ETHIOPIA UNVEILED - From the Fiery Depths to Sacred Heights (±7 Days)
Dallol Depression, Axum’s historic treasures, and Gheralta’s rock-hewn churches set the stage for an immersive journey through Ethiopia. Discover vibrant landscapes, ancient monuments, and sacred sites on this expertly curated adventure. Discover the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of Ethiopia on this expertly curated adventure.
Gheralta is known for its stunning rock-hewn churches and breathtaking landscapes. The Tigray region features incredible geological formations, making it a popular destination for hikers and those interested in history and architecture.
Dallol is one of the hottest places on Earth and is famous for its colorful hydrothermal landscapes, salt flats, and unique geological features. The area showcases vibrant sulfur springs and otherworldly formations, making it a striking and unusual destination.
Axum is an ancient city, historically significant as the center of the Axumite Empire. It is renowned for its obelisks, ancient tombs, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, which is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
The Danakil Depression, situated in Northern-eastern part of Ethiopia within the Afar region, is often dubbed the 'hottest place on earth,' yet this label hardly does it justice. The Danakil's allure lies not just in its extreme temperatures but in its extraordinary geological features, which compel visitors to endure the expense, lengthy off-road journeys, and basic accommodations. Undoubtedly, a journey to the Danakil Depression stands out as the pinnacle of an Ethiopian adventure. It is also renowned for its prehistoric sites. The itinerary includes visits to the rock-hewn churches of Abereha Tsebeha, Mariam Korkor, and Daniel Korkor, as well as the stunningly situated Abune Yemata-Guh church. This trip offers travelers the chance to explore the ancient Pre-Christian Temple of Yeha, the historic Battle of Adwa site, and the ancient city of Axum with its stelae fields, tombs, inscriptions, and age-old buildings. Enjoy your visit.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 01.
ARRIVAL, ENTOTO VIEW POINT & FLY TO MEKALEArrive at Bole International Airport. Welcoming Ethiopian Coffee. Visit of Entoto Viewpoint, lunch break and transfer to airport for the flight to Mekale. O/N. Hotel
Day 02.
DRIVE TO DANAKIL DPRESSION/DALLOL
Anfter an early breakfast, drive to Danakil Depression- one of the most inhospitable regions of the world, but is nonetheless spectacular, full of eye-catching colors, as in the Sulphur springs. The desert has several points lying more than 100 meters (328 ft) below sea level; You pass through a small town of Berhale where the camel caravan stop before they proceed to the northern highlands. En route you see many long camel caravans coming to the salt mine and others going out of the Danakil with their salt loaded camels.(3-4 hrs drive) Camp Hamedela. After drive to reach Hamad Ela, better village with a total population about 500 people. Sun set at Dallol. Enjoy the sunset at Lake Asale. Over night camping at Hamed Ela
Day 03.
VISIT OF DALLOL, LAKE ASALE, ABREHA-ATEBEHA CHURCH & GHERALTAIn the morning, drive to Dallol, undoubtedly a highlight of any adventure in the Danakil Depression. Bubbling up amid miniature geysers and steaming conical vents, the Dallol sulphur springs add a kaleidoscope of colour to an otherwise Martian desert landscape. The acid springs are known to host extremophile microbes, attracting scientists the world over to study how life is able to survive in such extreme conditions.
After visiting Dallol, leave for Awuzien. On your way, visit the rock church of Abreha-Atsebeha. This church was built in the 4th century by two royal brothers, Abreha and Atsbeha (known in the west as kings, Ezana and Saizana), who were responsible for converting Ethiopia to Christianity. The church is large and cruciform in shape, with interesting architectural features such as cruciform pillars and stepped capitals. There are also well preserved 17th century paintings depicting saints and biblical scenes. The church contains many valuable masterpieces including a beautifully decorated prayer cross, said to have belonged to Frumentius, the first Bishop of Ethiopia, whose ecclesiastical name was Abba Selama, meaning the father of peace. O/N. Lodge
Day 04.
THE CHURCHES OF MARIAM KORKORMariam Korkor is another remarkable rock-hewn church located in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. It is part of a group of ancient churches carved into the mountains of the Gheralta range, known for their historical significance and stunning landscapes. Mariam Korkor, along with Daniel Korkor, is among the most famous of the Gheralta churches. These churches are known for their impressive architecture, beautiful frescoes, and the adventurous hikes required to reach them. Mariam Korkor dates back to the 6th or 7th century and is named after the Virgin Mary. Enjoy with the beautiful color of Gheralta mountains formed due to sunset. O/N. Lodge
Day 05.
THE CHURCH OF ABUNE YEMATA 'GUH', YEHA TEMPLE & AXUMAbuna Yemata Guh is an extraordinary church located in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Known for its dramatic location and remarkable history, it’s one of the most unique and adventurous destinations for travelers interested in history, religion, and trekking. Leave Awuzien and make a scenic driving along the Tigray mountains, destined to Azum. On your way, you will visit, the Temple of Yeha, a large Bronze Age site in the Ethiopian Horn of Africa, established in the first millennium BCE. It is the only surviving structures include a temple, an elite residence and a set of rock-cut shaft tombs. Pass through the historical mountain of Adwa-where the Ethiopian fought with the fascist Italian in 1896 during the 'Battle of Adwa. Arrive in Axum.
Day 06.
CITY TOUR OF AXUM
Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in1980, Axum is a testament to the rich and glorious past of the mighty Kingdom of Axum (2nd C. BC-700 A.D.). This morning the visit will start with the famous stelae field with its Axumite stelae in various sizes and shapes. The archaeological museum is nearby and it offers an opportunity to bring context to relics on view today. In the afternoon you visit the Kaleb and Gebremeskel tombs, dating to the 6th century A.D and on the way to town, the Ezana inscription (Ethiopia’s Rosetta stone) is worth visiting. Tradition has it that the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Ethiopia in the 10th century BC by Menelik I and later Ethiopian kings and emperors would proclaim their legitimacy to rule by their lineage to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Through the day we will discuss the development of Christianity in Ethiopia and its relation to the Ark, and the story of Queen of Sheba too. Also visit the vernacular architecture of the old city of Axum. The Tukul and rectangular houses in Axum shows the diversification of architecture and, the change and continuity reveals for centuries. We'll visit Dangur- the Palace of Queen Sheba and Maishum- the bathing Pool of the queen in the activity list. O/N. Hotel
Day 07.
FLY BACK TO ADDIS ABABA & EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY.Take your flight back to Addis Ababa. PLEASE CONTACT FOR AN EXTENSION TRIP TO OTHER ATTRACTIONS.
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