Day 1: The adventure begins

Fly to Addis Ababa, where you will be met at the airport. After a transfer to your hotel, enjoy a little down time by the pool, before taking your first steps into the city. The Italian-built Piazza sits next to famous markets and bustling streets. Nearby are the Grand Anwar Mosque and the Ragual Church. The Mosque and church are within a stone’s throw of each other, highlighting the peace between different religions in Ethiopia. Get lost in Mercato, the largest open air market in Africa. Its labyrinthine alleys are perfect for people watching or enjoying a coffee. Coffee ceremonies here are famous and a source of pride, be sure to try to experience this at least once on your trip!
Venture to the National Museum to see how it all started: meet Lucy, the 3.2 million year old fossilized skeleton here. Her discovery re-wrote the story of human evolution, as she was found to have walked on two legs. See the Holy Trinity Cathedral, famed for its copper dome and neo-baroque architecture. It houses the tombs of the former Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassi, and the British suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst. A short drive up Mount Entoto will take you to the Palace of Emperor Menelik II. From this vantage point, you have an excellent view of the city. On the way back to Addis, perhaps stop by Shiro Meda, the biggest garment market in the country, where hundreds of vendors line the busy Entoto Road and sell hand woven traditional cloths.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at one of the capital’s fantastic cultural restaurants.
Accommodation: Caravan Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Bahir Dar

From Addis, you’ll take a one hour flight north to Bahir Dar. Here, your guide will accompany you on a boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. Visit some of the peaceful monasteries nestled on the islands and peninsulas around the lake and wander through coffee plantations, enjoy some of the local brew and meet local farmers.
As the monasteries were used for religious retreats, the lake and its islands serve as an unofficial nature reserve. Look out for white pelicans and ‘air breathing’ catfish. Your boat tour will end at Zege peninsula. There is a short path walk towards Ura Kidrane Mehret, arguably the most beautiful of all the churches at Lake Tana, with hundred-year-old characterful frescoes.
Later venture towards the only outflow of the lake: Blue Nile Falls. These 42 metre falls create such large amounts of spray that they are known in Amharic (Ethiopia’s official language) as ‘Tis Abay’ meaning ‘Smoking Water’. A short distance down the Blue Nile lies a stone bridge built in 1626: potentially one of the famed seven stone bridges built by the emperor Fasilides. This river and another, the White Nile, are the two main tributaries to the Nile, the world’s longest river.
Accommodation: Blue Nile Resort
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 3: Lalibela

From Bahir Dar, a short flight takes you to Lalibela, home of the rock-hewn churches and a World Heritage Site. These eleven structures are world-famous, having been built in the 12-13th century and carved out of single pieces of rock. Haile Selassi reportedly risked his life to make a solo pilgrimage here during the war with Italy, seeking clarity and guidance.
Discover Biete Medhane Alem (House of the Savior of the world), believed to be the world’s largest monolithic church, before navigating through the system of trenches to arrive at Biete Ghiorgis (House of St. George), the most famous and isolated of all the structures. It’s worth spending a day wandering through these mazes of rock and soaking up the heritage. If you’ve time, there is also a wonderful hike to a monastery up on the mountainside.
Finish the day with a delicious dinner in the famous Ben Abeba restaurant, a crazy structure of steel and concrete overlooking the hills and valleys of the mountains.
N.B. It’s often worth spending more than one night in Lalibela to really soak it up. An extra day also gives you the opportunity to explore some of the wonders in the highlands around Lalibela.
Accommodation: Top Twelve Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 4: Gondar (2,133m)

Spend the morning visiting the remaining rock-hewn churches in Lalibela. Catch a midday flight to Gondar, the old capital of the country. Your first stop will be Debre Berhan Selassie Church, whose heavy and unassuming stone facade hides the colourful frescoes inside.
After this you will head to the well-preserved Fasil Gebbi in Gondar, described by some as the ‘Camelot of Africa’ for a guided tour. Now known as the Royal Enclosure, this was initially founded in 1636 and built by Emperor Fasilides as his home, but successive emperors and rulers added to his blueprint. Now, the buildings span over 70,000 square meters of land and include palaces, libraries, two lion houses, royal baths, and a women’s vocational school built by Mentewab, the Empress of Ethiopia. Within the enclosure there are multiple architectural styles and influences jostling for position. The influences include Indian, Portuguese, Moorish and Aksumite.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 5: Simien Mountains National Park – Gondar – Debark to Sankaber (3,200m) 2-3 hours / 7km.

