Abyssinian Odyssey | Lalibela + Danakil Depression, Bucket List of Ethiopia

Ethiopia, a land of natural contrasts, from the tops of the rugged Simien Mountains to the depths of the Danakil Depression, at 120 meters below sea level one of the lowest dry land points on earth surely will never fail to amaze.

Lalibela is located in the heart of Abyssinian Highlands, on the side of mountain range culminating at 4284 mtrs. The world recognized glory of the city comes from the churches curved in monolithic rocks, concept similar to Petra or Ellora gained Lalibela a spot not only on UNESCO World Heritage list but also on many travel connoisseurs bucket lists.

https://vimeo.com/297861237
https://vimeo.com/329506645

Although date of churches creation is speculated to be around 12th to 13th century, it has been widely attributed to King Lalibela 24 years' project, at the time when city was called Roha. The legend says the King was born surrounded by the bees – Lalibela origin in ancient Amharic means “The one who eats honey”.

Our plan is to visit this soaked with history UNESCO site but also spend some time outside to stretch the legs.

Danakil Depression, located at the meeting point of 3 tectonic plates, with some of the greatest geological pressures on earth, the Danakil Depression is extremely active and scattered with a large number of volcanoes, including the Erta Ale, while the landscape is covered with lava flows almost everywhere you go.

https://vimeo.com/765781751
https://vimeo.com/303054724
https://vimeo.com/257364344

Danakil, also known as "Afar Depression" is also one of the hottest and the lowest places on the planet, with an average temperature of 34C, day and night. This is the harshest microclimate in Ethiopia, questioning every single life form around for the choice of habitat.

You will feel Mother Nature deadliest phenomena at your feet, where you will cross the rim and enter the smoking hot lava lake, at night, just a step away.

Lets go!!

DAY 1 // Lalibela
Meeting at Dubai Terminal 1 for a flight to Addis and connecting flight to Lalibela. Check in to our comfy lodge, spend a day discovering 3 church complexes: the most famous group of George, Royal and Ecclesiastical. In the evening check on the local nightlife!

DAY 2 // Ashetom Maryam + Yemrehana Kristos
Given the local authorities allow, we will drive to yet another spooky location - church built within basaltic cave. It contains skeletons remaining of over 500 pilgrims.

In the afternoon short hike to a church located on a cliff with spectacular 360 degree view of the city and the sunset.

DAY 3 // Lalibela + Mekele
Early morning glimpse at markets and souvenir shopping. Flight to Addis and connecting flight to Mekele. Later on we’ll head to local restaurant with “little party never killed nobody” themed evening. Overnight Mekele.

Day 4 // Mekele + SKY CHAPPEL Abuna Yemata Guh
Breakfast and hit the road to Tigray. We will start with the legendary Abuna Yemata Guh climb to discover this unique cave church (and its keeper), located at vertical cliff of 250 mtrs. Basic climbing with harness here for just few meters will make it memorable experience for everyone. **Watch this **

DAY 5 // ERTA ALE: Lava lake crater
After gathering supplies and meeting local team, we head out in 4x4s across the rugged volcanic plain. First stop: Lake Afdera, a saltwater lake shimmering under the desert sun, where locals still harvest salt by hand. Here you ll have a chance to wade into its mineral-rich hot springs before lakeside lunch.

As the heat fades, we continue past scattered Afar villages and stark lava fields toward Dodom, at the base of Erta Ale volcano. Early dinner under the stars. At the summit, witness a rare spectacle: a live lava lake, bubbling and roaring inside the crater. Sleep at makeshift camp on the rim (or descent to camp if activity requires).

DAY 6 // SUNRISE DESCENT, SALT BARS & MIRROR LAKE
Sunrise over Erta Ale’s rim, an eerie and unforgettable light show. Breakfast and continue drive through shifting landscapes: from basalt flows to endless white Afar salt flats. We stop at potassium lakes and visible salt faults, the evidence that the flats are an enormous salt deposit resting atop an ancient lakebed.

We head deeper toward Hamed Ela, a desert outpost. Here, ancestral salt extraction lives on. Watch salt miners chipping blocks by hand, loading them onto camel caravans bound for distant markets. By late afternoon, we arrive at the shores of Lake Asale, where the still surface reflects the sunset in white and gold. Overnight at camp under the open sky or local homestay.

Day 7 // DALLOL SULFUR SPRINGS + RETURN TO CITY
Early departure to Dallol, located 116 meters below sea level. You’re standing at one of the world’s lowest and hottest places. However, this surreal landscape is in fact a cinder cone volcano, and the surface is alive: neon-green acid pools, rainbow-colored sulfur springs, crystallized salt chimneys, and briny phreatic eruptions. It feels as if you’ve stepped onto an alien planet: raw, wild, and ancient.
We visit nearby salt pits, where traditional mining continues, and wander through what may be the most alien landscape on Earth. After lunch, we begin the return drive across shifting terrain of the Danakil. Arrive to city late afternoon, shower off the desert dust in the hotel before return flight to Addis and further back home.

Activities: Striking sightseeing, trekking, encounters of lava fields.
Accomo & meals: Lodges, hotels (dbl sharing) and camps, incl. overnight at the rim of volcano. Local meals, except meals on transfers (in Addis).

Cost:
AED 6950 excl. flights.
AED 12,100 all incl. int and domestic flights.

Costs valid until DEC 15th.

Visas:
Most of nationalities are entitled for evisa.

See yah at Lava Lake x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238