Day 1 – Drive from Mekelle to Giant Sycamore Tree Camp

Depart from Mekelle and drive approximately two hours to the Giant Sycamore Tree camp area. En route, visit the impressive Abuna Abraham Rock Church, which requires a rewarding climb to reach. The views inside and outside the church make the excursion truly worthwhile.

In the evening, camp under the largest sycamore tree in the region — a beautiful natural site where many exotic local birds gather to nest in its branches.

Walking time: Approximately 5 hours

Day 2 – Sycamore Tree to Agoza Camp

Today’s trek leads toward Agoza village. On the way, climb Mount Kemmer, the highest peak in the Gheralta Range, offering breathtaking 360° views over the surrounding mountains and the desert plateau of Tigray.

Along the route, visit a small rock hermitage carved into the mountainside before reaching Agoza village. Camp in the grounds of the local school and enjoy time interacting with friendly villagers.

Walking time: Approximately 7 hours

Day 3 – Agoza to Koraro Camp

Hike to the remarkable Abuna Gebre Michael Rock Church, carved deep into the mountainside and decorated with magnificent frescoes. After exploring the church, follow a local priest through a narrow natural rock passage leading to the campsite.

The campsite is set beside an enormous natural cave with a sandy floor — perfect for tents. In the evening, celebrate with a barbecue, local beer, a campfire, and traditional dancing.

Walking time: Approximately 5 hours

Day 4 – Koraro to Mariam Korkor

Drive from Koraro to visit the world-renowned Abuna Yemata Rock Church, followed by Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor Rock Churches — among the oldest and finest rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia.

The climb to Abuna Yemata involves simple rope and harness assistance at one point. Afterward, continue trekking to Mariam Korkor. Overnight camping with monks on top of the mountain.

Day 5 – Drive to Erta Ale Volcano

After sunrise, trek down from the mountain and drive to Erta Ale, meaning “Smoky Mountain” in the Afar language. Erta Ale is one of Ethiopia’s most dramatic natural attractions — a shield volcano with a 30 km base diameter and a 1 km-wide summit caldera.

It is home to the world’s only permanent lava lake, one of only five lava lakes on Earth. The volcano stands at 613 meters and has hosted continuous lava activity since the early 20th century.

Dinner is served around 17:00. After a short rest, begin the night trek at 20:00. Camels transport camping equipment, water, and sleeping materials to the crater rim, where you will spend the night watching the spectacular boiling lava.

Overnight: Camping at the rim of Erta Ale Volcano

Day 6 – Erta Ale to Hamedela

Early morning sunrise at the main pit crater, followed by a short walk to view the southern and central pits. The main crater is approximately 200 meters deep and 350 meters across.

Descend from Erta Ale around 09:00 and return to Dodom camp for breakfast and rest. Later, drive to Lake Giulietti (Lake Afrera), a saltwater lake located more than 100 meters below sea level (optional depending on season).

Visit the salt flats where Afar people extract salt by evaporating lake water, then continue to Hamedela for overnight.

Day 7 – Danakil Depression to Mekelle

Morning drive to Ragad (Asebo), where local workers mine salt. Observe the process of breaking salt blocks, shaping them into rectangles, and loading them onto camels.

Continue to Dallol to explore its surreal volcanic landscapes, colorful salt formations, Lake Assal, and camel caravans (caravans may not operate in July–early September). Walk with Afar communities and experience their unique way of life.

Drive back to Hamedela and proceed to Semera or Mekelle for your flight to Addis Ababa.

End of Tour

Flight to Addis Ababa – End of Services.