Sacred Abyssinia: between volcanoes, churches and mythical festivals
In summary
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Sports
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Duration14 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAfrica / Ethiopia
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions3517.69 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the heart of a mystical and wild Ethiopia on a journey of rare intensity. Depending on your departure date, you will have the privilege of experiencing the rhythms of Timket , the Feast of Mary of Zion , or Palm Sunday . These Orthodox Christian celebrations, among the most fervent in the world, form the spiritual thread of this adventure.
Departing from Addis Ababa, the journey begins with the wildlife of the savannas in Awash National Park and the Aledeghi Reserve . Then, prepare for the visual shock of the Danakil Desert . Between the acidic concretions of Dallol , the salt lake of Afdera , and the red glow of the Erta Ale volcano, you'll traverse otherworldly landscapes, encountering the nomadic Afar people.
The scenery changes dramatically on the high plateaus of Tigray . A multi-day hike takes you to the foot of the Gheralta massif, where spectacular cave churches defy the laws of gravity, nestled in the hollows of vertiginous cliffs.
The journey ends in Axum , the ancient capital of the Axumite kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between its giant stelae, its tombs, and the mystery of the Ark of the Covenant , this legendary city seals a magnificent journey, a perfect balance between raw nature, millennia-old history, and cultural fervor .
The highlights
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Participating in a major Orthodox religious festival: Timket, Hidar Maryam or Hosanna
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The Danakil Desert, one of the most extreme environments on the planet
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Discovering Dallol: acidic springs, salt formations and surreal landscapes
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
You are experiencing an adventure in the most remote lands on the planet...
It is a journey of discovery, easy physically, but which requires psychological adaptation to remoteness as well as physical adaptation to more rustic travel conditions.
It is important to note that this part of Ethiopia is quite inhospitable (between the Erta Ale volcano and the Danakyl desert), so the circuit does not have any particular difficulties, but the accommodation conditions (bivouac on the edge of the Erta Ale volcano) and the long travel times can make this trip more difficult.
It is for all these reasons that this circuit is considered level 2.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average daily elevation gain: 225 m
- Average daily descent: 225 m
Management
French
Program
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Flight to Ethiopia
- Transportation Plane - 07h30 - 5582km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Night flight Paris / Addis Ababa.Day 1 -
Visit to Addis Ababa
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Upon arrival, we are greeted by our French-speaking Ethiopian tour guide.* Depending on the arrival time, breakfast is planned in the city, followed by a tour of Addis Ababa. We then set off to explore the Entoto Hills, which rise to 3,200 meters. The walk, in the shade of eucalyptus trees, offers a peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views of the capital. We continue with a visit to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where the last emperor, Haile Selassie, is buried. Then, we visit the National Museum, which notably houses the famous remains of Lucy, who is over 3.2 million years old. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. *Entry into the international arrivals area of Addis Ababa Airport is no longer permitted for those meeting passengers. After collecting your luggage, please exit the airport terminal and walk 50 meters down the trolley ramp to the parking lot and taxi rank. Stop in front of the taxis; your guide will be waiting for you there with an "Atalante" sign.Day 2 -
Addis Ababa – Awash National Park – Doho
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 300km
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early departure takes you towards the Awash region, located east of the Ethiopian Rift Valley. The road gradually descends before crossing landscapes of volcanic fields covered with sparse vegetation. Along the way, you'll encounter the Kereyou, a semi-nomadic people recognizable by their voluminous traditional headdresses, often accompanied by their herds of camels. In the afternoon, enjoy a safari in Awash National Park: observe the wildlife (oryx, kudu, warthogs, baboons, etc.), immerse yourself in a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, and hike to the impressive Awash Falls, where the river plunges into a spectacular gorge bordered by basalt cliffs. Check in to Doho Lodge (or similar), charming accommodation situated on the banks of the Awash River, in the heart of a peaceful natural environment.Day 3 -
Fauna of Aledeghi – Semera
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 300km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we depart for a safari in the Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve, a vast semi-desert expanse home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife. With a bit of luck, we might spot elegant gazelles, long-necked gerenuks, majestic oryx, and burrowing warthogs. This morning excursion will immerse us in the heart of a unique ecosystem, between arid savannah and volcanic landscapes. We then take the long drive towards Semera, the capital of the Afar region and the starting point for exploring the Danakil Depression.Day 4 -
