Wild Northern Ethiopia
Trekking, Churches and Remote Deserts – Wild Ethiopia
This route allows visitors to see some of the most extraordinary landscapes that Ethiopia has to offer.
When chatting about new trips to offer through Ethiopia, our experts Ben, Marc and Peter wanted to focus on their favourite elements of the country, the amazing trekking, historic Churches of Lalibela and the stunning Danakil Depression – one of the remotest, most inhospitable yet strangely alluring spots on Earth.
Peter’s love of the unusual naturally draws him to the Danakil Depression, which he describes as “an other-worldly landscape, unmatched for dramatic scenery, vibrant colours and hardy Afar tribespeople who mine salt from Lake Abay”. Ben’s natural affinity to be active means he heartily endorses the TESFA Trekking element of this trip which allows visitors to see some truly incredible landscape and contribute to remote local communities along the way. The incredible rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are a personal favourite of Marc’s and have drawn him back to Ethiopia time and time again.
Starting off with an overnight flight to Addis Ababa you will spend your first night in the Ethiopian capital, enjoying a tour of this bustling, modern city which is evolving day-by-day. The following morning you will fly up to Lalibela where you will be met and transferred in to mountains outside of the city, an area known as Wollo. Spend three nights trekking through these stunning mountains, sleeping in community-built camps along the rim of the mountain escarpment and learn about the lives of these remote villagers through the interpretation of your guide. Once the trekking is done you will be driven down to Lalibela where you will be spending 2 nights as the base for exploring the rock-hewn churches that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Lalibela you will continue by road to Mekelle, the jumping-off point for your trip in to the foreboding but beautiful Danakil Depression. Two nights exploring here will allow a night camping on the rim of the active volcano at Erta Ale and the staggering Dallol sulphur springs. A night back in Mekelle will allow for some time to relax before flying back to Addis Ababa late in the evening, connecting on to your flight back to London.
Highlights
- Exploring the Merkato – Africa’s largest open-air market
- 3 nights trekking through Ethiopia with our partners at TESFA Trekking and Tours
- Walking through the beautiful Wollo region with its stunning views
- Visit the spectacular cave Monastery at Yemerehanna Kristos
- Explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela – 13 in total
- Experience Danakil Depression, one of the most remote and inhospitable regions on Earth
- Camping on the rim of a volcano
This wonderful adventure allows you to see the best of what Ethiopia has to offer – mesmerising scenery, challenging but exciting walking, riveting history and the chance to spend time with some of the friendliest and most engaging people you could ever wish to meet. A true adventure and one not to be missed.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Your adventure begins
Day 2 - Exploring Addis Ababa
Day 3 - These boots were made for walking
Day 4 - Exploring Ethiopia on foot
Day 5 - Walking the Wollo region
Day 6 - Cave Monastery at Yemerehanna Kristos
Day 7 - The rock churches of Lalibela
Day 8 - Ethiopian road trip
Day 9 - Sunset at Erta Ale
Day 10 - Volcano camping
Day 11 - Camel trains and salts of Lake Afera
Day 12 - Return back to the UK with a plethora of memories
Ali
I created this trip - call me to create yours.