9-Day From Volcanoes to Highlands Ethiopia Explorer Tour

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Addis Ababa – Semera – Hamedela

Fly from Addis Ababa to Semera and begin the drive to Hamedela. Along the route, visit the beautiful salt lakes of Lake Afdera and Lake Asale, known for their colorful mineral formations and traditional salt mining. Enjoy a stunning sunset over the salt flats before overnight camping in Hamedela.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Hamedela – Dallol – Erta Ale

Depart early in the morning for an excursion to Dallol, one of the world’s most unique geothermal landscapes. Explore colorful sulfur springs, salt canyons, and bubbling hydrothermal fields before returning for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Erta Ale and hike to the active volcano crater to witness the spectacular lava lake at sunset.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Erta Ale – Awash National Park

Wake early to enjoy sunrise views over Erta Ale and the surrounding desert scenery. After descending from the volcano, begin the long but scenic drive toward Awash National Park. Arrive in the evening and relax at your lodge surrounded by acacia woodland and wildlife.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Best Time To Visit October to February (Little rain and less hot)

High Season September to April (The park is never busy)

Best Weather October to February

Wildlife in Awash NP

Olive Baboon Abundant

Beisa Oryx Common

Soemmerring's
Gazelle Common

Hamadryas
Baboon Common

Salt's Dik-dik Common

Show more

Lesser Kudu Occasional

Desert Warthog Occasional

Defassa Waterbuck Occasional

Nile Crocodile Occasional

Spotted Hyena Occasional

Guereza Monkey Rare

Ethiopian Wolf None

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Genet Hotel Awash

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Awash National Park

Spend the day exploring the diverse landscapes of Awash National Park on a guided game drive. Search for wildlife including oryx, gazelles, baboons, crocodiles, and numerous bird species throughout the park. Visit the beautiful Awash Falls and enjoy panoramic views of the savannah and river gorge.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Accommodation:

Genet Hotel Awash

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Awash – Bale Mountains National Park

Leave Awash and travel south through changing landscapes, traditional villages, and scenic Ethiopian highlands. Continue the journey to Bale Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most important biodiversity areas. Arrive in Dinsho or Goba for overnight stay surrounded by cool mountain air and natural beauty.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit November to February (Little rain)

High Season October to January (Park is never busy)

Best Weather November to February

Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP

Ethiopian Wolf Common

Mountain Nyala Common

Warthog Common

Menelik's
Bushbuck Occasional

Guereza Monkey Occasional

Show more

Olive Baboon Occasional

Bohor Reedbuck Occasional

Starck's Hare Occasional

Giant Mole-rat Occasional

Bale Monkey Rare

Giant Forest Hog Rare

Golden Jackal Rare

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Nurobe Hotel

• Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Dinsho & Bale Mountains Exploration

Explore the Dinsho section of Bale Mountains National Park with guided walks through forests and open grasslands. Look for endemic wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, and several rare bird species. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular mountain scenery throughout the day.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Nurobe Hotel

• Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Sanetti Plateau – Harenna Forest

Drive across the dramatic Sanetti Plateau, one of the highest alpine roads in Africa with breathtaking panoramic views. Continue into the lush Harenna Forest, home to giant bamboo, wild coffee forests, and unique wildlife. Enjoy nature walks and opportunities to experience the rich biodiversity of the region.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Nurobe Hotel

• Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bale Mountains Hiking & Cultural Experience

Spend the day hiking through scenic mountain trails and enjoying the fresh highland environment of Bale Mountains. Optional activities include birdwatching, horseback riding, and photography in the park’s beautiful landscapes. Later, visit nearby Oromo communities to learn about local traditions, culture, and daily life.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Nurobe Hotel

• Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bale Mountains – Addis Ababa – Departure

After breakfast, begin the return drive to Addis Ababa through scenic countryside and local market towns. Stop along the way for photos, refreshments, and cultural encounters with local communities. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to the airport for your international departure flight.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.