NorthEast / North•7 days•6–12 group size•Challangeing
Ert ale Hamedela, Tigray Churches, and Aksum (7 Days)
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About this trip
Journey from the Danakil Depression to the highlands of Tigray and the ancient city of Aksum.
Trip highlights
- check_circleErta Ale active lava lake trekking
- check_circleDallol hydrothermal fields and salt mountains
- check_circleAncient rock-hewn churches of Tigray
- check_circleHistoric stelae and obelisks of Aksum
Day-by-day schedule
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Morning• Semera
Fly from Addis Ababa to Semera (the capital of the Afar region).
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Afternoon• Dodom
Drive by 4x4 vehicle to the base of Erta Ale (Dodom).
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Evening• Erta Ale
After sunset, begin a trek to the rim of the volcano to avoid the daytime heat.
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Evening• Erta Ale
Activity: Witness the permanent lava lake, one of the few in the world, and camp overnight on the crater rim.
hotelErta Ale
arrow_downwardContinues to Day 2
Interactive Journey Map
route
Journey Route
Travel Tips
- lightbulbWeather: The Danakil Depression is extremely hot (often above 40°C/104°F). Tigray and Aksum have a more moderate, highland climate.
- lightbulbClothing: Pack light, breathable clothes for the heat, sturdy hiking boots for the climbs, and modest dress (white scarves/wraps are traditional) for entering churches.
- lightbulb4x4 vehicle required
- lightbulbLogistics: A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory for the desert sections. Using domestic flights between major hubs is highly recommended to save time.
What's included
- checkAll internal flights
- checkFull-board accommodation
- checkExpert English/French-speaking guide
- checkAll park and site entrance fees
- check4WD vehicle with driver
- checkAirport transfers
Not included
- closeInternational flights
- closeTravel insurance
- closePersonal expenses
- closeTipping (optional)
Want a tailor-made version?
Our specialists can customise dates, pacing, accommodation and add optional extensions just for you.
starstarstarstarstar4.8
calendar_month7 daysgroup6–12
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4.8(12)calendar_monthDuration
7 daysgroupGroup size
6–12 group sizeterrainDifficulty
Challangeing location_onRegion
NorthEast / NorthJourney facts
language
Language
English / French / Russian
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Best time
Oct–May
thermostat
Climate
Varies by region
vaccines
Vaccines
Yellow fever req.
What you'll experience
landscape
Landscapestemple_buddhist
Heritagenature_people
Culturedirections_walk
Trekkingphoto_camera
Photographyrestaurant
Cuisine
