8 Days Danakil Depression and Tigray Churches Tour.

Day 1: Arrival in Mekele

Activities:

• Arrival in Mekele.
• Briefing about the trip and preparation.

Accommodation: Planet Hotel or similar

Day 2: Mekele to Hamed Ela

Activities:

• Drive to Hamed Ela.
• Visit the salt flats and salt workers.
• Overnight camping in Hamed Ela.

Accommodation: Camp in Hamed Ela

Day 3: Hamed Ela to Dallol

Activities:

• Explore the colorful sulfur springs of Dallol.
• Visit the salt canyons.
• Return to Hamed Ela for the night.

Accommodation: Camp in Hamed Ela

Day 4: Hamed Ela to Erta Ale

Activities:

• Drive to the base of Erta Ale volcano.
• Evening hike to the crater rim to see the active lava lake.
• Overnight camping at the crater rim.

Accommodation: Camp at the base of Erta Ale

Day 5: Erta Ale to Mekele

Activities:

• Descend from Erta Ale.
• Drive back to Mekele.
• Rest and overnight in Mekele.

Accommodation: Planet Hotel or similar

Day 6: Mekele to Hawzen

Activities:

• Drive to Hawzen.
• Visit rock-hewn churches in the Gheralta Mountains.
• Overnight stay in Hawzen.

Accommodation: Gheralta Lodge or similar

Day 7: Hawzen to Axum

Activities:

• Drive to Axum.
• Explore the ancient stelae fields and the Church of St. Mary of Zion.
• Overnight in Axum.

Accommodation: Sabean International Hotel or similar

Day 8: Axum to Mekele

Activities:

• Drive back to Mekele.
• Departure from Mekele to Addis Ababa.

Accommodation: Not applicable

Additional Information

Guides: Local guides are recommended for tours of the geological sites and historical locations to provide detailed historical and cultural context.

Meals: Most accommodations offer dining options, and there are various local restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine.

Transportation: Private car hire or tour operators can arrange transportation between locations. Domestic flights may also be available between major cities.