Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your reserved hotel. After time to refresh, take a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and the third highest capital in the world. You will start the tour with a visit to the National Museum, home to one of the world’s most important paleontological exhibits in the world; ‘Lucy’. Next, you will visit Entoto Mountain, which overlooks the whole of Addis Ababa. Marvel at the panoramic views of the capital amidst the fresh breeze of the eucalyptus forests. Then visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church. As the final resting place of much-loved Emperor Haile Selassie, Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the country’s most sacred places of worship. The city tour will end with an exploration of the colorful Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.Afterwards, drive back to your hotel.
Overnight: Cassiopeia Hotel
Flight Addis Ababa to Mekele to Dallol
In the morning, take a flight to Mekele and head to the famous Dallol Depression – the hottest place on earth located in the Ethiopian Denakil Desert. Dallol is the result of changing geological activity. Drive to Hamede Ela campsite via the small town of Berhale. This is the point where the ‘Depression’ begins. Before sunset, you will travel a short distance to Lake Karum to watch the sunset from the salt flats on the lake. The water level on the lake is very shallow so it’s easy to walk out and around on the lake. There might be a chance to watch the camel caravans of the Afar people who live in this inhospitable place. Then you will return to Hamed Ela for an overnight stay.
Overnight Hamed Ela Open Air
You’ll have an early start today, as you will be descending to the lowest point on the planet, Dallol. With its uniquely colorful volcanic terrain and its ridiculously high temperature, Dallol Depression is known around the world as the ‘hottest inhabited place on the planet’. When you will arrive there will be plenty of time to walk around and admire the colorful pools, learn about the unique geology, and of course take photos of the spectacular scenery. The visit to Dallol also gives you the chance to visit the grueling local salt mines. Then you will drive to the Dodom campsite at the foot of the Erta Ale (Smoking Mountain) Volcano. In the evening, trek up the volcano and appreciate its spectacular lava. Once you reach the top of the crater, you will get time to relax and admire the amazing sight of the lava lake. Finally, walk the short distance back to the camp for dinner and sleep.
Overnight Night Open Air UNDER VOLCANO Mountain
Early in the morning, wake up and walk the short distance to the volcano. Stay some time by the lava lake until sunrise to see the change in the flow of the lake. After sunrise, hike back down to the camp for breakfast. Then drive towards Mekele and proceed to Hawzen town which is a center to explore the mysterious rock churches on the Gerhalta Mountains. Arrive at Hawzen and you will be transferred to your Accommodation.
Overnight Hawzen Gheralta Lodge
A day dedicated to climbing on the Gerhalta Mountains to explore ancient rock-carved churches. The Gerhalta Mountains of Tigray have more than 120 rock-hewn churches, each with its own unique ancient murals and relics. You don’t have to be a person of faith to be amazed by the way a culture has preserved its history and heritage. Most of these sacred cave churches were carved in the mountains. First, you will climb to visit Debre Maryam Koror and Abba Daniel. You will reach up to these churches after a one-hour hike. The location offers commanding views of the surrounding area. After lunch and a short break, you will visit another fascinating rock church, Abune Yemhata.
The hike up to this church takes an hour, climbing roughly the 500m in altitude and the last part of the ascent involves clambering up a sheer cliff face using handgrips and footholds. The interior of the church, reached via a small crack in the rock, is known for its extensive and perfectly preserved wall and roof murals. Finally, transfer back to your Hotel in Hawzen.
Overnight Gheralta Lodge
Depart Hawzen and drive back to Mekele to catch a flight back to Addis Ababa. After the lunch break, you will have time for shopping. Then you will be transferred to a hotel for a few hours to prepare your luggage and get ready for your return flight back home. In the evening, before your international flight, farewell dinner at Ethiopian Cultural Restaurant. Finally, your driver will take you to Bole International Airport and take your flight back home. Your Ethiopian Adventure ends here.
On our last day, a fare well dinner at traditional restaurant, afterwards drop back to the airport for evening flight back home.
End of the tour!
