From The world Heritage site Lalibela Ethiopia to the Danakil (Afar) Depression; is a geological depression near the Horn of Africa, in the northern Ethiopia. One of the mostly geologically active. Afar is well known as one of the cradles of hominids, containing the Middle Awash, site of many fossil hominid discoveries; Gona, site of the worlds oldest stone tools; and Hadar, site of Lucy, the fossilized specimen of Australopithecus afarensis.
The Danakil Depression, an esteemed destination among adventure travelers, features a permanent lava lake and a bright-yellow sulphuric plain, while the Simien Mountains wrinkle the land with canyons and peaks with a beauty you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in Africa.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Addis Ababa | ||||
| DEPARTURE LOCATION | Lalibela Airport | ||||
| RETURN LOCATION | Semera Ariport | ||||
| WEAR | Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen. | ||||
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For most visitors to Ethiopia, it’s all about the north. More than anywhere else on Earth, northern Ethiopia has the ability to wow you day after day after day.
Fly to Lalibela visit Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Lalibela is most famous for its churches. Visit the 12-13th century Rock hewn churches called the Eighth wonder of the world which are still active places of worship and host many major religious Ceremonies. The churches are carved out of solid rock, and each has unique architectural features. Take a wander through the tunnels and stairways linking the churches together.
After Lunch drive to the site where we find a concentration of some of Ethiopians most famous Rock Hewn churches, mostly referred by many as the living wonders of the world, this churches are, they have been here for at list 900 years, an active christen shrine, the spiritual center of the counters religious life. The monolithic churches where carved out of 2600-sq natural rock terrace in the twelve century AD by king lalibela.
Bete Medhani alem, the largest monolithic Rock hewn churches of the world, Magers 37.7 ft in Height, covers an area of almost 2625 Square ft and has walls that are up to 6 feet thick. A plain building supported by 36 pillars on the inside and anther 38 pillars around the outside. Bte Medhanialemmodeled on the original st.Merryzion church build by king Ezana in 4th century at axum.
The Rock hewn churchs that we will visit today is the first group of churches and 3rd group included: Bete Medhani alem, Bete Mariam, BeteMeskel, Bete Denagl, Bete Gologota Michal and Bete Giworgis Accommodation at: Top Twelve Hotel
Morning Ceremony - Drive from Lalibela to Semera
Before your breakfast we will attend a colourful morning Church ceremony at one of Lalibela churches.
After breakfast, embark on the long drive to Semera. Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people.
Proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination and pass through the dramatic Landscapes – Semera.
Accommodation at: Hotel
Semera - Erta Ale (Volcano)
Drive to Dodom at the base of Erta Ale. This may be one of the worst road in the world.
The 80 km distance may take about 6 hours passing through changing landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand and the occasional palm lined oasis.
You pass several small hamlets scattered here and there in this desert land, before reaching Dodom. You will trek from Dodom to Erta Ale which takes about 3 hrs. Early dinner around 17:00 and trek up to Ert Ale at 20:00. Camels transport all the camping materials and some food, sleeping materials, mattresses and water, to the rim of the volcano, where we spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Erta Ale ranks one of the most alluring and physically challenging
Accommodation at: Camping At Erta Ale
Erta Ale - Hamed Ela
Waking up early for sunset and visit north crater, Descend from Erta Alearound 7:00am artale-dedom Leave back to Dodom you will reach latest at09:30 am at the camp, after breakfast time to relax. at 10:30 drive tohamad ela 100km,picnic lunch on the way on shed of palm tree,reach Hamad Ela 04:30, better village with a total population about 500people.
Accommodation at: camping at Hamed Ela.
Day 4 Hamedela – Semera
Morning tour Drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the
localities are mining salt. 1,200 km2 (460 sq mi) the Afar Depression is covered by salt, and salt Look the activity of breaking the salt from the ground, local people are cutting in to rectangular pieces and loading on camels.
You drive ahead to Dallol and visit the difference landscape formed by volcanic activity, Dallol + Lake Assal + salt canon, camel caravans, follow up camel caravans and Drive back to Hamedela and proceed to Semera. You can take the evenig flight to Addis abeba.
