Ethiopia Untamed

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Axum, the ancient capital of one of Africa’s greatest civilisations. At its height, the Kingdom of Axum was renowned for its monumental stone architecture, early coinage, and one of the earliest written scripts in sub-Saharan Africa. Today, the city remains a remarkable archaeological landscape where history, faith, and legend are closely intertwined.

Begin your exploration with visits to the Tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel, important royal burial sites reflecting Axum’s imperial legacy, before continuing to the Ezana Inscriptions, which commemorate King Ezana, the ruler who adopted Christianity in the 4th century and established Axum as one of the world’s earliest Christian kingdoms.

Continue to the traditional Bath of the Queen of Sheba (Mai Shum), a site closely associated with Ethiopian royal tradition and biblical legend, before visiting the iconic Northern Stelae Field. Here, towering granite obelisks mark ancient royal burial grounds and stand as enduring symbols of Axum’s engineering achievement and royal authority.

Conclude your sightseeing at the Church of St. Mary of Zion, one of Ethiopia’s holiest sites and traditionally believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. While access to the chapel housing the Ark is restricted, the church complex remains one of the country’s most significant pilgrimage destinations.

This afternoon, depart Axum and travel through the rugged northern highlands towards Gheralta, where dramatic sandstone mountains and ancient monasteries dominate the landscape. (B,D)

Overnight – Gheralta Lodge or similar

After breakfast this morning, set out to explore two of Gheralta’s hidden rock-hewn treasures. Begin with a scenic drive from Hawzien to the cliffs near Megab, followed by a gentle one-hour trek through farmland and a shaded riverbed to reach Mariam Papaseit.

At this hidden semi-monolithic church, meet the local priest who will open the sanctuary and reveal its remarkable collection of vibrant 17th-century murals. Admire the biblical scenes and the depiction of the 24 Elders of the Apocalypse while exploring the unique blend of carved stone and traditional architectural elements.

In the afternoon, continue to Giorgis Maikado (Giyorgis Maikado), one of the lesser-known yet highly rewarding rock-hewn churches of the Gheralta region. Easily accessible by a gentle walk through a scenic valley, this beautifully carved sandstone church offers impressive architecture, elegant pillars, arches, and a peaceful atmosphere that reflects Tigray’s rich religious heritage.

Return to your hotel. (B,D)

Overnight – Gheralta Lodge or similar

Depart the Gheralta Mountains this morning and travel through the dramatic landscapes of northern Ethiopia towards Mekele, where centuries of history are woven into the rugged sandstone escarpments.

En route, visit Abreha we Atsbeha, one of the most significant rock-hewn churches in the Tigray region. Believed to date from the 4th century, this remarkable sanctuary is carved into a towering sandstone cliff and is regarded as a masterpiece of Tigrayan ecclesiastical architecture. Inside, soaring cruciform pillars support the vast interior, while beautifully preserved 17th-century murals depict biblical scenes, saints, and centuries of Ethiopia’s enduring Christian tradition.

Continue to Mekele Airport for your scheduled flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, where the remainder of the evening is at leisure before continuing your journey to Lalibela tomorrow. (B,D)

Overnight – Ramada Addis or similar

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Lalibela, one of Africa’s most remarkable historical and spiritual destinations. Nestled within the rugged highlands of northern Ethiopia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its extraordinary rock-hewn churches, where history, architecture, and living faith have remained intertwined for centuries.

Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your lodge before beginning your exploration of Lalibela’s sacred church complex. Carved directly into the volcanic rock during the 12th century under the reign of King Lalibela, these remarkable churches remain active places of worship and are regarded among the world’s greatest architectural achievements.

This afternoon, explore part of the Northern Group of Churches, including Bete Medhane Alem, widely recognised as the largest monolithic church in the world. Connected by a network of narrow passageways, tunnels, and courtyards, the churches form a remarkable underground complex that continues to welcome pilgrims and worshippers from across Ethiopia. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon, with the remainder of the evening at leisure before continuing your exploration of Lalibela tomorrow. (B,D)

Overnight – Mezena Lodge or similar

Begin the day with an excursion to Asheton Mariam Monastery, dramatically perched high above Lalibela in the surrounding mountains. A scenic drive is followed by a rewarding hike along mountain trails and through rural villages, with sweeping views across the Ethiopian Highlands and the rock-hewn churches below.

Founded during the reign of King Lalibela, Asheton Mariam remains an active monastery and an important place of pilgrimage. Inside, discover a remarkable collection of ancient religious treasures, including beautifully illustrated manuscripts, processional crosses, and sacred artefacts that have been preserved for centuries.

