Day 1: Mekelle – Hamed Ela (Danakil Depression)
Begin your adventure with a morning departure from Mekelle toward the legendary Danakil Depression. Drive through the changing landscapes of northern Ethiopia as you descend into the Afar Region, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Along the way, pass through Afar villages and experience the raw desert terrain. Arrive at Hamed Ela, a simple desert outpost, in the late afternoon. Enjoy the sunset over the salt flats, meet local salt miners with their camel caravans, and spend the night camping under the stars.
Day 2: Hamed Ela – Dallol – Lake Asale – Erta Ale
After an early breakfast, drive to Dallol, one of the most geologically active and colorful areas in the world. Explore its extraordinary landscape of salt chimneys, acid lakes, and sulfur formations that create a surreal palette of colors. Visit the nearby Lake Asale, where locals harvest salt using ancient methods, and walk alongside caravans of camels loaded with slabs of salt. After lunch, drive toward the base of Erta Ale Volcano and begin an evening hike to the summit. Witness the rare spectacle of a live lava lake glowing in the darkness. Spend the night camping at the volcano rim.
Day 3: Erta Ale – Mekelle
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over Erta Ale before descending back to the base camp. After breakfast, begin your return journey to Mekelle, passing through volcanic landscapes and Afar settlements. Arrive in Mekelle by late afternoon or early evening and check in to your hotel for rest and a refreshing shower, ready to begin the next phase of your journey through the Tigray Highlands.
Day 4: Mekelle – Wukro – Gheralta Mountains
Depart from Mekelle in the morning and drive north to Wukro, where you will visit two remarkable rock-hewn churches—Abraha we Atsbeha, famous for its historical architecture and painted ceilings, and Wukro Cherkos, a beautifully preserved 4th-century sanctuary. After lunch, continue toward the Gheralta Mountains. In the late afternoon, embark on a 40-minute hike to the breathtaking Abune Yemata Guh, often called the “church in the sky,” perched on a vertical cliff with panoramic views. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at Vision Hotel in Hawzen.
Day 5: Gheralta Mountains – Hawzen – Adigrat
This morning, take on a scenic 1.5-hour hike to explore the cliffside churches of Maryam and Daniel Korkor, known for their stunning architecture and mountaintop setting. After soaking in the sweeping views and spiritual ambiance, descend to Hawzen for a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon, visit Giyorgis Maykado Church, another hidden gem nestled in the Tigray landscape. Later, drive to the highland town of Adigrat and settle in for the evening at Canaan Hotel.
Day 6: Adigrat – Yeha – Axum
After breakfast, depart Adigrat and enjoy a scenic drive through northern Tigray’s dramatic landscapes. Stop to visit the Great Temple of Yeha, Ethiopia’s oldest standing structure, dating back over 2,500 years and representing the pre-Aksumite civilization. Continue driving through the majestic Adwa Mountains, where Ethiopia defeated colonial forces in 1896. Arrive in Axum by early afternoon for lunch and visit one of its remarkable archaeological or spiritual sites. Spend the night at Atranos Fantasy and Spa Hotel.
Day 7: Full-Day Axum City Tour
Dedicate the day to exploring the ancient city of Axum, once the capital of a powerful empire. Tour its renowned Obelisk Field, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Ezana’s Inscriptions, and Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed by Ethiopian Orthodox tradition to house the Ark of the Covenant. Delve into Axum’s glorious past and unique religious traditions. Optional overnight stay in Axum for those wanting a deeper cultural experience.
Day 8: Axum – Addis Ababa (Flight & City Tour)
In the morning, take a domestic flight from Axum to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour, including the National Museum (home of “Lucy”), the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the vibrant Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. In the evening, attend a cultural dinner with traditional music and dance performances, celebrating the conclusion of your unforgettable journey.
Day 9: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, take some time for shopping or final sightseeing. Later, transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure
