8-Day Through the Afar Desert and into the Danakil

Arrival in the morning. Transfer to the hotel (if the rooms are ready for occupancy). Sightseeing tour through the capital, which is located at an altitude of up to 2,450 masl. A city of contrasts with modern skyscrapers next to corrugated iron huts, donkey and horse carts next to modern means of transport, colourful traditional markets next to supermarkets. Besides the most important historical monuments you visit the National Museum, where the famous skeleton Lucy is kept.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Sunspot Hotel

Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Non-alcoholic drinks

This day's drive continues for another 180 km north east to get to Awash national park, one of the earliest and rich in fauna’s and flora’s national parks of Ethiopia. Upon arrival to the National Park we visit the majestic Awash River Falls to spot different types of birds, and driving through the bush land of the park provides you the opportunity to see antelopes like Greater Kudu, Gazelles, Orix and other wildlife in the interior parts of the park. Then we move on to the Doho Lodge located directly at the hot springs where we can take a relaxing bath.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Accommodation:

Doho Lodge & Hot Springs

Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Non-alcoholic drinks

In the morning we will continue our journey by car to the north-east, until we reach the small town of Semera, the last inhabited centre before entering the desert regions of the Danakil (Afar). In the evening we will have a typical dinner and then accommodation in the hotel in Semera.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Ruftana Hotel

Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Non-alcoholic drinks

Today we slowly approach the desert of the Danakil. The landscape is getting drier, but it remains hilly until salt lake Aftera. From time to time we pass small oases, where they bring their animals for water supply. On the way we will visit a village of the Afar people. Already from a distance you can see Lake Aftera and its basins used for the production of salt. We spend the night in a tent under the palm trees by the lake. There are hot springs with mineral water. The lake as well as the springs themselves invite you to take a bath.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Non-alcoholic drinks

Departure for Kusrewad, from where we are accompanied by military escort and where you can take dromedaries for our luggage and for those who they want to ride. In the late afternoon, after some walking, we get to the edge of the crater.

Erta Ale is 613 metres high and on its summit there is a lava lake. This is one of the few permanently active lava lakes in the world. After having seen the night activity of the lava lake, we will spend the night at a certain distance from the crater in simple shelters or outdoors on mattresses and sleeping bags. It is noted that the volcano is constantly evolving and that for safety reasons it is not always possible to visit the main crater.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Non-alcoholic drinks

In the morning we approach the crater lake again to observe the morning activity. Then we descended from the summit where our cook awaits us with the first breakfast. Strengthened we continue north by car until we reach in the desert village of Hammed Ela. Here we rest from the night before.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Non-alcoholic drinks

Excursion to Dallol, which is located 116 metres below sea level, one of the lowest places on the planet. We visit fields, lakes and colourful springs, a lake of oil and Lake Assale, where salt extraction is done with Ancient techniques. Salt bars were once used as a coin national. We see the Afar in their hard work of salt extraction.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Ruftana Hotel

Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Non-alcoholic drinks

You will be transferred to the airport and with a short domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Here’s the last opportunity to buy souvenirs. After this we move to the restaurant for a farewell dinner with traditional music and folk dance groups. In the late evening, or depending on your flight schedule, you will return home.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Non-alcoholic drinks