A car will pick you up from your hotel in Gondar take you to Debark, the headquarters of the Simien Mountains National Park. Here you’ll meet with your trek leader and scout. You’ll take a 4×4 some of the way to your first camp at Sankaber, but you will walk the final stretch (approximately 3 hours) in order to acclimatize to the altitude.
Ascending to over 3,000m above sea level and with a jagged landscape, you’ll be stunned by the views from the offset. You’ll be met with drinks, a tasty and hearty dinner, and a campsite in Sankaber where you can sit around the fire and swap stories with guides and other trekkers.
Accommodation: Camping at Sankaber
Accommodation Upgrade Options: Possible to replace camping in the Simiens with lodge stays, enquire for details.
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 6: Simien Mountains National Park – Sankaber (3,200 m) – Geech (3,600m). 7-8 hours / 15km.

The first full day of hiking starts with breakfast, and then a trail along the ridge. This gives you a vantage point and incredible views over the foothills some 800m below. The mountains are known worldwide for their biodiversity: Ethiopia’s placement on the equator makes this mountain range a particularly temperate one. Your guides will point out flora and fauna of note, but regular sightings on this trail are of Gelada Baboons, Kilpspringer and Ibex. From these heights, you’ll be able to watch birds of prey soar on the thermals below.
A highlight of today’s path is Genbar Falls, a waterfall over a sobering 500m sheer drop which you’ll see from the opposite side of the ridge. After a break for lunch, you’ll carry on towards Geech, a remote traditional village with thatched roofs. This is the perfect opportunity for a booster: some coffee and injera. Then onwards to the camp which is a great spot for watching the sunset.
Accommodation: Camping at Geech
Accommodation Upgrade Options: Possible to replace camping in the Simiens with lodge stays, enquire for details.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Simien Mountains National Park – Geech (3,600m) – Inayte (4,070m) – Chennek (3,600m) – 7 hours, 15km.

Most of today’s path hugs the edge of the ridge. You’ll drop down through a forest of Giant Hazel before rising back to open grassland and continuing on your ascent up to Inyate. The views from the top are monumental. After recovering from the climb and the view, you’ll descend towards Chenek camp. This camp is well known for its visitors: Wallia Ibex and Gelada Baboons.
Accommodation: Camping at Chennek
Accommodation Upgrade Options: Possible to replace camping in the Simiens with lodge stays, enquire for details.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Simien Mountains National Park – Mount Buahit (4,430m) 5-6 hours

Today you’ll reach the highest point of the trek so far. The day will start with a gentle trek up the Buhait pass before the trail steepens. The climb will test but reward you, with the jagged and steep terrain giving way to striking views once you reach the summit. As with the other areas, wildlife is plentiful here and people have spotted the elusive Ethiopian Wolf as well as Ibex, monkeys and an array of bird life.
N.B. it’s possible to replace camping in the Simiens with lodge stays, or extend/reduce the amount of camping in the Simiens depending on your interests and fitness levels.
Accommodation: Camping at Chennek
Accommodation Upgrade Options: Possible to replace camping in the Simiens with lodge stays, enquire for details.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Axum

After breakfast, drive down the switchbacks (4-6 hours) to Axum, Ethiopia’s most religious city which is home to an impressive display of Obelisks. The city is purported to have been the home of the Queen of Sheba. Rumor has it that the lost Arc of the Covenant is in the Church of St Mary of Zion. A short walk through the cobbled streets brings you to the stelae fields. Some of the 4th century AD granite structures rise to over 23 meters.

Accommodation: Sabean Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 10: Gheralta Lodge

Head to Gheralta Lodge, the perfect way to end your adventure around northern Ethiopia.
After lunch at the lodge, explore some of the rock-churches in the region. The rock churches of Tigray are astounding not just for their history, rock carvings and paintings, but also for their representation of the religious commitment of the local people. Built high into the cliff face, some of these churches are only accessible through climbing the vertical cliff, and yet they’re still used by local Ethiopians of all ages. The views from inside the churches is extraordinary. The view as the sunsets behind the mountains and the sky illuminates in dark reds, yellows and oranges is the perfect end to your adventure.
Accommodation: Gheralta Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 11: Addis Ababa to Home.

Head to Mekele airport and visit two fantastic churches en-route. Fly to Addis Ababa where your Ethiopian adventure will draw to a close. Be sure to squeeze in a coffee and some market walks before you head home.
N.B. It is easy to adjust the start/end of your adventure to line up with your international flights.

