Tour to Rock-hewn churches of Tigray,Dallol &Erta’Ale volcano and Lalibela
Means of transport,flight and surface
Duration, 9 days and 8 nights
Tour code, QET 027
Day 1, Addis Ababa
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the morning of leisure and enjoy lunch at the hotel. This afternoon visit historical sites including the National Archaeological Museum, to view the 3.2 million year old remains of “Lucy” whose skeleton was discovered in 1974. Continue to the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University; a great insight into the many different peoples of Ethiopia and their respective cultures. After visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral, we will end the day with a drive to the top of Mount Entoto, which rises to an altitude of 10,500 feet and offers a panoramic view of the metropolis.)
Day 2,
Mekelle – HamedEla (Ahmed Ela)
This morning fly to the city of Mekelle, up on arrival in the airport you will be picked up and drive to HamedEla (Ahmed Ela) via Berehale (Bere Ale) where you will pick up police scouts, road guides and permits for the Afar region. From Berehale, proceed driving to HamedEla (Ahmed Ela). We will see the camel caravans along the way, carrying salt from the salt lake to Mekelle for sale. Overnight camping in HamedEla (Ahmed Ela)
Camping (B, L,D)
Day 3,
HamedEla (Ahmed Ela)
After breakfast, take a day trip to Dallol, which at 116m below sea level is the lowest point on the African continent. Here the landscape is beautiful, the ground many shades of red and yellow from the hot water, acids and minerals spurting up from the ground. You will also visit Lake Asale, which is the salt lake from which the Afar nomads extract salt. You will witness (and even try) their laborious task of removing salt from the ground as hundreds of camels relax before the long trek back to Mekelle. At the end of the day we return to HamedEla (Ahmed Ela) for overnight camping.
Camping (B, L,D)
Day 4,
HamedEla (Ahmed Ela) Dodom-Erta Ale
Early drives to Dodom. After your arrival take a rest and start trekking- together with camels carrying your luggage- to the crater rim of the Erta Ale volcano. At the top, you will peer down at the permanent lava lake (the only one in the world!) while the sun rises over the horizon. Definitely the highlight of the trip! Hike back to Dodom with the first day light.
Camping (B, L,D)
Day 5,
Dodom-Gheralta
Drive back and head to Gheralta. The Gheralta Range is home to a treasure trove of rock churches, which are carved into the sandstone buttes. In Gheralta Range visit Abreha we Atsbeha before check in to the lodge. 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.
Gheralta Lodge (B, L,D)
Day 6,
Gheralta
This day will dedicate for another adventure to discover the hilltop churches of Gheralta Goh and Mariam korkor. O/n same place.
Day 7,
Gheralta-Lalibela
This day is a long drive with scenic of the Tekeze and the other side of simien mountains. O/n Lalibela lodge.
Day 8,
Lalibela
Discover the 12th century rock churches still active for orthodox Christians. They are 11 in number and wonder the then engineering skill. O/n same place.
Day 9,
Return to Addis Ababa and departure
Board your morning flight to Ethiopia’s capital city. Visit the ‘Merkato’, the largest open-air market in East Africa. Late this afternoon enjoy a “farewell dinner” and coffee ceremony at a famous traditional Ethiopian restaurant. After sampling the various national dishes and enjoying an Ethiopian Folkloric show before your transfer to the airport for your late night flight to home city.
price, from 1550 USD