Day 1 — Addis → Lalibela: rock-hewn churches

• Morning: Domestic flight Addis Ababa → Lalibela (not included by default; see pricing section).

• Midday–afternoon: Guided tour of the main rock-hewn churches (Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Giyorgis, Bet Maryam, etc.). Ticket normally covers access to the groups of churches and is valid across a few days. Plan for 3–5 hours of walking and visiting. Viator+1

• Evening: Overnight in Lalibela (simple guesthouse / mid-range hotel).

Day 2 — Lalibela → Mekele (or Semera) → Hamed Ela (Danakil gateway)

• Early morning: Short extra visit / sunrise viewpoint in Lalibela if time permits.

• Late morning: Fly Lalibela → Mekele (or Lalibela → Addis → Mekele depending on schedules). Transfer on arrival to 4×4 vehicles and drive to Hamed Ela / entry point for Danakil. (Long drive on rough and sandy tracks — 3–6 hours depending on route and road conditions.)

• Evening: Camp near the Danakil gateway / basic lodge.

Day 3 — Erta Ale / volcano area (or salt flats + Dallol depending on route)

• Very early start / overnight trek option: If the plan focuses on Erta Ale, you will trek at night to the Erta Ale crater to experience the lava lake (requires prepared local guides, desert camping, warm layers).

• Alternative focus: visit Lake Afdera salt flats, meet Afar salt-caravans, and explore local sites.

• Overnight: desert camp (basic) near Erta Ale area (or return to Hamed Ela depending on chosen route). Practical note: Erta Ale visits often require a long hike at night and are physically demanding. Against the Compass+1

Day 4 — Dallol (colorful sulfur springs) → Return to Mekele → Flight to Addis

• Morning: Drive to Dallol for sunrise if possible — vivid hydrothermal fields, acidic pools and mineral terraces (short walks; very hot).

• Midday: Drive back to Mekele / Semera for your domestic flight back to Addis (or onward). Arrival times depend on flight schedules and road speed. visitethiopia.et+1

Note: Many operators swap the order (start Danakil then end in Lalibela) depending on flight schedules. Timetables and seasonal road conditions will affect the exact routing.

Price — example package (per person, twin/double share basis)

These are sample, realistic price points based on common operator pricing and current entrance fees. Actual price will vary with group size, season, aircraft schedules, and level of accommodation.

Option A — All inclusive (recommended for first-time visitors)

• Price: US$950 per person (based on small group 2–4 people)

• Includes:

  • All ground transportation in 4×4 vehicles for Danakil portions.

  • Experienced local guide / driver (Afar guide & trained driver as needed).

  • Desert camping / basic lodges on Danakil nights (shared tents / mattress).

  • Accommodation in Lalibela (1 night mid-range hotel) and one night in Mekele/Semera if required.

  • Meals as stated in itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner) while on the tour.

  • Entry ticket for Lalibela rock-hewn churches (single ticket covering the churches). Viator

  • Permits/airport pick-ups for Danakil (local park/permit processing where applicable).

  • Fuel, vehicle fees, and driver allowances.

Option B — Without domestic flights

• Price: US$700 per person (same inclusions as Option A except domestic flights)

  • Add domestic flights (Addis↔Lalibela and Mekele↔Addis) separately: typical one-way fares vary widely; budget US$150–300 total per person depending on carrier, time, and booking class.

Option C — Budget (group overland, very basic camping)

• Price: US$600–750 per person (larger group, more basic tents, shared facilities) — exclude flights.

Price notes & reasoning

• Pure Danakil 3–4 day tours are commonly priced roughly US$350–$800 depending on services; Lalibela day tours typically are US$150–$250. A combined 4-day package with flights and private vehicles commonly lands around the US$800–$1,200 range — the Option A price above is a practical mid-point. These figures match published tour prices from operators and booking sites. Aman Ethiopia Tours and Travel+1

What’s included (summary)

• Private 4×4 vehicle(s) during Danakil portion, drivers, and local guides.

• Accommodation and meals as listed.

• Lalibela church entry ticket (one ticket covering the churches for the valid period). Viator

• Permits & local authority fees normally required to enter the Danakil area.

• Fuel, vehicle & driver allowances.

What’s excluded

• International flights to/from Ethiopia.

• Domestic flights unless you choose Option A (will be itemized).

• Travel insurance (strongly recommended — must cover emergency evacuation).

• Personal expenses, tips, extra drinks, and optional activities.

• Any medical costs or evacuation fees.

• Visa fees for Ethiopia (if applicable).

• Gratuities for guides and drivers (customary).

Practical advice & safety points (must-reads)

• Heat & conditions: Danakil is one of the hottest places on Earth; bring sun protection, lightweight long sleeves, plenty of water, and sturdy boots. Dallol pools are acidic — don’t touch. Against the Compass

• Physical demands: Visits to Erta Ale involve a nighttime hike and camping at altitude; be prepared and consult your tour operator. Jack and Jill Travel

• Lalibela ticket & opening hours: Church entrance tickets are issued locally and are valid for a few days; check current prices with your operator (prices and currency accepted can change). Viator

• Security & permits: Danakil requires local permits and an experienced local operator; always travel with licensed Afar guides/drivers.

• Booking tip: Because of rough logistics, small group/private departures are more reliable but pricier. If you want lower cost, join scheduled group departures (but check safety and comfort levels)