Expedition to the Danakil Depression

Departure Location
Return Location
  • Duration 5 Days

Tour Plan

Expedition to the Danakil Depression – 5 Days

Embark on an exhilarating 6-day expedition to the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth. This unique journey will take you through a surreal landscape of vibrant mineral deposits, active volcanoes, and salt flats, showcasing nature’s extraordinary beauty. Experience the rich culture of the Afar people, witness the stunning Erta Ale volcano, and explore the otherworldly Danakil Depression. This expedition is designed for adventurous travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with incredible photography opportunities and unforgettable landscapes.

Day 1

Arrival

Upon your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide, who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you will embark on a city tour of Ethiopia’s capital. Your exploration will include visits to the National Museum, home to the famous Lucy fossil, and the vibrant Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. You will also visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious site. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, where you can savor local dishes and experience cultural performances. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2

Fly Addis – Semera / Erta Ale

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight from Addis Ababa to Semera, the capital of the Afar Region. Upon arrival in Semera, you will meet your driver and begin the drive towards Erta Ale, a journey of approximately 3-4 hours. The route takes you through striking landscapes and the arid terrain of the Danakil Depression. Arriving at the base of Erta Ale in the late afternoon, you will prepare for the hike to the volcano. As the sun sets, you will hike to the rim of Erta Ale, witnessing the mesmerizing lava lake. Spend the night camping near the crater, experiencing the unique atmosphere of this active volcano.

In the evening, you will enjoy a luxurious camping experience, complete with comfortable tents featuring showers, bathrooms, electricity, and fridges. The best camping chefs will prepare delicious meals, ensuring that you have a delightful culinary experience while surrounded by nature. After a fulfilling day of natural exploration, you can relax under the stars at your luxury campsite.

Overnight: Camping

Day 3

Drive Erta Ale to Hamed Ela / Explore

In the early morning, you will have the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the lava lake as the sun rises. After breakfast, you will descend from Erta Ale and drive towards Hamed Ela, a small settlement in the Danakil Depression. The drive will take approximately 3-4 hours, where you can enjoy the stark beauty of the landscape. Upon arrival in Hamed Ela, you will check into your accommodation and have lunch. In the afternoon, you can explore the surrounding area, meet local Afar people, and learn about their unique lifestyle. You will spend the night in Hamed Ela.

In the evening, you will enjoy a luxurious camping experience, complete with comfortable tents featuring showers, bathrooms, electricity, and fridges. The best camping chefs will prepare delicious meals, ensuring that you have a delightful culinary experience while surrounded by nature. After a fulfilling day of natural exploration, you can relax under the stars at your luxury campsite.

Overnight: Camping

Day 4

Explore Dallol / Drive to Afdera

On the fourth day, you will set out early to explore Dallol, one of the hottest places on Earth and known for its colorful hydrothermal fields and salt formations. The vibrant colors of the sulfur springs and salt flats create a surreal landscape, providing excellent photographic opportunities. After exploring Dallol, you will drive to Lake Afdera.  

In the evening, you will enjoy a luxurious camping experience, complete with comfortable tents featuring showers, bathrooms, electricity, and fridges. The best camping chefs will prepare delicious meals, ensuring that you have a delightful culinary experience while surrounded by nature. After a fulfilling day of natural exploration, you can relax under the stars at your luxury campsite.

Overnight: Camping

Day 5

Drive Afdera to Semera / Fly to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Semera, which will take around 4-5 hours. As you drive, you will have the chance to take in the scenic views of the Afar region one last time. Upon arriving in Semera, you will transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. After landing in Addis, you will have the remainder of the day free for leisure activities or shopping. Finally, you will conclude your adventure with a transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your departure flight.

This itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure through one of the most remarkable landscapes on the planet. Prepare for a journey filled with awe-inspiring sights and unique cultural experiences!

Day 6

Gonder-Ethiopian Greaft Valley Lakes-Langano

In the morning, transfer to Gonder airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, we will meet our drivers for the drive to the Great Ethiopian Rift Valley, Lake Langano. While driving from Addis Ababa to Lagnao, we will pass by different small towns, and we will stop for a visit at one of the most beautiful Rift Valley Lakes, Lake Zway.

The rest of the day, relax around the beautiful Sabana Lodge perched on the top of the hill overlooking the beautiful lake.

Accommodation: Marina Lodge-Langano.

Day 7

Langano- Bale Mountains National Park

In the morning, we drive to Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park. This is one of the biggest Afro Alpine habitats in the entire African continent.
In the afternoon, we will have a game drive around the headquarters to visit some of the endemic mammals in the park, including: Bale Mountain Nyala (endemic to Bale Mountains National Park), Minilik Bushbuck, warthogs, and many more.

Overnight: Bale Mountains Lodge-Harena Forest

Day 8

Goba-Senetie Plateau

In the morning, drive high in the Senetie Plateau, one of the most beautiful parts of the park. This is the territory of the endemic Abyssinian Wolf. This very endangered canine is the only wolf species found in Africa. It can be spotted commonly here in the vast afro-alpine vegetation, hunting on the Giant Mole Rat on which it commonly feeds.

In this well-conserved afro-alpine ecosystem, you will see some endemic birds like the Blue-winged Goose and other birds, as well as the Giant Mole Rat, pretty much everywhere.
Later in the afternoon, we will take a relaxing trek around Gesse Valley where we can see many more wildlife and enjoy the scenic view while walking around the valley.

Overnight: Bale Mountains Lodge-Harena Forest

Day 9

Harenna Forest

Today, we will explore the dense and well-conserved Afro-Alpine forest in the Bale Mountains. Here we can expect to see the recently discovered endemic Bale Monkey, the elusive Black leopard, if we are even lucky, we will also see the rare Abyssinian Black Maned   Lion

 

Overnight: Bale Mountains Lodge- Harena Forest 

Day 10

Harena Forest- Lake Awassa

In the morning,  we will start driving back to the Ethiopian Great Rift Valley Lakes Region. In this region, you will find chains of beautiful Rift Valley Lakes, which are home to many bird species and other wildlife.

After checking into the beautiful Haile Resort, owned and run by the Great Ethiopian Athlete, many Olympic gold medalists, and holders of many world records, including marathon, we will then walk around the lake of Awassa to see different aquatic birds. We can also take a boat trip for more bird watching and hippo spotting.  The rest of the day,  you can relax in the swimming pool.

Overnight: Haile Resort-Awassa

Day 11

Awassa-Addis Ababa

Early in the morning, we will visit the Awssa fish market, where local fishermen sell freshly caught fish to the local people. The interaction of the fishermen with people, birds, and the surrounding environment is interesting to watch.
After having breakfast at the hotel, we will drive back to Addis Ababa en route, visiting at least two rift valley Lakes, namely Lake Ziway, the biggest Rift Valley Lake, and Lake Langano. Both are very famous for their abundant birdlife.
As we finish our visit to the lakes, we then continue to drive back to Addis Ababa through the new expressway, which starts at Mojo, to arrive in Addis Ababa late in the afternoon.

End of tour.

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