Day 1: The adventure begins

Fly to Addis Ababa where you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Spend the day exploring Addis. The Italian-built Piazza sits next to famous markets and bustling streets. Nearby the Grand Anwar Mosque and the Ragual Church are worth a visit. Get lost in Mercato, the largest open air market in Africa. If you’ve time, visit Lucy, the 3.2 million year old fossilised skeleton in the National Museum. Her discovery re-wrote the story of human evolution. See the Holy Trinity Cathedral, famed for its copper dome and neo-baroque architecture. It houses the tombs of the former Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassi, and the British suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst.
In the evening head to a restaurant with local music, dance and perhaps your first taste of wonderful Ethiopian food.
Accommodation: Caravan Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 2: Explore Lalibela

Take a short flight to Lalibela, known to some as ‘The New Jersusalem’, home of the extraordinary rock-hewn churches. Haile Selassi reportedly risked his life to make a solo pilgrimage here during the war with Italy. Discover Biete Medhane Alem (House of the Saviour of the world), believed to be the world’s largest monolithic church before navigating through the system of trenches to arrive at Biete Ghiorgis (House of St. George), the most famous and isolated of all the structures. In the evening head for dinner at one of Ethiopia’s coolest restaurants, a crazy structure of concrete walkways and elevated seating areas, with some of the best views of the surrounding mountains and excellent food.
Accommodation: Tukul Village Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 3: Explore Gondar’s Palaces

Take an internal flight to Gondar, the old capital of the country. Your first stop will be Debre Berhan Selassie Church, whose heavy and unassuming stone facade hides the colourful frescoes inside. After this you will head to Fasil Gebbi in Gondar for a guided tour. Now known as the Royal Enclosure, this was initially founded in 1636 and built by Emperor Fasilides as his home. The buildings span over 70,000 metres of land and include palaces, libraries, lion houses (cages), royal baths, and a women’s vocational school built by Mentewab, the Empress of Ethiopia. Multiple architectural styles and influences jostle for position. The influences include Indian, Portuguese, Moorish and Aksumite. There are not just architectural multiples: you may notice the Star of David in Fasilida’s palace, as with other cities in Ethiopia, there is a history here of many religions living in close proximity.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 4: Introducing, the Simien Mountains National Park

A car will pick you up from your hotel in Gondar take you to Debark, the headquarters of the Simien Mountains National Park, known as “The Roof of Africa”. Here you’ll meet with your trek leader and cook who will talk you through all aspects your hike in the next few days. You’ll take a 4×4 some of the way to your first camp at Sankaber, but you will walk the final stretch (approximately 3 hours) in order to acclimatize to the altitude. Ascending to over 3,000m above sea level and with a jagged landscape, you’ll be stunned by the views. You’ll be met with drinks, snacks at the campsite when you make it to Sankaber. All camping gear can be provided if necessary, although do bring some warm things, it can be below freezing at night. The food is cooked by candlelight by your very own chef and is often better than restaurants in larger towns.
Route: – Gondar – Debark to Sankaber (3,200m)
Length of hike: 2-3 hours drive and 3 hours/7km walk
Accommodation: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Simien Mountains National Park

The first day of proper hiking starts with breakfast, and then a trail along the ridge. This gives you a vantage point and incredible views over the foothills some 800m below. The mountains are known worldwide for their biodiversity: Ethiopia’s placement on the equator makes this mountain range a particularly temperate one. Your guides will point out flora and fauna of note, but regular sightings on this trail are of Gelada Monkeys, Kilspringer and Ibex. From your great height you’ll be able to watch birds soar on the thermals below.
A highlight of today’s trek is Genbar Falls, a waterfall over a sobering 500m sheer drop which you’ll view from a vantage opposite. After a break for lunch, you’ll continue onwards to the camp, where there are sensational views and a chance to watch the Gelada Monkeys as they clamber down the vertiginous slopes to their sleeping spots, before another night in a campsite with fabulous views.
Route: Sankaber (3,200 m) – Geech (3,600m)
Length of hike: 7-8 hours/15km.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Imet Gogo (3,925m)

Set off early Today your destination is Imet Gogo, a headland with unbelievable 360 degree views of the surrounding Simien Mountains. You can see west, back towards Sankaber and Geech, and South East along a large Gorge. This is one of the most staggering views you’ll ever see. You’ll return to Geech and then down through a river valley and up to the road, where you’ll be met by the 4×4 in the early afternoon. After a 1.5 hour drive, you’ll reach Limalimo, renowned for being one of the best lodges in Ethiopia, where you can shower, rest up and enjoy a comfortable bed, wonderful food and amazing views.
Length of hike: 5-6 hours/13km
Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Drive to Gondar and Catch flight to Addis Ababa

Today marks the end of your adventure in Ethiopia. Depending on your international flight departure time, catch a 1:10PM or 4:15PM flight back to Addis.

