Lalibela & Danakil Depression Tour

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Lalibela (Flight)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before beginning your exploration of Ethiopia’s legendary rock-hewn churches. Carved directly from volcanic rock, these UNESCO-listed sanctuaries are connected by tunnels and passageways. Visit the first cluster, including Bet Medhane Alem (the largest monolithic church), Bet Maryam, and other spiritually significant sites. Continue to the second group, crossing the symbolic Jordan River to reach the iconic cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis.

Bet Giyorgis—Lalibela’s timeless symbol of devotion and rock-cut artistry.

Overnight: Hotel, Lalibela

Day 2: Lalibela – Addis Ababa (Flight)

Begin your day attending Ethiopian Orthodox mass inside one of Lalibela’s ancient churches—a deeply immersive experience. Visit the second group of churches, including Bet Emanuel, Bet Mercurios, Bet Abba Libanos, and Bet Gabriel-Rufa’el, noted for their Aksumite architecture. Fly back to Addis Ababa and explore city highlights like the National Museum (home of Lucy), Shiro Meda Market, and Entoto Mountain.

Overnight: Hotel, Addis Ababa

Day 3: Addis Ababa – Semera – Erta Ale

Fly to Semera and begin your expedition into the remote Danakil Depression. Drive to Erta Ale, a shield volcano with one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes, active since the early 20th century. Arrive at base camp and trek to the crater’s rim, where you’ll spend the night watching glowing molten lava—a spectacular natural display under the stars.

Erta Ale’s lava lake—Ethiopia’s fiery heart pulsing beneath volcanic stone.

Overnight: Camping at the volcano rim

Day 4: Erta Ale – Dodom – Hamed Ela

Wake up to a sunrise over the lava lake. Explore the northern and southern craters before descending to Dodom. Continue onward to Lake Afrera (seasonal) and surrounding salt flats, where Afar locals harvest salt in traditional fashion. Arrive in Hamed Ela, the desert outpost for your next adventure.

Overnight: Camp, Hamed Ela

Day 5: Hamed Ela – Dallol – Mekelle

Drive to Ragad (Asebo) to witness salt mining and camel caravans crossing the flats. Explore Dallol’s surreal geothermal wonders—sulfur fields, acidic springs, and mineral towers. Visit Lake Assal and walk with the Afar people before returning to Hamed Ela and continuing to Mekelle to conclude your journey.

End of Tour

Explore Ethiopia’s most iconic destinations with our Lalibela & Danakil Depression tour. Visit the legendary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness the otherworldly landscapes of the Danakil Depression—one of the hottest and most geologically active places on Earth.
This Ethiopia destination offers a rare mix of ancient history and extreme nature. Learn more about Lalibela’s architecture on UNESCO World Heritage and discover the Danakil region’s volcanic wonders on National Geographic.
For more Ethiopia travel options, check out our Ethiopia Tours and Top 10 Places to Visit in Ethiopia pages.