The 7 Best Mekele Tours & Danakil Departures

1.Ethiopia Tigray Tours: Guided tour of Tigray rock hewn churches

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $41Our pick

Begin in Wukro with guide Haile Selassie, also known as Haileslassie, and travel by private vehicle to Tigray’s ancient churches. Visit Abreha and Atsbeha, then take the demanding climb to Maryam Korkor. The route can be adjusted to your time, budget, and interests.

“All was very good in the trip. We had a very nice experience. The places were amazing. Thank you to our guide.”

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2.Danakil 3 days tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $650

Spend three demanding days from Mekele exploring Erta Ale, Lake Afrera, Dallol, and Afar salt mines. You travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a guide, scout, and police support, sleep at outdoor camps, and eat all meals on the road. Lava activity can vary, and camel caravans are seasonal.

“We did a three days/ two nights tour in Danakil with a group. The tour itself was fantastic and the places more than impressive.”

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3.Two Days Tigray Churches Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $410

Spend two days exploring Tigray’s cliff churches with a private air-conditioned vehicle, local guides, and one night in Hawzen. Visit Debre Damo, pass through historic Adwa, then climb to Abuna Yemata Guh, Maryam Korkor, and Daniel Korkor. The church climbs require good fitness and a steady head for heights.

“Ho fatto questo tour con un amica,pensavo che potessero essere una bella esperienza ed invece ha superato di tantissimo le mie aspettative! Un posto fantastico che consiglio a tutti! Con ETT ho fatto due tour e ci siamo trovate benissimo! Consiglio a tutti di vivere questa bella esperienza e di farla con professionalità!”

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4.Tigray: Gheralta Mountains 2-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2 days · from $300

Spend two days in Tigray with an English-speaking guide, private 4WD transport, and visits to Abune Yemata Guh and Debre Mariam Korkor. Guides Yosef and driver Awet have led guests through steep hikes, ancient frescoes, wide mountain views, and local community visits.

“with in 2 days I have had lots of experience. hiking, visiting stunning landscape with old rock hewn church. plus we visited local community.”

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5.3 days tour Danakil Depression (Dallol & Erta Ale)

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · from $500

Travel from Mekelle into the Afar Region with Magma Flow Tours on a three-day, two-night trip to Erta Ale, Dallol, Lake Asale and Afdera. Expect 4WD transport, local security support, cooked meals, basic outdoor sleeping, extreme heat and a group of up to 12 people.

“Family of 6 did a 3 day, 2 night tour in Danakil Depression. The region is stunning but before getting there we were worried about the basic accommodation/ infrastructure (e.g. sleeping on mattresses under the stars and lack of toilets) siRead more”

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6.2 Days Dallol Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $307

Travel from Mekele into the Danakil Depression with a local guide, driver, camping gear, meals, water, and police and scout support. Visit Dallol’s acidic springs, Lake Assal, salt mines, and camel caravans, with an overnight stay at Hamad Ela.

“we Did 2 Days Dallol Tour. It was so Magical and Unbelievable Tour ever. we saw The sulpheric place and The camel caravans and Also The Salt Lake. The drivers and Guides were Very Professional and helpful.”

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7.2 days Tigray Church

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $129

From Mekele, Ashenafi and Gebre arrange a two-day visit to Tigray’s cliff churches and Gheralta scenery. You’ll hike to Maryam Korkor, Daniel Korkor, and Abune Yemata Guh, then rise 300 to 500 meters by hot-air balloon for sunrise. Expect steep climbs, narrow ledges, transport, breakfast, guides, and entrance fees.

“I did the trip with Ethio Travel and Tours just after the rainy season. It is grean and scenic. Thanks”

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