6-Day Tour Danakil & Tigray Churches Including Axum
Offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours
Once-in-a-lifetime Experience
This safari includes exclusive access to private conservancies and top-rated guides.
Fully Inclusive
Accommodation, meals, transport, and park fees are all included in the price.
About this safari
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 that have been preserved in their original locations over the centuries.
Day-by-day Itinerary
D1Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour
Danakil Depression • camping
Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour
Danakil Depression • camping
You'll arrive in Addis Ababa and meet your guide. 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). You'll explore St. George Cathedral, Merkato (Africa's largest open-air market), and nearby sites.
Overnight stay: Addis Ababa.
D2Addis Ababa to Semera & Drive to Ahmed Ella
Danakil Depression
Addis Ababa to Semera & Drive to Ahmed Ella
Danakil Depression
Upon arrival at Semera Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and driven 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, you will continue your journey to Ahmed Ella, passing through scenic landscapes of solidified lava, rocky terrain, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. At Ahmed Ella, you'll visit the village, home to over 500 Afar people, and observe their unique lifestyle. You'll 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.
Overnight stay: Camping at Ahmed Ella.
Pricing by season & group size
Year Round
Year-round
| Season | Solo traveler | 2 people |
|---|
What's Included
You won't be charged yet
Operators are thoroughly vetted and must maintain active licenses from their country of operations.