5 Days: Danakil Depression & Tigray Rock Churches

Overview

An extraordinary expedition contrasting the unearthly landscapes of the Danakil Depression with the spiritual heights of Tigray. Witness ancient salt mining traditions, camp under the stars at Erta Ale, climb to the sky-high Abuna Yemata Guh, and explore the roots of Ethiopian civilization in Axum.

Tour Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

1

Fly to Semera and Lake Afdera

Upon arrival at Semera Airport, you will be greeted by your guide. We drive to Afdera, a region renowned for salt extraction, to visit the saline Lake Afdera, which is central to Ethiopia’s salt production. We camp overnight at Ahmed Ella.

2

Dallol Colors and Salt Miners

In the morning, we drive to Ragad (Asebo) to witness the traditional salt mining process. Watch locals break salt from the ground, shape it into rectangular blocks, and load it onto camels—a practice unchanged for centuries. We then drive to Erta Ale for an overnight camping experience.

3

Drive to Hawzen via Abreha wa Atsbeha

After breakfast, we leave the desert and ascend towards the highlands of Hawzen. Along the way, we visit the historic Church of Abreha wa Atsbeha, an architectural masterpiece believed to be the burial site of the two kings who introduced Christianity to Ethiopia.

4

The Climb to Abuna Yemata Guh

A highlight of the trip: we visit the iconic Abuna Yemata Guh Church, carved into a high vertical cliff. Dedicated to one of the Nine Saints, this monolithic church features incredible 5th-century dome and wall paintings. We then drive to Axum for the night.

5

Axum City Tour and Departure

Explore the city of Aksum, the heart of ancient civilization. Visit St. Mary’s Church (home of the Ark of the Covenant), the towering obelisks of Stelae Park, the Tombs of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, and Ezana’s Inscriptions. We also see the Queen of Sheba’s Bath and Palace Ruins before visiting the Axum Museum. Finally, transfer to the airport for the flight back to Addis Ababa.