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9 days-itinerary Ertale and Danakil depression Ethiopia|Lungo local tour Ethiopia

Lungo local tour Ethiopia

Summary: Ethiopia adventure tour

Duration: 9 days 8 night.

Day 1

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport terminal2 outside the airport yellow taxi parking area between 7:15 AM and 8:15 AM , meet with Lungo finish the rest of payment and then 5 minute walk to terminal1  then 9:00 Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines and head to your hotel for check in to Rahnile hotel  Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and visit ancient island monasteries. Overnight abay Minch hotel- Bahar Dar

Day 2

Bahar Dar – Gondar

Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty African Empire.  Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels.

Overnight at  – Gondar

Day 3

Gondar – Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines.  Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago.  This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.

Overnightwith spectacular view at panaromic view  Hotel – Lalibela

Day 4

According to your request it possible to be at Lalibela to attend Sunday mass in the morning with the locals- then Fly to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years.  Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum.  Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.

Overnight ase armaha Hotel – Axum

Day 5

Fly to mekele on Ethiopian Airlines then Drive to Hamedela via Berhale. The Danakil Depression can be said to ‘begin’ here. It is one of the most inhospitable regions of the world, but is nonetheless spectacular, full of eye-catching colors, as in the sulphur springs. The desert has several points lying more than 100 meters (328 ft) below sea level. You pass through a small town of Berhale where the camel caravans stop before they proceed to the northern highlands. En route you see many long caravans going to the salt mines and others coming out of the Danakil with their salt loaded camels. (3-4 hrs drive)

Over night Camp at Hamedela.

Day 6

Hamd Ela – Dodom

We start early, shortly after a 06:30 breakfast, and drive to Askoma at the base of new Erta Ale. The 80 km distance may take about 6 hrs 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 Askoma village or parking area.  You will trek from Askoma to the new Erta Ale which takes about 4 hrs. Early dinner around 17:00 and trek up to the new Erta Ale reach around 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. New Erta Ale ranks one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and 1km square caldera at its summit. New Erta Ale is part of the world’s only permanent lava lake and you will spend an unforgettable night on the top of the mountain. The magma flow moved 3.5 kms south from old Erta Ale to the New eruption point. Overnight camp

Day 7

Sunrise at the volcano and Lake Afdera Early morning you will rise with the sun with time to walk around pits and craters. The main pit-crater, 200 m deep and 350 m across, is sub-circular and three storied. The smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. You will leave around 7:00 to head back to Askoma for breakfast. You will reach latest at 10:30 am at the camp and after some time to relax you will drive to Lake Afdera  the mythical Lake Giulietti (or lake Afrera), a salt water lake located more than100 meters below sea level, in one of the deepest depressions of the planet. Because of the picturesque landscape, it is interesting to visit the salt flats where the Afar people obtain the salt by evaporating the water of the lake. On continue to Hamad Ela, a village with a total population about 500 people. Over night camping at Hamed Ela.

Day 8

Morning driving tour to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the salts are mined. Observe the breaking of the salt from the ground, cutting into rectangular pieces and loading on camels. You drive ahead to Dallol and visit the difference landscape formed by volcanic activity, Dallol + Lake Assal + camel caravans. Excursion to Dallol (116 meter below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world) colorful salts mining, visit Lake Assal, follow up camel caravans and walk with the Afar people. Then drive to mekele.

Over night planet hotel

Day 9

Arrival & City Tour.

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, meet with lungo and. Site seeing activity of Addis ababa including the national museum- the final resting place for “Lucy”, visit also th Trinity Cathedral, Entoto Panoramic view and the oldest Palace of Menelik II. Finally visit the different section of Merkato-the largest open air market in Africa. And then transfer to the airport at 6:00 PM ……..END TOUR…

Itinerary Overview

Experience the rich history, diverse cultures, and dramatic landscapes of Eastern Ethiopia on an unforgettable journey through one of the country’s most fascinating regions. Explore the ancient walled city of Harar, the colorful markets, traditional villages, the spectacular landscapes of the Awash Valley, and the breathtaking natural wonders of the Danakil Depression, including Dallol and Erta Ale Volcano.

 

This tour combines cultural heritage, history, wildlife, adventure, and unique geological attractions, offering an authentic Ethiopian travel experience. Guided by experienced local professionals, you’ll discover centuries-old traditions, remarkable architecture, vibrant communities, and some of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.

Tour Information

What’s Included

  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Private 4WD vehicle or comfortable tourist vehicle (depending on the itinerary)
  • Experienced driver
  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water during road journeys
  • Entrance fees to all listed attractions
  • Local guides where required
  • Police escort and security arrangements where required
  • Camping equipment and camping fees for Erta Ale and Danakil itineraries
  • Government taxes and service charges

What’s Excluded

  • International and domestic flights (unless specified)
  • Ethiopian visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Laundry services
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Camera or video fees where applicable
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Dress Code

Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for warm and hot climates. Wear comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and carry a light jacket for cooler evenings in Harar.

Accommodation

Accommodation includes carefully selected hotels, lodges, guesthouses, or camping during Danakil and Erta Ale expeditions, depending on the itinerary.

Weather Conditions

Eastern Ethiopia experiences warm to extremely hot temperatures. Harar enjoys a mild highland climate, while Awash, Dallol, and Erta Ale are among the hottest places on Earth, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to over 45°C.

Tour Starting Point

The tour begins in Addis Ababa or another agreed starting location, depending on the itinerary.

Tour End

The tour concludes in Addis Ababa or another designated destination as outlined in the itinerary.

Camping

Camping equipment, mattresses, tents, and support staff are provided for tours to Erta Ale Volcano and selected Danakil Depression expeditions.

Meals

Breakfast is included daily. Lunches and dinners are provided where specified in the itinerary.

Photography

Photography is permitted at most attractions. Some locations may charge separate camera or video fees, payable where applicable.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Eastern Ethiopia is October to March, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for sightseeing and adventure activities.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions, dress modestly when visiting religious and cultural sites, ask permission before photographing people, and help preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the region by traveling responsibly.

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‎Thank you for your interest in Lungo Local Ethiopia & Tour Services Plc. We are passionate about creating unforgettable journeys that showcase Ethiopia’s rich history, diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife.

‎Whether you are planning a private tour, group holiday, photography expedition, trekking adventure, birdwatching tour, cultural experience, or business trip, our experienced local team is here to help. We will work with you to design a personalized itinerary that matches your interests, travel style, and budget.

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