13 Days Northern Ethiopia Tour – Danakil Depression, Erta Ale, Axum, Gheralta & Simien Mountains

Overview

This 13-day Northern Ethiopia tour combines the dramatic landscapes of the Danakil Depression, the lava lake of Erta Ale, the rock-hewn churches of Gheralta, the ancient city of Axum, and the breathtaking Simien Mountains. Travelers will experience colorful sulfur springs, camel caravans, historic churches, trekking adventures, wildlife encounters, and Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Awash National Park

After breakfast, start the drive towards the east via Debre Zeit town, which is famous for its several crater lakes. Arrive at Awash National Park in the afternoon. After you get settled in, you will embark on an afternoon game drive to see the variety of wildlife that inhabits the park. You might see gazelles, baboons, and warthogs, among other animals.

Overnight: Genet Hotel

Day 2: Awash National Park Trek – Semera

You will start your day with a two-hour hike through the national park. Located in Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley, Awash is home to beautiful vast landscapes and a wide array of bird and animal species. Then you will drive towards Semera via the Chercher Mountains.

Overnight: Ardi Hotel

Day 3: Semera – Hamed Ela

Drive to Hamed Ela via Berhale (639 meters above sea level). The Danakil Depression can be said to begin here. It is one of the most inhospitable regions in the world, but is nonetheless spectacular, full of eye-catching colors such as the sulfur springs. The desert has several points lying more than 100 meters below sea level. You pass through the small town of Berhale where camel caravans stop before proceeding to the northern highlands. En route, you will see many caravans going to the salt mines and others returning with salt-loaded camels. (3–4 hrs drive)

Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela

Day 4: Hamed Ela – Dodom (Erta Ale Trek)

We start early, shortly after a 6:30 AM breakfast, and drive to Askoma (150 meters) at the base of the new Erta Ale volcano. The 80 km distance may take about 6 hours, passing through changing landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. Camels transport all camping materials, food, mattresses, sleeping materials, and water to the rim of the volcano, where we spend the night watching the dramatic boiling lava. The magma flow moved 3.5 km south from the old Erta Ale to the new eruption point.

Overnight: Camping

Day 5: Hamed Ela – Mekele

Early in the morning, you will rise with the sun and have time to walk around the pits and craters. The main pit crater stands 613 meters above sea level, 200 meters deep and 350 meters across. You will leave around 7:00 AM to head back to Askoma for breakfast. After some rest at the camp, drive to Lake Afdera (optional and may not be available during summer), the mythical Lake Giulietti, a saltwater lake located more than 100 meters below sea level. Continue driving back towards Semera and Mekele.

Overnight: Homeland Hotel

Day 6: Mekele – Gheralta

After breakfast prepared by our professional cook, continue trekking while admiring the wonderful views, wildlife, and traditional Tigray houses to reach Mariam Papsite. After visiting the church, continue trekking to the base camp for about 4 hours.

Overnight: Vision Hotel

Day 7: Gheralta – Axum

Drive from Mekele about 100 km towards the massive Gheralta Mountains. After breakfast, continue trekking for about 1.5 hours to reach the ancient cliff church of Yohannes Maqudi. After visiting the church, continue trekking for 3–4 hours to reach the colorful decorated church dating back to the 7th century AD called Abune Abraham. Continue down to the base camp for about 2 hours.

Overnight: Yared Zema International Hotel

Day 8: Visit Axum

After breakfast, visit Axum, including its churches and other historical attractions.

Overnight: Yared Zema International Hotel

Day 9: Axum – Debark

After breakfast, drive to Debark with sightseeing stops along the way.

Overnight: Debark

Day 10: Debark – Sankaber

After breakfast, drive from Debark to Sankaber. Here we obtain permits from the park headquarters and collect the obligatory scout before continuing to Sankaber (3250m ASL) for the first overnight camp. The trek begins at Buytras (Simien Lodge), taking about 3–4 hours to walk to the Sankaber campsite. During the walk there is a good chance of seeing Gelada baboons.

Overnight: Camping

Day 11: Sankaber – Gondar

In the morning, walk to Geech via the spectacular Jinbar Waterfall. The trek takes approximately 5–7 hours. After descending to the Jinbar Wenz, continue towards Geech village. The campsite offers excellent mountain views and is characterized by giant lobelia plants. The nearby Kedadit summit provides one of the best sunset viewpoints in the Simien Mountains. Afterwards, drive back to Gondar.

Overnight: AG Hotel

Day 12: Visit Gondar

Morning sightseeing in Gondar. Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire, beginning in 1632 with the reign of Emperor Fasilidas. The city contains several castles built by different emperors over 236 years. Visit the Royal Enclosure, Debre Berhan Selassie Church with its beautiful frescoes and cherub paintings, and the colorful local market.

Overnight: AG Hotel

Day 13: Gondar – Addis Ababa

Flight from Gondar to Addis Ababa.