains. Take a tour of its well-preserved frescoes and sculptures, which demonstrate the region's rich artistic heritage.
6. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Gheralta Mountains, soaking in the beautiful landscapes and taking in the amazing views of the rugged cliffs and the sweeping plains below
7. Drive to your lodging in Hawzen and spend some time relaxing and reflecting on the day's adventures.
Day 6:
is dedicated to exploring Axum
Morning:
1. Begin your day by exploring the Axum Obelisks, which are also referred to as the Stelae Park. The UNESCO World Heritage site features these imposing granite obelisks, which were carved in the 4th century. Take note of the intricate carvings and historical importance of these ancient structures and marvel at them.
2. Go to the Axum Museum. This place offers a chance to explore a collection of artifacts, ancient coins, and historical relics that provide more information about Axum's past.
3. Go to the Church of St. Mary of Zion. This church is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant and is considered one of the holiest sites in Ethiopia.
After visiting St. Mary of Zion church, have a coffee break in the middle of the city under a big fig tree.
4. Take a walk through Axum Market. Take in the lively atmosphere of this bustling market, where you can discover one-of-a-kind handicrafts, spices, and traditional clothing.
Lunch time:
5. Indulge in a traditional Ethiopian lunch at a local restaurant in Axum. Don't miss the opportunity to try injera (a sourdough flatbread) with various vegetarian stews or various beef stews, like doro wat (spicy chicken stew). If you want, you could have a combination of vegetarian and meat-loving dishes.
After lunch
6. Take a tour of King Kaleb's Tomb and his son Gebre Meskel. Axum's rich history and royal lineage can be explored through these tombs located just outside the city.
7. Visit the Yeha Temple, one of the most enduring structures in Ethiopia and a significant site in Tigrayan history
8. Visit Queen Sheba's Palace. This archaeological site displays the remains of what is believed to be the palace of the famous Queen of Sheba. Take a walk around the area and learn more about this legendary figure.
Evening:
9. Enjoy a sunset visit to Dungur Palace. A panoramic view of the city and surrounding landscapes is available in this ancient palace complex. The Palace of the Queen of Sheba is another addition to its allure.
10. Have dinner at a local restaurant and end your day by witnessing the mesmerizing Axum Illumination. The city's iconic monuments, including the obelisks, are beautifully lit up after sunset, creating a magical atmosphere.
Day: 7 Departure to Addis
Have breakfast before departing from the hotel. While you're on your way to the airport, if there are any remaining sites that you haven't seen yesterday, please stop by and visit them. Your flight is scheduled to depart from either Mekele or Shire in the late afternoon to Addis Ababa.
This concluded your Tigray tour.
What is Included
Round-trip flight tickets.
private Surface transport for all tours destination, Parking fees, English speaker Tour Guide, all sites Entry/ Admission fees, photo fees, Accommodation with breakfast.
What is not included
Lunch and Dinner.
Tips for tour guides, hotel, staff and drivers.
Personal expenses & Medical Insurance.
Price:
1 Person:- USD
2 Person:- USD or USD per person
price varies by group size
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you!
Solomon Ayele
Email. mesobethiopiatours@gmail.com
URL: https://www.mesobethiopia.com
Mobile #: +251917607777
