Eastern Ethiopia: Expedition tour to Danakil Depression – 8 Days
Tour Highlights
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Explore Ethiopia’s vibrant capital with a guided Addis Ababa city tour
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Wildlife spotting in Awash National Park with views of waterfalls and Rift Valley lakes
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Discover the Afar Desert and interact with Afar nomadic communities
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Witness the dramatic Erta Ale Volcano—one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes
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Marvel at the surreal Dallol Sulphur Springs, Lake Assale, and colorful salt flats
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See the traditional camel caravans transporting salt—an age-old trading practice
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Scenic drives through Rift Valley landscapes and volcanic formations
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End your adventure with a farewell cultural dinner in Addis Ababa
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Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour
- Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
- Meet and greet at the exit gate by your tour guide holding a welcome sign
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Transfer to hotel and begin a half-day city tour depending on arrival time:
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Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home of “Lucy”
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Explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral
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Wander through Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market
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Drive up to Entoto Mountain (3,000m) for panoramic views of Addis Ababa
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Overnight at hotel in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Drive to Awash National Park (250 km)
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Begin your journey eastward via the Great East African Rift Valley
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Stop at Debre Zeit to admire one of the crater lakes
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Continue to Awash National Park, home to:
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Beisa oryx, gazelles, baboons, and over 450 bird species
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Scenic Awash River Gorge and Awash Falls
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Overnight at Awash Falls Lodge.
Day 3: Drive to Afdera via Samara
- Cross the Awash River Bridge, then follow the road toward the Danakil Depression
- Stop in Samara to process travel permits and meet your armed escorts and local guide
- Travel through Afar villages and desert terrain to reach Lake Afdera, known for its salt flats
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Overnight camping near Lake Afdera or stay in a basic local hotel.
Day 4: Drive to Kusrawad & Trek to Erta Ale Volcano
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Drive to Kusrawad, where camels and porters will help carry supplies
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Meet local militia and guides for the ascent
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Late afternoon: Trek to Erta Ale Volcano (~3–4 hrs hike)
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Witness the active lava lake—a rare and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon
Overnight camping at the volcano rim.
Day 5: Descend Erta Ale & Drive to Hamed Ela
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After sunrise, descend to the base of Erta Ale
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Breakfast at the base camp, then continue your drive to Hamed Ela
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This is one of the most rugged and demanding sections—stay hydrated and prepare for sand and heat
Overnight camping in Hamed Ela.
Day 6: Excursion to Dallol, Salt Flats & Camel Caravans
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Early morning drive to Dallol (116m below sea level)
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Visit:
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Colorful sulfur springs and salt formations
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Lake Assale, where locals mine salt traditionally
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Camel caravans transporting salt to the highlands
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Walk among the Afar salt miners and learn about their ancient trade
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Return to Hamed Ela
Day 7: Drive to Mekele
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Journey from the desert floor to the highlands of Tigray region
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Enjoy stops to photograph camel caravans and stunning landscapes
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Arrive in Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region
Overnight at hotel in Mekele.
Day 8: Fly to Addis Ababa & Farewell Dinner
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Morning flight from Mekele to Addis Ababa
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Optional shopping or relaxing in Addis
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Evening farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, with live music and dance
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Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure.
Includes
Fees
Excludes
Flights
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