Addis Ababa in 5 Days for Friends - Night at the Erta Ale lava lake (camping on the volcano rim)
In Collaboration with Vowland Ethiopia tour . Updated on February 13, 2026.
5-day guided adventure from Addis Ababa to the Danakil Depression (Erta Ale, Dallol, Lake Afdera) and Tigray's Geralta rock-hewn churches including Abune/Abuna Yemata Guh. Includes domestic flights, 4x4 transport in Danakil, camping at Erta Ale and Lake Afdera, local guides, entrance fees and daily bottled water.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Vowland Ethiopia tour , inspired by the tour Danakil Depression Tigray Rock Hewn Churches 5 Days Tour . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Night at the Erta Ale lava lake (camping on the volcano rim)
- Dallol hydrothermal fields and salt canyon landscapes
- Salt caravan and Lake Afdera sunrise
- Climb to Abune/Abuna Yemata Guh rock church in the Geralta Mountains
- Cultural stops in Addis Ababa (National Museum, Entoto, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Merkato)
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa, city tour (National Museum, Mount Entoto, Holy Trinity Cathedral) and transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Arrival — Meet at Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)
Meet your representative at arrivals. Transfer to hotel and short refresh before the afternoon city tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Have passport and e‑visa (if required) ready for the driver to copy for airport pickup.
- Expect a banner with your name at international arrivals; allow 30–45 minutes for immigration and baggage.
- Carry a small daypack with sunscreen, sunglasses and any medication — luggage will be transported separately to the hotel.
National Museum of Ethiopia — guided visit (Lucy and Ethiopian collection)
Guided visit to the National Museum to see paleontological and cultural exhibits.
Tips from local experts:
- Photography of exhibits is allowed in public galleries — keep flash off for sensitive artifacts.
- Carry a light jacket; museum interiors are climate controlled and can feel cool after outside heat.
- Bathrooms and a small museum shop are available on site; allocate 60–90 minutes.
Mount Entoto viewpoint (Entoto Maryam Church area)
Drive up to Mount Entoto for panoramic views over Addis Ababa and a brief visit to the historic Entoto Maryam church area.
Tips from local experts:
- Road to Entoto is paved but cool and windy at higher altitude — bring a light layer.
- Altitude is higher than central Addis; take it easy on steep walking and drink water.
- The viewpoint has limited shade; mornings are best for clearer views and fewer visitors.
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Addis Ababa)
Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, burial place of Emperor Haile Selassie and an important modern religious site.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress respectfully: shoulders and knees should be covered inside the cathedral.
- Allow time to view memorials and the small cemetery grounds — photography inside may be restricted.
- Short walk from the parking area to the main church; seating and shade are available.
Merkato — Africa's large open-air market (guided exploration)
Explore Merkato’s streets, handicraft stalls and spice vendors with your local guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep valuables secured and use a money belt; the market is busy and narrow in places.
- Carry small local currency notes for purchases; vendors expect cash.
- Wear comfortable shoes and agree prices before purchasing; allow 60–90 minutes for a useful visit.
Hotel check‑in — Best Western Plus (Addis Ababa)
Transfer and overnight at Best Western Plus — time to rest before early domestic flights the next day.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm early wake-up and luggage handling for the Danakil departure the next morning with reception.
- Request an early breakfast if you have a domestic flight; domestic flights often depart early.
- Keep one change of clothes and essential toiletries with you in your daypack for the next-day transfer.
Day 2
Domestic flight to Semera then overland transfer into the Danakil Depression: Lake Afdera area and onward to Dodom/Erta Ale for evening trek and camping at the volcano rim.
Domestic flight: Addis Ababa to Semera (airport transfer & check-in)
Early transfer to Addis Ababa domestic terminal for flight to Semera. Meet driver on arrival in Semera for onward 4x4 transfer into Afar.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring printed or mobile domestic flight details and ID to expedite check-in.
- Domestic flights may have strict luggage limits; pack essentials and valuables in your carry-on.
- Expect security checks at the domestic terminal; arrive 60–90 minutes before departure.
Drive Semera → Lake Afdera (4x4 overland)
Drive into the Danakil Depression toward Lake Afdera; stops en route for short breaks. Expect desert roads and checkpoints; local scout/police accompany the group.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry sun protection, a hat and sunglasses — the Danakil sun is intense and reflected off salt flats.
- Keep personal medications and a refillable water bottle in your daypack; bottled water is provided daily.
- Mobile signal is unreliable in Danakil; coordinate meeting points with your guide before leaving towns.
Dodom base and trek to Erta Ale — camel support for camp logistics
Arrive at Dodom base; after lunch begin the 1‑hour trek (approx.) to the Erta Ale rim. Camels will carry camping materials; guests carry small daypacks.
Tips from local experts:
- Trekking to Erta Ale is on loose volcanic terrain — wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a headlamp for early/late movement.
- Temperatures drop after sunset; bring a warm layer for the night at campsite.
- Follow guide and scout instructions closely near the volcano rim; maintain safe distances from active lava features.
Camp on Erta Ale rim — evening observation of lava lake
Early dinner at camp; overnight in simple camp (light mattress/mat provided). Observe the lava lake activity from a safe, guided viewpoint.
Tips from local experts:
- Camping facilities are basic: expect a mattress, mat and shared facilities; bring a small sleeping bag liner for comfort.
- Carry extra batteries/power bank — there is no charging at the camp site.
- Keep a water bottle to hand and avoid open flames near the camp area; follow the guide's safety briefing before night viewing.
Day 3
Drive from Erta Ale to Hamad Ela, visit salt-mining sites, Dallol hydrothermal fields, and return to Lake Afdera for camping and sunset.