$1390 – 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

• Meal specified in the itinerary
• Airport pickups and drop off in Lalibela, Gondar and airport pick up in Addis.
• All accommodation as per the itinerary with BB and at Limalimo lodge based on full board.
• Entry fee, city transfer and guide in Addis, Lalibela and Gondar.
• Road transfers Gondar to Simien, Simien (Ayna Meda) to Limalimo and Limalimo to Gondar airport.
• In Simien 2 nights: entry fee, guide, scout, cook, mules and muleteers, camping and cooking gear except sleeping bags.

Day 1: Addis Ababa

Arrival at Bole International Airport. City tour Addis Ababa. Welcome dinner in cultural restaurant.
Accommodation: Capital Hotel and Spa
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 2: Bahir Dar

Flight Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar. Boat trip on Lake Tana to Zeghe Peninsula: visit Ura Kidane Mihret church and Source of the Blue Nile. Late afternoon visit Blue Nile Falls.
Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort and Spa, Bahirdar
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 3: Gondar

Morning drive (3 hrs) Bahir Dar to Gondar, en route detour possible to visit Awramba community. Afternoon city tour Gondar: visit Royal Enclosure, Fasilides Bath and Debre Birhan Selassie church.
Accommodation: Gondar Hills Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 4: Lalibela

Flight Gondar to Lalibela. Visit first cluster rock-hewn churches Lalibela.
Accommodation: Mezena Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 5: Lalibela

Visit early morning service and second cluster of churches Lalibela. Afternoon visit Yemrehane Kristos church OR hike to Asheton Maryam church.
Accommodation: Mezena Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 6: Axum

Flight Lalibela to Axum. City tour Axum: visit Maryam Tsion churches, Steale Field and other sites of choice.
Accommodation: Sabean Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 7: Harar

Flight Axum to Dire Dawa via Addis Ababa. Drive (1.5 hrs) Dire Dawa to Harar.
Accommodation: Wonderland Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 8: Harar

City tour Harar. Evening visit Hyena Man.
Accommodation: Wonderland Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 9: Return to Addis

Drive (1.5 hrs) Harar to Dire Dawa, en route visit Awaday khat market, Kafira spice market and Dire Dawa Railway Station. Flight Dire Dawa to Addis Ababa. Minibus available for transport around Addis Ababa. Evening transfer to Bole International Airport for international flight.

USD 1290 –  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 by private minibus. 
• Accommodation based on double/ twin room sharing. 
• Meal plan specified in the Itinerary. 
• Fees for entrances and local guides for activities mentioned in the itinerary. 
• All government taxes for the services included in the tour price. 

Day 1: Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, connect with a local flight to Axum. The flight time will depend on your international arrival details.
At Axum airport, your driver will meet you outside the airport terminal and transfer you to your hotel. Check in to your hotel and freshen up before taking your first steps into the city. Spend the afternoon exploring the sites of Axum, including the Stelae field (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) that tower metres above and look fantastic in the afternoon sun. Visit Tsion Mariam Church, claimed to hold the original Ark of the Covenant.
Spend the evening at leisure in Axum. You’ll stay overnight at the best available property in Axum, Sabean Hotel.
Activities: Sightseeing in Axum
Accommodation: Sabean Hotel
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 2: Community Trekking in Tigray

Today marks the start of your community trekking experience in rural Tigray. After breakfast, we drive from Sabean Hotel to the trailhead near Chehat (approx. 2 hours’ drive). From here, we kick off the trek with a gentle one hour walk Chehat Community Guesthouse.
The guesthouse is perched on plateau with sweeping views north along a gorge towards the church of Debre Damo. Upon arrival at the guesthouse, you will be welcomed with snacks and coffee/tea to enjoy as you soak up the views.
Relax around the guesthouse while dinner is made, and get to know the locals over dinner before retreating to the simple and cosy rooms of the guesthouse.
Activities: Transfer Axum to Trailhead, Trek trailhead to Chehat (~1 hour)
Accommodation: Chehat Community Guesthouse
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Community Trekking in Tigray

