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Ethiopia

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 – Fri, 28 Nov 2025

8 Days 7 Nights

About this expedition

Get ready for an unforgettable Expedition through one of the most extraordinary regions on Earth! This adventure will take you deep into Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression, where we’ll witness the raw power of Erta Ale’s lava lake and the otherworldly landscapes of Dallol. We’ll explore ancient rock-hewn churches, uncover the rich history of Axum, and experience the great highlight of Lalibela’s awe-inspiring rock churches. From surreal salt flats to towering stelae, from breathtaking mountain hikes to vibrant local culture, this trip promises a perfect mix of adventure, history, and stunning scenery.

And as always, the most fun family you could hope to share these memories with!

Itinerary

Day 1: Danakil & Erta Ale Volcano

  • Our expedition starts early in the morning with a flight to Semera/Mekele. We recommend arriving in Addis Ababa the day before. From here, we will drive towards Erta Ale Volcano, stopping at Lake Afdera, a salt lake in the Danakil Depression. Then, we will continue to the Dodom campsite at the foot of Erta Ale (Smoking Mountain) Volcano.
  • Overnight: Open-air camping.

Day 2: Erta Ale Volcano & Dallol

  • We start the day with a sunrise hike to the lava lake, followed by a visit to the Dallol Depression, a surreal landscape of vibrant mineral formations and salt flats. Later, we will head to Lake Karum to witness a stunning sunset over the salt flats.
  • Overnight: Open-air camping at Ahmedela.

Day 3: Dallol & Mekele

  • We'll have an early start today as we descend to one of the lowest points on the planet, Dallol. We will explore the colourful salt formations and geothermal landscapes, then visit a traditional salt mining site, where the Afar people extract salt slabs by hand. There might also be a chance to see the Afar camel caravans that navigate this inhospitable place. Afterward, we will drive to Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region.
  • Overnight: Hotel in Mekele.

Day 4: Hawzen – Rock-Hewn Churches

  • Today, we will travel to Gheralta, a region renowned for its rock-hewn churches and breathtaking landscapes. We will visit Abrha We Atsbha Church, an ancient architectural masterpiece. In the afternoon, we will take a short hike to Abune Yemata Church, which involves climbing roughly 500 m in altitude. The interior of the church, reached via a narrow rock crevice, is known for its extensive and perfectly preserved wall and ceiling murals.
  • Overnight: Hotel/Lodge in Gheralta.

Day 5: Axum

  • Early in the morning, we will depart for Axum, traveling through scenic countryside to Yeha, Ethiopia's first city, which dates back more than 2,800 years. We will visit the remains of the temple dedicated to Ilmuqeh, the Moon God. Then, we will arrive in Axum, believed to be the birthplace of the Queen of Sheba. This 3,000-year-old city once served as the capital of a powerful empire that stretched from Sudan’s Nile region across the Red Sea to Yemen. We will explore the Axum stelae field, ancient palaces, and the Ark of the Covenant Chapel.
  • Overnight: Hotel in Axum.

Day 6: Axum & Addis Ababa

  • In the morning, we will visit Axum’s key sites, including the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. Then, we will take a flight to Addis Ababa and enjoy a short city tour in the afternoon and evening.
  • Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Day 7: The Rock Churches of Lalibela

  • Today, we will fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart, and visit one of the highlights of this expedition: the first group of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and Bet Giyorgis, known for their intricate carvings and historical significance.
  • Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.

Day 8: Lalibela & Fly Out

  • We will start early in the morning to visit the second group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, such as Bete Emanuel and Bete Abba Libanos. In the afternoon, we will return to Addis Ababa before the saddest part of any expedition: flying out of Ethiopia and heading back home!
  • Departure.

What's included

  • Accomodation — Shared twin room in 3 -star hotel (in cities), lodge and Open Air camps in Danakil Depression.
  • Four Domestic Flights — 4 domestic Flights: Addis Ababa to Semera/Mekle; Axum to Addis Ababa; return ticket Addis Ababa to Lalibela.
  • Guides — Expert local guide and fixer.
  • Transport — Private vehicles, fuel and drivers
  • Food — Meals are included on the camps (Danakil Depresion) except when indicated.

Things to know

HOW DO I GET A VISA FOR ETHIOPIA?

Most nationalities can apply for an Ethiopian e-Visa. Please check if your passport nationality is eligible.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET THERE?

We will fly in and out of Addis Ababa, which is a hub in Eastern Africa, connecting many cities with Ethiopian Airlines.. Wander Expedition doesn't book flights for you and is ultimately not responsible for your flight connection, but we can offer guidance and support when you research the best options for you.

IS ETHIOPIA SAFE?

We will be accompanied by a local crew at all times, which will help us interact with locals and have the best possible experience.

WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?

The Ethiopia Expedition is perfect if you are looking for an adventure and creating stories with a powerful human connection and photogenic landscapes.

WHAT IS THE PRICE?

Wander Expeditions is not a traditional travel agency where the first to pay is the first to go. We take you to stunning destinations, but we know the people you share it with is even more important when you travel. That’s why we have a refined selection process where we filter and vet candidates to ensure that groups are fun, balanced, diverse and interesting! We make sure candidates are on the same page and share our values of being fun, flexible and fearless, so we can guarantee everyone will have an amazing experience. We create travel families, so #trusttheprocess. Halfway through our process, we share the price with all pre-selected applicants. It only takes 5 min to apply, so you literally have nothing to lose! What are you waiting for to join the Wander Fam?

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About us

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Experience unforgettable group trips with Wander Expeditions! Discover unique destinations while forming lasting connections. Our curated travel families ensure a fun, flexible, and fearless adventure for all.

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