Return to Lalibela this afternoon to explore the remaining churches within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex. Visit the iconic Bete Giyorgis, the most celebrated of Lalibela’s churches, carved in the shape of a perfect Greek cross and regarded as one of the finest examples of monolithic architecture in the world.

Continue through the network of tunnels, narrow passageways, and hidden courtyards that connect the churches, revealing the extraordinary engineering and spiritual vision behind this remarkable sacred city, often referred to as Ethiopia’s “New Jerusalem.” Return to your lodge for the evening. (B,D)

Overnight – Mezena Lodge or similar

Transfer to Lalibela Airport this morning for your scheduled flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax, explore at your own pace, or enjoy the facilities of your hotel. (B,D)

Overnight – Ramada Addis or similar

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Semera, gateway to the remote Afar Region. On arrival, begin your overland journey into one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth, where volcanic activity, salt deserts, and geothermal features have shaped a landscape unlike anywhere else.

Travel to Alalobed, home to a remarkable geothermal field of steaming pools, mineral deposits, and vivid colours. Visit the Alalobed Spouter, a near-constant geyser where water temperatures approach 97°C, creating a striking display of geothermal activity.

Continue towards Lake Afdera, as the landscape becomes increasingly arid and dramatic. Along the way, pass small oases where Afar pastoralists water their livestock and visit a traditional Afar village to gain insight into the customs and daily life of one of Ethiopia’s most resilient nomadic communities.

As you approach Lake Afdera, vast salt flats and evaporation ponds come into view, marking one of Ethiopia’s most important salt-producing regions. Arrive at your remote campsite beneath the palm trees beside the lake, where time permits to relax in the naturally heated mineral springs or enjoy a swim before dinner under the desert sky. (B,D)

Overnight – Camping at Lake Afdera

Depart Lake Afdera this morning and continue deeper into the Danakil Depression, travelling across one of the hottest and most remote landscapes on Earth. As the journey unfolds, volcanic plains, desert escarpments, and vast salt flats create an ever-changing panorama.

Arrive at Hamed Ela before continuing to Lake Assale, an immense salt lake that has sustained the Afar people for centuries. Here, witness the traditional extraction of salt using methods passed down through generations, as workers cut rectangular salt blocks by hand before loading them onto camel caravans for transport across the desert. Once prized as a form of currency, these salt bars remain an enduring symbol of the region’s history and trade. From Hamed Ela, travel under military escort, as required for journeys through this remote region of the Danakil.

Settle into your desert campsite for an unforgettable evening beneath the stars. (B,D) 

Overnight – Camping at Hamed Ela

Set out this morning for Dallol, one of the most extraordinary geological landscapes on Earth. Situated more than 100 metres below sea level, this remarkable geothermal field is renowned for its vividly coloured mineral deposits, steaming vents, bubbling pools, and salt formations in brilliant shades of yellow, green, orange, and red. Formed by volcanic activity and mineral-rich hot springs, Dallol is one of the most unique natural environments on the planet.

Explore the surrounding salt plains, where traditional Afar salt miners continue to harvest salt by hand and camel caravans transport their loads across the desert, preserving a trade that has endured for centuries.

After exploring Dallol, continue across ancient lava fields and the stark volcanic landscapes of the Danakil Depression to the base of Erta Ale, one of the world’s few continuously active shield volcanoes.

As evening falls, begin the trek to the summit of Erta Ale. At the crater rim, witness the remarkable spectacle of its active lava lake, where molten rock illuminates the night sky in one of the world’s most unforgettable volcanic landscapes. As volcanic activity changes over time, access to the main crater is always subject to current safety conditions. After your visit, descend to camp at a safe distance from the volcano for the night. (B,D)

Overnight – Camping at Erta Ale

Rise before dawn for a final visit to the summit of Erta Ale, where the early morning light offers another opportunity to observe the volcano’s active lava lake before beginning the descent.

After breakfast, depart the Danakil Depression and retrace your journey through the dramatic desert landscapes of the Afar Region, travelling via Lake Afdera before continuing to Semera Airport for your scheduled flight to Addis Ababa.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before enjoying a farewell dinner at one of the city’s traditional restaurants. Celebrate the conclusion of your journey with a selection of regional Ethiopian cuisine accompanied by music and dance performances representing the country’s diverse cultural traditions. If you wish, sample Tej, Ethiopia’s traditional honey wine, for a fitting final taste of the country’s rich heritage. (B,D)

Overnight – Ramada Addis or similar

This morning you will transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Addis. Upon arrival, connect to your onward international flight. (B)