$2,035 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive at Bole International Airport where your guide warmly welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. After a short rest, start exploring Addis Ababa, a city rich in cultural heritage and modern vibrancy. Visit the National Museum, home to “Lucy,” the 3.2-million-year-old fossil. Continue to the Ethnological Museum or Holy Trinity Cathedral. End the day at Entoto Park for sweeping views of the city and refreshing mountain air. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Caravan Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Fly to Mekele – Drive to Erta Ale Basecamp
Fly to Mekele – Drive to Erta Ale Basecamp
Fly from Addis Ababa to Mekele and meet your Afar region expedition team. Begin the drive across dramatic desert landscapes, passing small salt-mining villages and camel caravans. After lunch en route, continue to Dodom, the base of Erta Ale volcano. Prepare for the evening trek with safety briefing and support camels. Begin hiking at sunset toward the crater rim, enjoying cooler temperatures and moon-lit surroundings. Overnight camping near the volcano.
- Main Destination:
- Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
- Accommodation:
- Ahmed Ela Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Erta Ale Crater – Hamed Ela
Erta Ale Crater – Hamed Ela
Wake up early to visit the active lava lake, watching molten rock bubble and glow inside the crater. After sunrise photos, begin your descent from Erta Ale and drive back to Dodom for breakfast. Continue your journey toward the lowland salt plains of the Danakil Depression. Pass Afar nomadic settlements and vast desert landscapes. Arrive at Hamed Ela, the gateway to Dallol, where you settle into a simple desert camp. Enjoy a colorful sunset over the salt flats.
- Main Destination:
- Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
- Accommodation:
- Ahmed Ela Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Dallol, Salt Mines & Camel Caravans – Drive to Mekele
Dallol, Salt Mines & Camel Caravans – Drive to Mekele
Start early to explore Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. Walk among otherworldly landscapes of sulfur formations, neon-colored mineral pools, and steaming vents. Continue to the salt mines of Lake Asale, where Afar miners extract blocks of salt using centuries-old techniques. Watch long camel caravans transporting salt across the desert. After lunch, drive back through the highland escarpments to Mekele. Overnight in Mekele.
- Main Destination:
- Mekele (City)
- Accommodation:
- Planet Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Mekele to Gheralta – Rock-Hewn Churches Trek
Mekele to Gheralta – Rock-Hewn Churches Trek
Drive to the dramatic sandstone escarpments of the Gheralta Mountains, a region famous for its ancient rock-hewn churches and breathtaking scenery. Begin a trekking excursion to one of Gheralta’s iconic cliff churches such as Abuna Yemata Guh, Maryam Korkor, or Daniel Korkor, depending on difficulty preference. Climb through narrow paths and rock ledges to reach these centuries-old sanctuaries with panoramic views. Enjoy a peaceful evening in Gheralta.
- Main Destination:
- Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)
- Accommodation:
-
Gheralta Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
More Gheralta Treks – Drive to Axum
More Gheralta Treks – Drive to Axum
Spend the morning exploring another remarkable Gheralta church carved high into the sandstone cliffs, where ancient paintings and unique architectural styles tell the story of Ethiopia’s early Christian history. After your trek, continue driving toward Axum, the cradle of the Axumite Empire. Explore the town’s lively streets and enjoy the slow transition from the rugged mountains to historic highlands. Overnight in Axum.
- Main Destination:
- Axum (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Sabean International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Fly to Gondar – Drive to Simien Mountains
Fly to Gondar – Drive to Simien Mountains
Begin your trekking adventure in the Simien Mountains, walking along spectacular escarpments with views stretching for miles. Spot large groups of Gelada baboons grazing on highland grasslands and learn about their unique social behavior. Continue toward Jinbar Waterfall, a dramatic drop into a deep canyon. Enjoy picnic lunch with panoramic landscapes. Trek through giant heather forests before returning to camp or lodge. Overnight in the Simien Mountains.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Simien Lodge
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Simien Mountains Trek Jinbar Falls & Gelada Baboons
Simien Mountains Trek Jinbar Falls & Gelada Baboons
Begin your trekking adventure in the Simien Mountains, walking along spectacular escarpments with views stretching for miles. Spot large groups of Gelada baboons grazing on highland grasslands and learn about their unique social behavior. Continue toward Jinbar Waterfall, a dramatic drop into a deep canyon. Enjoy picnic lunch with panoramic landscapes. Trek through giant heather forests before returning to camp or lodge. Overnight in the Simien Mountains.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Simien Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Simien Trek Continued – Return to Gondar – Fly to Addis
Simien Trek Continued – Return to Gondar – Fly to Addis
Spend your final morning with a relaxing hike or wildlife walk, often encountering Walia ibex or soaring Lammergeier vultures. After lunch, drive back to Gondar and board your flight to Addis Ababa. Depending on your schedule, enjoy a farewell dinner or souvenir shopping before transfer to the airport for your departure. End of the 9-day adventure through Ethiopia’s wildest and most beautiful landscapes.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