Semera – Lake Afdera – Erta Ale volcano
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 500km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off towards Lake Afdera and slowly approach the Danakil Desert... The landscape gradually transforms: drier, harsher, but still hilly. We reach the salt lake Afdera, a vast expanse of approximately 100 km² located 103 meters below sea level. Fed by underground rivers with no outlet, the lake has an exceptionally high salt concentration. We continue to the base of the Erta Ale volcano. After a short break, we begin the short ascent to the crater rim, which takes about an hour to walk. Erta Ale, rising to 613 meters, is considered one of Ethiopia's most fascinating natural attractions.Day 5 -
Erta Ale – Dallol Depression
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 198km
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early start to enjoy the caldera at sunrise. After breakfast, we set off on a bumpy road through the lava desert to reach the Dallol Depression. Dallol lies 116 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. This vast, desolate area is known for its curious geological formations: acidic hot springs, sulfur mountains, salt columns, small gaseous geysers, acid pools isolated by salt ledges, and concretions of evaporites, sulfur, magnesium chloride, brine, and solidified soda. All of this is set against a white, yellow, green, and ochre-red background, due to the high presence of sulfur, iron oxide, salt, and other minerals. Return to Amedela.Day 6 -
Exploration of Dallol - Mekele
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 198km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After an early breakfast, we set off for Lake Asale. At the Dallol site, we enjoy spectacular views of the hills and the colorful hot springs. These hot springs are composed of various minerals combined with sulfur and potash, resulting in extraordinary colors. We also take a walk around the salt mountains, their shapes sculpted by erosion. In the afternoon, we travel back up to Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region. We return to the comfort of a hotel after two nights in basic accommodations! We visit the palace of Emperor Yohannes IV, built in 1872 on the city's heights. It houses a museum where we can admire manuscripts, furniture, and a finely decorated wooden throne, as well as other objects of historical interest. Overnight at the hotel.Day 7 -
Discovery of the rock-hewn churches in Gheralta
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 199km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we leave Mekele for the village of Hawzien, nestled in the heart of the magnificent Gheralta Mountains. This was the first Christianized region of ancient Abyssinia. In addition to its breathtaking natural heritage, it boasts numerous rock-hewn churches dating from the 7th to the 14th centuries. Our first day exploring these churches begins with a visit to Abreha and Atsbeha, arguably the most impressive monument in the region, adorned with stunning frescoes. We then continue our exploration of Gheralta with a gradual ascent to the summit of Debre Tsion Mountain, where the church of Abuna Abraham is located. We descend to Degoum and then continue by car to Hawzien.Day 8 -
Hiking and exploring the rock-hewn churches of Mariam and Daniel Korkor
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 47km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we leave our accommodation and head into the Korkor massif, renowned for its spectacular rock-hewn churches. We begin our hike through a natural fissure in the mountain to reach Mariam Korkor, a remarkable cave church adorned with magnificent Byzantine-inspired frescoes. Nestled on a rocky plateau, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding valley. We then continue to Daniel Korkor, perched on a narrow ledge clinging to the cliffside. The spectacular view it offers over the Gheralta plains makes it an unforgettable experience. Throughout this hike, the landscape alternates between rocky peaks, steep paths, and majestic silence. In the afternoon, we immerse ourselves in a Tigrayan village. This special time allows us to meet the locals, discover their daily lives, their crafts, their traditional architecture, and their profound sense of hospitality. We return to the hotel at the end of the day.Day 9 -
Hiking and exploring the rock-hewn churches of Gheralta
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we continue our exploration of the Gheralta massif with another day of hiking on a scenic trail offering spectacular views of the region's impressive rock formations. We begin our ascent to the cave church of Abuna Gebre Mikael, carved into a sheer cliff face 450 meters above the plain. The interior, adorned with vibrant and remarkably well-preserved frescoes, testifies to the spiritual significance of the site and the rich artistic tradition of Ethiopia. In the afternoon, we continue along a pleasant, shaded path, offering breathtaking views of a row of rocky peaks. After passing a majestic sycamore tree, the walk leads us to the church of Maryam Papasetti, perched at an altitude of 2,000 meters beneath a protective cliff. It consists of three adjoining rooms, carved into the rock, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and silence. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.Day 10 -