Drive to Hamad Ela and visit Lake Assale / salt caravan viewpoints
After breakfast depart for Hamad Ela, observe camel caravans and salt-extraction activity on the salt flats and Lake Assale views.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear closed shoes for salt-flat walks; salt is sharp and can damage sandals.
- Bring a bandana or scarf to protect against salt-dust and wind gusts.
- Respect local miners and camel drivers; ask permission before photographing people closely.
Visit Dallol hydrothermal fields and salt canyon
Explore the colorful hydrothermal deposits, acidic springs and unusual mineral formations in the Dallol area with your guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Dallol ground can be fragile and hot; stay on paths and follow the guide for safe viewpoints.
- Carry sun protection and drink frequently — heat is extreme during daylight hours.
- Do not attempt to enter hot springs or unstable ground; decorative pools are acidic and dangerous.
Drive to Lake Afdera — afternoon and sunset
Return drive toward Lake Afdera. Prepare for evening camp; optional short swim in hot springs where safe.
Tips from local experts:
- If attempting to swim in hot springs, check with the guide first — they will confirm safe locations.
- Evenings at Afdera can be windy and dusty; pack a windproof layer and keep belongings in dry bags.
- Charge devices when possible in town before entering remote camping zones; power is limited while camping.
Camp at Lake Afdera — overnight
Set up camp near the lake; dinner and rest. Overnight in simple lakeside camp.
Tips from local experts:
- Camping at Afdera is simple; bring a sleeping liner and any personal comfort items.
- Expect basic sanitation facilities; follow staff directions for nighttime use.
- Keep water accessible and avoid drinking untreated lake water; bottled water is provided daily.
Day 4
Drive from Afdera to Mekelle (long overland transfer) and afternoon climb in the Geralta Mountains to Abune/Abuna Yemata Guh rock-hewn church; overnight Hawzen/Mek'ele area.
Drive Afdera → Mekelle (long overland transfer)
Early breakfast and departure for the drive to Mekelle. Expect multiple stops and a border of Tigray region checkpoints en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Long drive: bring snacks, water and any seasickness/comfort meds; mobile charging is limited on the road.
- Carry a light daypack for the Abune Yemata climb so main luggage stays in the vehicle.
- Inform the guide of any mobility concerns — parts of the Geralta approach involve steep stairs and exposed ledges.
Climb to Abune/Abuna Yemata Guh (Geralta Mountains)
Afternoon climb to the cliff-side rock church of Abuna Yemata Guh. The ascent includes ladders/ropes and narrow ledges; guided assistance provided.
Tips from local experts:
- This climb is exposed and steep — wear good hiking shoes and comfortable, modest clothing for church entry.
- Carry minimal items (water, camera, small snack) on the climb; larger bags stay with the vehicle.
- Not recommended for those with a fear of heights or limited mobility; follow the guide and local attendants for rope/lift assistance.
Overnight — Hawzien area hotel (Hawzen / Mek'ele region)
Transfer to Hawzien hotel for overnight (time to shower and rest after the climb).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm a packed breakfast the evening before if you have an early transfer the next day.
- Hotel amenities are modest; request assistance with laundry/luggage if needed after remote camping.
- Keep copies of entrance confirmations for the rock church if provided by the guide.
Day 5
Drive Hawzen to Mekelle, flight to Addis Ababa, afternoon shopping, brief hotel stop for luggage and farewell cultural dinner before international departure from Bole Airport.
Drive Hawzen → Mekelle (transfer to Mekelle airport)
Morning drive (approx. 2 hours) to Mekelle for domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Short stops for rest and snacks as needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your domestic flight time and arrive at Mekelle airport with recommended check-in time.
- Keep a small bag with essentials for the flight and arrival in Addis (documents, medications).
- Expect security checks at regional airports; leave extra time for boarding.
Flight Mekelle → Addis Ababa; transfer to city for lunch and shopping
Domestic flight to Addis. On arrival enjoy lunch and time for shopping in Addis Ababa before hotel rest and evening program.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow time for domestic arrivals and transfer to the city — traffic to central Addis can add 30–60 minutes.
- For shopping, keep receipts with you; choose reputable shops in Addis for handicrafts.
- Store larger luggage at the hotel reception if you have a later international flight; confirm short‑stay access with the guide.
Short hotel stay for luggage & freshen up — Best Western Plus Pearl
Hotel stop to prepare luggage and freshen up before the farewell dinner and airport transfer.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm how long you can keep a room or luggage storage at reception to match your flight time.
- Collect all travel documents and ensure checked baggage is ready for the international departure.
- Request a quick invoice/receipt if you need proof of stay for onward travel; keep a printed copy of your return flight itinerary.
Farewell dinner — Ethiopian cultural restaurant
Group farewell dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine and cultural presentation (dinner in Addis Ababa before airport transfer).
Tips from local experts:
- If you have dietary restrictions, notify the guide in advance; some traditional dishes include spiced stews and injera.
- Prepare small bills for optional tips for the restaurant performers or staff.
- Expect the dinner to last 60–90 minutes; plan luggage collection and transfer timing with your guide after the meal.
Transfer to Bole International Airport — international departure
After dinner transfer to Bole International Airport for your outbound international flight. Driver will escort you to departures and assist with luggage loading.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep passport and boarding pass ready; international check-in typically requires arrival 2–3 hours before flight.
- Double-check that you have all personal items from the hotel and that your baggage is secured.
- If you need assistance with airport formalities, ask your guide or driver for help before arrival at the terminal.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 5 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 8 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 14 |
| Total Places | 22 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Culture, Neighborhood, Hotel, Outdoor, Experience, Meal |
