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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
5 Days Danakil and Gheralta Tour
Volcanoes, salt flats and churches carved into cliffs
About The Tour
5 Days Danakil and Gheralta Tour: Lava Lakes and Cliff Churches
Volcanoes, salt flats and churches carved into cliffs
Overview
This 5 day tour joins two of the most dramatic sides of northern Ethiopia. First you go down into the Danakil Depression to see the colours of Dallol, the salt caravans of Lake Asale and the lava lake of Erta Ale. Then you climb back up to the cool red sandstone mountains of Gheralta in Tigray, where monks still pray in churches cut into cliff faces more than a thousand years ago.
The tour starts and ends in Mekele, an hour by air from Addis Ababa. It is a private trip with your own 4×4, driver and guide, so you can travel at your own pace and choose how many church climbs you want to do.
Duration
5 Days (4 Nights)
Suggested Accommodations
- Mekele: Planet Hotel or Axum Hotel
- Hamed Ela: camp under the stars
- Erta Ale: stone huts or camping on the rim
- Gheralta: Gheralta Lodge or Korkor Lodge
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Mekele to Hamed Ela and the Salt Flats
Pick up in Mekele and drive down the escarpment into the Afar lowlands. Arrive at Hamed Ela, then drive to Lake Asale for sunset over the salt flats. Dinner and overnight under the stars.
Day 2: Dallol, Salt Mining and Erta Ale
Early visit to the sulphur springs and salt formations of Dallol, then watch salt being cut by hand and loaded on camels. Drive to Erta Ale base camp and hike about 3 to 4 hours after dinner to the crater rim to see the lava lake. Overnight on the rim.
Day 3: Erta Ale Sunrise and Drive to Gheralta
Sunrise at the crater, walk down for breakfast, then a long but scenic drive back up into the Tigray highlands. Arrive at your lodge in Gheralta in the late afternoon, with views over the rock towers.
Day 4: Abuna Yemata Guh and Maryam Korkor
Morning climb to Abuna Yemata Guh, a church cut into a pinnacle 2,580 metres high, reached by a short rock scramble with footholds and a narrow ledge. In the afternoon hike up to Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, with old paintings and wide views over Gheralta. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 5: Abraha we Atsbeha and Return to Mekele
Visit Abraha we Atsbeha, one of the finest rock churches in Tigray, and Wukro Cherkos on the way back to Mekele. Drop off at Mekele airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
Travel Advice
Current travel advice (October 2026): the US government currently advises avoiding the Afar, Tigray and Amhara regions, and the UK advises against all travel to Tigray and against all but essential travel to Afar, which includes the Danakil. Check your own government’s latest advice and make sure your travel insurance covers you before you book. We follow the situation on the ground every day, run this route only when we judge it safe, and will talk to you about other dates or another itinerary if conditions change.
Price and Booking
Price: on request. This tour runs as a private trip on any date you choose. The price depends on group size, hotel level and season, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us your dates and number of travellers and we reply within 2 hours, with a full itinerary and quote within 24 hours.
Tip on domestic flights: if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, you can usually get large discounts on domestic flights. Book them on the same booking reference or send us your ticket and we book them for you.
Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222.
What Is Included
- Private air conditioned vehicle (4×4 where needed) with fuel and an experienced driver
- English speaking tour guide throughout (other languages on request)
- Hotels as listed, twin or double room with breakfast
- All entrance fees and local guide fees at the sites in the itinerary
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Afar local guides, scouts and Danakil permit fees
- Full board meals in the Danakil
- Church entrance fees and local guides in Gheralta
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Flights between Addis Ababa and Mekele
- Lunch and dinner in Gheralta
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Best Time to Go
November to February is the most comfortable time for the Danakil. Gheralta is pleasant all year, with green hills after the rains in September and October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to climb Abuna Yemata Guh?
No. The climb needs a head for heights. If you prefer, we visit Maryam Korkor and other churches that need only a hike.
Can women visit all the churches?
Yes, all churches on this itinerary are open to women. Debre Damo, which is not included, is open to men only.
Can I add Lalibela?
Yes. You can fly from Mekele to Lalibela via Addis Ababa, or drive. Ask us for the 8 day Danakil, Gheralta and Lalibela version.
Tour Languages
Amharic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please inform us of your preferred language when booking.
Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time availability.
Booking Form
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