Wake up to breakfast and freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee over the stunning view from the plateau. Today will be your first full day of trekking in Tigray as we head towards Enaf.
The trek is relatively challenging trek as you traverse the sandstone cliffs of Tigray, passing down into the valleys and ascending again up to the top of the plateau. You can take the trek at your own pace, and you’ll be rewarded throughout with stunning views across the Tigrayan landscape.
Note: the trekking routes can be amended depending on your fitness/preferred activity levels.
You’ll soon spot Enaf Community Guesthouse sitting atop the valley, where you’ll again be welcomed with snack and refreshments before settling down for dinner.
The starlight in this part of the country is stunning, so don’t forget to look up to spot the various celestial bodies shimmering brightly in the absence of any light pollution. Beers and other cold drinks are available, and you can spend the evening enjoying the beautiful view.
Activities: Trek from Chehat to Enaf (~8 hours, moderate difficulty)
Accommodation: Enaf Community Guesthouse
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Community Trekking in Tigray

Another morning over coffee and panoramic views of the Tigrayan lowlands. The mountain peaks in the distance look fantastic in the early morning sun.
Today we trek to Seheta down in the valleys of the Agame Mountain. The trek is around 5 hours, and a little easier than yesterday’s trail. You’ll be heading down from the plateaus into the valley, so there are some steeper portions of the trail.
Seheta Community Guesthouse is set in the calm of the valley farmland, and is a great base to learn about local life as you spend some time in the villages nearby. There’s also opportunity to trek further up the valley to explore some of the trekking routes and viewpoints there.
Activities: Trek from Enaf to Seheta (~5 hours)
Accommodation: Seheta Community Guesthouse
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Community Trekking in Tigray

As we continue our route through the sandstone cliffs of Tigray, we trek from Seheta in the valleys to Gohgot. Gohgot sits higher up in the cliffs, above the villages around Seheta but below the plateaus. The trek takes about 4 hours, and en route you can visit the local church of Gohgot Eyesus.
Gohgot Community Guesthouse as great views into the valleys and low lying villages below. It’s a picturesque place and a great place to spend the afternoon relaxing.
Activities: Trek from Seheta to Gohgot (~5 hours)
Accommodation: Gohgot Community Guesthouse
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Community Trekking in Tigray

Continuing our journey, we head to Erar Community Guesthouse, one of the first established in the region. The trek takes 4-5 hours, and is a slightly more challenging as we’re heading back up the cliff to the plateau.
Erar Community Gueshouse built on an isolated section of the western escarpment has some of the most wonderful views of the community trekking experience.
Activities: Trek from Gohgot to Erar (~4-5 hours)
Accommodation: Erar Community Guesthouse
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Community Trekking in Tigray

Today marks your final day of community trekking in Tigray.
After breakfast and fresh coffee over the wonderful views, begin the trail to Shimbrety. This is a really exciting trail, and as you get closer to Shimbrety you’ll find a rock-tunnel that has been carved through the ridge to give villages on the western side access to the lovely rock church of Maryam Buzuhan.
Spend your final night atop the limestone cliffs of Tigray, blanketed by starlight and well-fed by your lovely local stuff. Grab some cold beers (other refreshments available) and enjoy the view one last time.
Activities: Trek from Erar to Shimbrety (~5 hours)
Accommodation: Shimbrety Community Guesthouse
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Churches of Tigray and Gheralta Lodge

After breakfast at the guesthouse, walk for 3 hours to the trail head Idega Arbi where you driver will be waiting for you. Transfer to Gheralta Lodge, charming lodge with cabin-esque rooms dotted along the plateau ridge offering tremendous views of the Gheralta Mounatins and low-lying farmland.
After lunch at the lodge, explore some of the rock-churches in the region. The rock churches of Tigray astounding not just for their history, rock carvings and paintings, but also for their representation of the religious commitment of the local people. Built high into the cliff face, some of these churches are only accessibly through climbing the vertical cliff, and yet they’re still used by local Ethiopians of all ages. The views from inside the churches is extraordinary.
The view as the sunsets behind the mountains and the sky illuminates in dark reds, yellows and oranges is the perfect respite after your community trek.
Activities: Explore the rock-churches of Tigray and the sunset at Gheralta Lodge
Accommodation: Gheralta Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 9: Danakil Depression

