Experience the Extraordinary Geological Wonders – 11 Days

Day 1 – Let the adventure begin!

Fly to Addis Ababa where you will be welcomed at the airport by your friendly and experienced tour leader. You’ll be provided with transfers to your hotel, where you can freshen up before taking your first steps in the city. Your guide will show you the beautiful Italian architecture in the Piazza, and help you navigate busy markets in the adjacent streets. This city of excitement and contrasts is a fitting introduction to your Ethiopian adventure.
In the evening, get to know your group over a delicious welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Your tour leader will dine with you and give you a briefing on your upcoming adventure.
Accommodation: Abyssinia Renaissance Hotel OR Similar
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 2 – Harar

Catch a flight from Addis to Dire Dawa. Drive for around 1.5 hours from Dire Dawa to Harar. En route, visit the Dire Dawa Railway Station, Kafira spice market and the Awaday Khat market.
Accommodation: Wonderland Hotel OR Similar
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 – Harar

The walled city of Harar is a common favorite among travelers. Hundreds of alleyways meander past colorful houses and the locals are famously friendly. It’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth but our Brilliant local guides can guide you through the city, recommend places to go, and talk you through the history of the town.
Spend the evening feeding curious hyenas with the famous Hyena Man.
Accommodation: Wonderland Hotel OR Similar
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 – Awash National Park

Drive from Harar to Awash National Park (approximately 6 hours). You’ll be taken to your lodge, adjacent to the dramatic Awash Falls. Along the southern flank of the park lies the dormant Fantale volcano, famous for a 4km long fissure which, in 1820, cascaded lava over the eastern side of the volcano and scarred it. You’ll see this, and evidence of 16th century settlements are still dotted on the volcano.

Heading north, you’ll stop to take a relaxing dip in the hot springs which can reach 36⁰C. In the evening, you’ll be taken on a game drive to discover some of the park’s animal inhabitants. These include Soemmerring gazelles, Beisa oryx, and baboons. Lions and leopards have also been spotted here, so keep an eye out!
Accommodation: Wonderland Hotel OR Similar
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 – Awash National Park

Spend the day exploring the incredible Awash National Park.
Accommodation: Awash Falls Lodge OR Similar
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Semera

In the morning, take a game drive through the Awash National Park. In the afternoon, drive to Semera, the capital city of the Afar region. This emerging city is striking, with modern apartment blocks and commercial buildings contrasting dramatically with the desert terrain. A short drive away lies Alal Obbad, where you can visit a number of colorful hot springs and geysers before returning to Semera for the afternoon. You’ll be staying at the Adga Hotel in Semera.
Accommodation: Adga Hotel
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 – Afdera

Today starts with a drive to Afdera (approximately 2 hours). On the way you will visit some of the nomadic villages of the Afar region, recognizable by their traditional grass-built houses. After this you’ll be taken to the extraordinary landscape of Danakil Depression, the hottest place on earth. Visit Lake Afdera.

The Danakil Depression is an absolute highlight of this tour. At 125 metres below sea level, it only gets 100-200ml of rainfall a year, and has the hottest average temperature of anywhere on the planet. It seems inhospitable but the Afar people live there. Stare into lava lakes, marvel at the stunning and alien hydrothermal fields and, throughout everything, try and convince yourself that you’re still on earth.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Dodum

In the morning you’ll drive from Afdera to Dodum, your gateway to the humbling Erta Ale volcano. This volcano remains active and is home to one of just six lava lakes in the world. The trek up Erta Ale begins in the evening, when the temperature is cooler. After a testing four hour trek up the volcano, you’ll marvel at your feat and the view, both inside the volcano to the lake. It’s known as a ‘window into Earth’s core’. The crater of Erta Ale is lit up by the glowing pool of lava. From just below the surface, luminous streaks of orange rock shoot around. You won’t want to tear yourself away from this truly life changing experience. You’ll spend the rest of the night here, sleeping at a basic camp a 20 minute walk away from the heat of the lake.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 – Dodum

Enjoy the morning sunrise from atop Erta Ale and visit the north crater. Descend from Erta Ale at around 7AM to reach the base at Dodom for ~9AM. Have breakfast and relax at Dodom before heading on towards Hamed Ela.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Dallol

Drive from Hamed Ela to Dallol. En route, you’ll have the option to stop off at Lake Karum (also known as Lake Asale) a salt lake used to provide salt for the country.

Dallol, one of the most isolated places on Earth, is home to the impressive Dallol Volcano. A stark contrast to Erta Ale, miniature geysers and hot springs freckle the hydrothermal fields of Dallol. The fantastic greens, reds, yellows, pinks, whites and blacks of the salt deposits are kaleidoscopic sights amidst the searing heat of this remote, alien landscape. Afterwards, drive to Gheralta.
Accommodation: Gheralta Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 – Tigray

Today is your last day on the tour which you can spend exploring the historical sites of Tigray. In the later afternoon, drive for 2 hours to Mekele to catch a flight back to Addis Ababa to connect with your international flight home.

USD 3,291– Prices are per person based on 2 people travelling together. Prices guideline only, actual prices will depend on final itinerary, accommodation choices, and time of year. 
Includes

• Airport transfers and road transport around Addis Ababa and Harar by private minibus, including fuel, driver allowances and accommodation.
• Road transport from day 4 until day 12 by standard 4WD with English speaking driver/ guide, including fuel, driver allowances and accommodation.
• Support vehicle from day 7 until day 10.
• Accommodation based on double/ twin room sharing.
• Meal plan Breakfast and Dinner Full board (including mineral water) in Danakil.
• Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking. Recommended to bring own sleeping bag.

• Additional food and drinks
• Personal expenses
• Souvenirs