Quick Summary

6-Day Tour Danakil & Tigray Churches Including Axum is a 6 days tour in Ethiopia via the Danakil & Tigray Churches route, starting from USD 690. Below you'll find the latest itinerary, inclusions & exclusions, and how to book.

Duration
6 days

Route
Danakil & Tigray Churches

From
USD 690

Operator
Kitano Tours & Safaris

ABOUT 6-Day Tour Danakil & Tigray Churches Including Axum

The Danakil Depression is a geological depression and one of the deepest points on Earth, located in the Afar Region of Ethiopia. The churches themselves retain original form from when they were hewn from the rock between the 5th century AD and the end of the Middle Ages. In many cases the churches contain ancient liturgical objects which have been preserved in their original locations over the centuries.

Duration: 6 days
Route: Danakil & Tigray Churches
Starts at: USD 690

Overview

Itinerary

include & exclude

Highlights for 6-Day Tour Danakil & Tigray Churches Including Axum

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour
Day 2: Addis Ababa to Semera & Drive to Ahmed Ella
Day 3: Dallol & Erta Ale
Day 4: Drive from Erta Ale to Hawzen
Day 5: Gheralta Churches & Drive to Axum
Day 6: Axum City Tour and Fly to Addis Ababa

Itinerary Overview

Day	Title
Day 01	Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour
Day 02	Addis Ababa to Semera & Drive to Ahmed Ella
Day 03	Dallol & Erta Ale
Day 04	Drive from Erta Ale to Hawzen
Day 05	Gheralta Churches & Drive to Axum
Day 06	Axum City Tour and Fly to Addis Ababa

Day 01: Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour

>> Arrive in Addis Ababa and meet your guide. You will have a Game drives and enjoy a city tour with panoramic views from Entoto Hills, visit the Ethnological Museum (former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie), and the National Museum (home to “Lucy” and other fossils). Explore St. George Cathedral, Merkato (Africa's largest open-air market), and nearby sites.

Time: 8-10Hrs
Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Accommodation: Caravan Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Day 02: Addis Ababa to Semera & Drive to Ahmed Ella

>> Upon arrival at Semera Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and drive to Afdera, a region renowned for its salt extraction. The saline Lake Afdera, located in the southern part of the Afar Depression, is central to Ethiopia’s salt production. Here, salt water is pumped into pans for solar evaporation. Afterward, continue your journey to Ahmed Ella, passing through scenic landscapes of solidified lava, rocky terrain, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. At Ahmed Ella, visit the village, home to over 500 Afar people, and observe their unique lifestyle. Conclude your day at Salt Lake Asale, a vast salty lake where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in a natural pool while admiring the stunning sunset reflections on the salt flats.

Time: 8-10 Hours
Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Accommodation: Budget camping

Day 03: Dallol & Erta Ale

>> In the morning, drive to Ragad (Asebo), where traditional salt mining is practiced. Watch locals break salt from the ground, shape it into rectangular blocks, and load it onto camels for transport. Continue to Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth, located 125 meters below sea level. The area is a wonderland of colorful salt formations, bubbling sulfuric pools, and volcanic landscapes, offering a unique and surreal experience. Return to Ahmed Ella for lunch before proceeding to Erta Ale. This shield volcano is renowned for its permanent lava lake, one of only five in the world. Spend the night marveling at the dramatic boiling lava at the summit, a natural spectacle like no other.

Time: 8-10Hrs
Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Accommodation: Budget camping

Day 04: Drive from Erta Ale to Hawzen

>> After breakfast, embark on a drive to Hawzen. Along the way, visit the historic Church of Abreha wa Atsbeha, believed to be the burial site of the two kings who introduced Christianity to Ethiopia. The church’s remarkable architecture and its role in Ethiopian history make it a significant landmark. Learn about its monastic past and admire its historical importance.

Time: 8-10Hrs
Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Accommodation: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Day 05: Gheralta Churches & Drive to Axum

>> Begin the day by visiting the Maryam Korkor Church, a cross-shaped architectural marvel. Known for its cruciform pillars, arches, and vibrant frescoes, this church also offers a scenic one-hour hike with panoramic views of the surrounding Gheralta landscape. From Maryam Korkor, it is just a short walk to Daniel Korkor Church. This seldom-visited site, perched on a dramatic precipice, offers breathtaking views and intricate paintings. Later, visit the iconic Abuna Yemata Guh Church, carved into a high cliff. This monolithic church, dedicated to Abuna Yemata, one of the Nine Saints, features 5th-century dome and wall paintings. Although the climb to the church is challenging, the stunning artistry and incredible views make it a rewarding experience. After exploring the churches, drive to Axum.

Time: 8-10Hrs
Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Accommodation: Sabean International Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

Day 06: Axum City Tour and Fly to Addis Ababa

>> After breakfast, explore Axum, a city with over 2,500 years of history and the heart of Ethiopia’s ancient civilization. Visit St. Mary’s Church and the Sanctuary Chapel, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Tour the famous Stelae Park, featuring towering obelisks that serve as reminders of Axum’s rich past. Explore the Tombs of King Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, and view Ezana’s Inscriptions, a record of Ethiopia’s early history. Discover the legendary Queen of Sheba’s Bath and Palace Ruins before concluding with a visit to the Axum Museum, which showcases a wealth of historical artifacts. Finally, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.