After breakfast in the lodge, we begin our excursion into the incredible Danakil Depression. A geological depression caused by the continental drift of three tectonic plates, the Danakil Depression is one of Earth’s most unusual environments. Renowned as the ‘hottest place on the planet’ and home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes, and colorful acidic springs – it’s a wonderful, alien environment.
We meet the rest of the group and jump into the reliable Toyota Land cruisers that will be our safe haven as we journey into one of the most inhospitable places on the planet. Stop for lunch at Kusrawat, before pressing on to Dodom, the basecamp at the base of the Erta Ale volcano.
Have dinner with your group around 6PM and prepare to hike up the volcano at around 7PM when the sun dips towards the horizon. The hike up Erta Ale takes about 3 hours across a gentle inclination of rocky terrain. The terrain itself is not challenging, but the heat of the region combined with the duration of the trek (3 hours) can make it challenging for some travelers.
We’ll arrive at the crater rim around midnight. The lava lake at Erta Ale is among the most stunning natural phenomena anywhere in the world. The bubbling magma cuts through the crusted charcoal surface like laser beams as smoke bellows from this ‘gateway to hell’.
Spend the night at nearby campsite on the volcano. Stones and rocks demarcate ‘rooms’ that fit up to 3 people, and camels transport mattresses and blankets to the top of the volcano.
Activities: Drive to Danakil Depression, Hike Erta Ale
Accommodation: Camping on the volcano
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Erta Ale to Hamed Ela

Rise early (5AM) and return to crater rim for one last look into the fiery caldera before beginning the 3 hour descent back to Dodom. Upon arrival at Dodom, enjoy breakfast before piling back into the Land cruisers.
Drive through the Danakil desert across the sprawling salt pans where you’ll find local Afar people working under the searing heat to cut the salt into blocks before loading onto camels. The camels are led back to nearby towns in ‘camel caravans’ as they transport the salt for export across the country. It’s a humbling site, and walking alongside these camel caravans in this distant corner of the world brings new appreciation to this ancient trade.
Arrive at the sparse settlement of Hamed Ela where your cooking team will once again do you proud. Enjoy refreshments and spend the evening under the stars on makeshift beds in the Danakil.
Activities: Drive through Danakil desert, witness salt mining and walk with camel caravans
Accommodation: Hamed Ela Settlement
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Dallol and Salt Lakes

Your final day in Ethiopia may be the most extraordinary of all as we head to the incredible Dallol volcano, visit Lake Karum and swim in Lake Afrera and its nearby hot springs.
Dallol is a cinder cone volcano in the Danakil Depression, although its unique geology means it lacks any of the archetypal volcanic looks. Instead, Dallol is a canvas of bright green, reds, and yellows distributed across hundreds of hot acidic springs and mounds of salt deposits. Characterized by bright, multi-colored springs, fissures, and geysers, and with average annual temperatures of 35°C (95°F), Dallol is one of the most visually compelling and geologically fascinating destinations on Earth. The landscape looks completely otherworldly.
Lakes Karum and Afrera are the two hyper-saline lakes in the Danakil Depression. Lake Karum (also known as Lake Asale) is one of the most visually striking lakes any in the world looking more looks more like an Arctic desert than a saline lake. The lake-bed is a jet white salt crust chequered in irregular contours that slowly becomes submerged in the clear water of Lake Karum. The transition from the salt pan to Salt Lake is so gradual that it feels as if the salt pan simply starts to shimmer and shine as it juts-off into the horizon.
Lake Afrera sits over 100m below sea level in the Danakil Depression, and contains the world’s lowest lying island, known as Deset. At the horizon, dormant volcanoes protrude out from Afrera’s shimmering green topology, and Afrera’s extreme salt concentration results in mounds of salt building up on the lakes shores. Unlike Lake Karum, Lake Afrera can be swam in, and its hypersaline nature leaves you floating weightlessly. It’s a refreshing respite on your journey in the Danakil, and there are nearby freshwater hot springs that make for natural jacuzzis to wash the salt off before jumping back into the air-conditioned Land cruisers.
As your exploration of the Danakil draws to a close, we drive back to Mekele to catch a late flight back to Addis Ababa to connect with your international flight home (note: we can arrange an overnight in Addis and additional services depending on your international flight departure schedule).
Activities: Explore the Martian landscape of Dallol, visit Lakes Afrera and Karum.
Accommodation: Camping on the volcano
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

$1,746- 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:

• All ground transport via private minibus or 4WD.
• All accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
• Meal plan bed and breakfast. All meals included on treks and in the Danakil Depression.
• Fees for entrances, local guides and compulsory scouts for activities mentioned in the itinerary, unless listed as excluded.
• All government taxes for the services included in the tour price.
• Cooking and camping equipment in the Danakil Depression.
• Scout and police escort in the Afar region.
• Camel and camel tires in the Afar region.