Itinerary

Program: Lalibela & Danakil Depression

Tour Code: Afar 06

Duration: 4 Nights (5 Days)

Transportation: Air & Land (4WD)

Tour starts: Addis Ababa

Tour ends: Addis Ababa

Day1: fly to Mekelle & drive to Hammed Ela– about 200km (asphalt Road)

Morning, fly from Addis Ababa to Mekelle (1 hour flight time) and drive to Hammed Ela. After the small town of Agula; we descend to the Afar Region. As we penetrate deep down to the region, the temperature becomes hotter and hotter, trees will be scarce. On the way at many spots; you will see camel caravans, transporting rock salt from Lake Asalé to the town of Mekelle. Based on road condition, short visit pf Addaa Hot Spring (just left side before Berahile). Lunch and some rest at the small town of Berahile (110km from Mekelle) where entrance tickets will be checked. Then we proceed towards Hammed Ela; accompanying with Afar polices and a local guide from Berahile. In Hamed Ela, drive towards Lake Asale for camel caravan and sunset. Overnight – camping (in Afar House) – Hammed Ela

Day 2: Dallol Depression - Mekelle

Early morning (possibly at 5:30 am local time); drive towards for sunrise at Lake Asale, (really nice for camera capture behind the lake) then to the Danakil depression, an amazing and unique phenomena, with potash and sulfur, also explore the non – operating American and Italy potash industries sites, and rock formation around. Proceed to the traditional salt extraction site from where camels are waiting to be loaded rock salts - just nearby the Salt Lake of Asalé. Then, after having visited all sights in Danakil Depression, drive to back to Mekelle. Overnight – at Axum Hotel or similar – Mekelle

Day3: Mekelle – Lalibela

Drive to Lalibela (7hrs drive). On the way, possible visit of the cave church called Yimrehane Kiristos (42 km to Lalibela). This Church has been constructed by King Yimrehane Kiristos during the 13 Century. In the church, there are more than 5000 (five thousand) dead human skeletons (Bones) lying without any coverage for the past 700 years. They are supposed to be pilgrimages from Syria, Egypt and Ethiopia. The murals on the dark walls of the church, the year round spring water descending from the top of the church and the forest around are very impressive and worthy to be visited. Proceed to Lalibela. Overnight – at Roha Hotel or Harbe Hotel or Similar (3*) – Lalibela

Day4: Lalibela Churches

Early morning, climb Asheten Mariam (optional) for a panoramic view of the region and a mountain Church named Asheten. After breathing on the top (more than 3000 m), descend down to Lalibela (at 2630m above sea level), one of the most fascinating historical sites of Ethiopia. Visit: 1.Bet Golgotha, 2.Bet Mikael, 3.Bet Mariam, 4.Bet Meskel, 5.Bet Danaghel and 6.Bet Medhane Alem. Bet Medhane Alem is the largest monolithic rock hewn church in the world, built like a Greek temple! In a corner there are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, 7.Bete Amanuel, 8.Bete Marqorewos, 9.Bete Abba Libanos, 10.Bete Gabriel -Rufael and 11. Biete Giyorgis is the most elegant of all Lalibela churches, which lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the town on a sloping rock terrace. Also visit Nakuto Làabe Cave Church (5km from Lalibela). Overnight – at Roha Hotel or Similar (3*) – Lalibela

Day 5: Fly to Addis & Departure

Morning, fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa and departure in the afternoon or in the night (early morning ) after dinner at Habesha 2000 or Yod Abyssinia traditional restaurant with live tribal dances (end of the trip).

Notice: This itinerary can be amended upon request

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