Gheralta -Temple of Yeha - Axum
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 300km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we leave the Gheralta massif, taking a scenic route through the Tigray highlands, with the impressive Adwa Mountains as a backdrop—the site of the famous battle against Italian colonial troops. Along the way, we stop at the village of Yeha, nestled in the heart of a mountain cirque. Here stand the remains of the mysterious Temple of Yeha, built between the 8th and 5th centuries BCE. Considered one of the oldest surviving structures in Ethiopia, this monument of perfectly fitted stones testifies to the architectural mastery of the pre-Axumite civilizations. Ongoing archaeological research there continues to raise many questions. We then continue our journey to Axum, a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The former capital of the powerful Axumite kingdom, the cradle of Ethiopian civilization and a major center of Christianity, Axum fascinates with its legendary past and its central role in the history of the country.Day 11 -
Exploring the ancient royal city of Axum
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we dedicate the day to exploring Axum, the ancient capital of the prestigious Axumite Kingdom, and a mythical city where, according to tradition, the legendary Queen of Sheba resided. The cradle of Ethiopian civilization, Axum emerged in the 1st century AD and flourished for nearly five centuries thanks to a thriving trade network connecting Africa, Arabia, and India. We discover the monumental vestiges of this past grandeur: the monolithic granite stelae, finely sculpted with symbolic motifs, which served as funerary markers for the rulers; the royal tombs, carved into the rock; and the famous Church of St. Mary of Zion, one of the most sacred sites in Ethiopia. It is here, according to Ethiopian tradition, that the true Ark of the Covenant is kept. The church also houses the crowns of former emperors and other liturgical treasures of immense value. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.Day 12 -
Flight to Addis Ababa – Farewell dinner and return flight
- Transportation Plane - 07h30 - 5582km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, transfer to Axum Airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Depending on the international flight schedule, you may have some time for a final city tour of Addis: strolling through the lively neighborhoods, an optional visit to museums, or shopping for handicrafts in local boutiques. In the evening, we'll share a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, enlivened by Ethiopian dance and music performances—a wonderful way to conclude this enriching journey. Transfer to the international airport for your return flight.Day 13 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in France.Day 14
Note
Depending on weather and operational conditions, your guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
1. The feast of Hidar Mariam of Tsion in Aksum – November 30, 2026
This festival dedicated to the Virgin Mary is celebrated every year in Aksum, because it is here that the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, the holiest site in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, is located. According to tradition, the Ark of the Covenant is kept there.
What awaits us: a huge crowd from all over Ethiopia, pilgrims in white robes, priests dressed in rich, colorful garments, fervent songs and prayers. It is a moment of great religious fervor.
From the day before, pilgrims fill the city. On the morning of November 30, a large procession starts around the cathedral: priests carry richly decorated crosses and parasols, sing hymns and beat sacred drums (kebero).
The celebration continues with a long mass, punctuated by liturgical dances and prayers. The atmosphere is joyous, with thousands of people crowding to attend this unique event.
2. Timket – the Epiphany festival in Gheralta – January 18-20, 2027
Timket is one of Ethiopia's most important and spectacular festivals. It celebrates the baptism of Christ in the Jordan River and symbolizes purification. It takes place throughout the country, but especially in Gheralta, amidst the mountains and rock-hewn churches of the Cross.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Flights Paris / Addis Ababa / Paris (regular)
- Domestic transport
- Accommodation
- Full board
- The services of a local team
- Guided by a French-speaking Ethiopian tour leader
The price does not include
- Visa fees (USD 62)
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the local staff (at your discretion)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Equipment to bring
- Earplugs or Hears, your choice
- Plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings, cameras and clothes in particular.
- Notepad
- 1 headlamp with spare batteries
- 1 Swiss Army knife or equivalent (in checked baggage!)
- at least one and a half liter water bottle
- 1 towel and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper and a small bag to store it in after use
- 1 pair of hiking poles (optional)
- Sleeping bag (0°C sufficient)
- Sleeping bag liners for Danakyl depression
Clothing to bring
Clothing, from head to toe:
- Walking shoes: they must be sturdy and provide good support for the foot and ankle.
- Lightweight shoes (tennis shoes) or sandals
- Lightweight trousers and/or Bermuda shorts: avoid short shorts.
- T-shirt, shirt or sweatshirt: avoid low-cut clothing.
- Warm pullover or fleece jacket.
- Down jacket.
- Windbreaker or lightweight anorak.
- Scarf.
- Hat.
