Embark on an extraordinary 8-day expedition with our “Unveiling the Wonders of Danakil and Tigray Churches” tour package. Immerse yourself in the ancient history of Axum, where grand obelisks, underground tombs, and the legendary St. Mary of Zion Church, home to the Ark of the Covenant, await your discovery.

Journey through time as you explore the Great Temple of Yeha and the majestic Debre Damo Monastery perched atop a mountain. Hike through the breathtaking Gheralta Mountains, discovering rock-hewn churches like Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, offering panoramic vistas. Delve into the secrets of Gheralta with visits to the remarkable Abune Yemata church and the ancient Georgis Maykado church.

Adventure awaits in the vibrant capital of Tigray, Mekelle, before witnessing the fiery spectacle of Erta Ale, a restless volcano known as the “Gateway to Hell.” Challenge yourself with a trek to its summit, spending a night gazing at the mesmerizing lava lake. Descend to the mineral-rich waters of Lake Afdera for a rejuvenating swim before reaching the village of Hamedilla.

Conclude your journey with a visit to the surreal landscapes of Dallol, the second-lowest point on Earth, featuring colorful salt springs, boiling mud pools, and otherworldly formations. Marvel at salt caravans and the sheer power of nature before heading back to Mekelle, where your Danakil adventure concludes. Depart from Mekelle airport to Addis Ababa, cherishing the memories of an extraordinary Ethiopian odyssey with Grand Ethiopia Tours.

Discover a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

Itinerary

Cost

Itinerary

Cost

Day 1 :

Axum City Tour

Upon arrival in Axum, our representative will whisk you away to your hotel. After a brief rest, embark on a captivating exploration of this historical city. Witness the grandeur of the giant obelisks, silent sentinels of a bygone era. Delve into the mysteries of the underground tombs and decipher the ancient inscriptions left by King Ezana. Pay your respects at the tombs of King Kaleb and his son, King Gebremeskel. No visit to Axum is complete without witnessing the sacred St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. End your day with a glimpse into the legendary Queen of Sheba's palace, adding another layer to Axum's rich tapestry.

Day 2 :

Axum - Gheralta

Axum _ Gheralta ! This morning, embark on a journey to the Great Temple of Yeha, a testament to the Sabean civilization that flourished centuries ago. Continue your exploration with a visit to the breathtaking Debre Damo Monastery, perched atop a flat-topped mountain. This 6th-century sanctuary is accessible only by a daring climb using a traditional leather rope. After lunch in Adigrat, a charming town nestled amidst the mountains, proceed to Hawzen, where you'll spend the night.

Day 3 :

Hiking to Gheralta's Rock-Hewn Churches

Lace up your hiking boots for an adventurous day exploring the Gheralta Mountains. Embark on a challenging yet rewarding trek to the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, each offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to the Mariam Papasit church, another architectural marvel carved into the rock face. Return to Hawzen for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 4 :

Visit Gheralta Churches

Fuel up for another day of exploring Gheralta's hidden gems. This morning, prepare for a challenging hike to the remarkable church of Abune Yemata. Situated atop a hill, this 6th-century church rewards visitors with breathtaking views and a unique collection of ancient paintings. In the afternoon, delve further into the region's rich history with a visit to the ancient church of Georgis Maykado, built in the 4th century AD. Return to Hawzen to unwind and reflect on the day's discoveries.

Day 5 :

Wukro Churches and Reaching Mekelle

After breakfast, depart for Hawzien's south side to visit the awe-inspiring church of Abune Abraham. This church, perched atop a hill, requires a challenging hike but rewards visitors with its size, intricate paintings, and spectacular views. In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to the Abraha we Atsibeha church, built by two Axumite kings in the 4th century. En route, enjoy a delicious lunch stop in Wukro. Finally, arrive in Mekelle, the vibrant capital of the Tigray region, where you'll spend the night.

Day 6 :

Mekele - Erta Ale

Today, embark on an unforgettable adventure to Erta Ale, a restless volcano dubbed the "Gateway to Hell" by the Afar people. Depart Mekelle in the morning and settle into your campsite at Askoma after a scenic journey through awe-inspiring landscapes. As dusk descends, embark on a challenging 3-hour trek to the volcanic caldera. Witness the fiery spectacle of the lava lake at close range, a truly mesmerizing sight. Spend the night at the volcano's summit, an experience like no other.

Day 7 :

Erta Ale - Dallol

Rise early to witness the dramatic play of light on the lava lake at sunrise. Then, commence your descent back to Askoma, a 3-hour trek down the volcanic slopes. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before driving to Lake Afdera, a vast salt lake where you can take a refreshing swim in the mineral-rich waters. Continue to the small village of Hamedilla, your base for the night.

Day 8 :

Dallol - Mekelle- Addis

With the rising sun, embark on a captivating journey to Dallol, a surreal landscape unlike any other. This remarkable place, the second-lowest point on Earth after the Dead Sea, boasts colorful salt springs, boiling mud pools, and otherworldly geological formations. Witness the salt caravans harvesting the earth's bounty and marvel at the sheer power of nature. After this unforgettable experience, drive back to Mekelle via Berahle, Berahle and finish the unforgettable Danakil trip @5:30 pm in the late afternoon then , transfer to Mekelle airport to depart Addis Ababa.