5-Day Danakil Depression & Awash National Park Safari

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

Addis Ababa – Awash National Park – Doho Lodge

Driving distance: 220km
Driving time: 4hrs

Begin your Ethiopia adventure tour with an early morning departure from Addis Ababa, driving through the spectacular Great Rift Valley to Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia's premier wildlife destinations. Explore the park's diverse landscapes, home to oryx, Soemmerring's gazelles, baboons, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, before visiting the breathtaking Awash Waterfall. Enjoy lunch in Metahara, then continue to Doho Lodge. In the late afternoon, relax in the natural Doho hot springs, enjoy a peaceful kayaking experience on the natural lake, and admire the surrounding Rift Valley scenery.

Overnight: Doho Lodge.

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

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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:

Doho Lodge & Hot Springs

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

+10 Photos

+9 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Doho – Aledegi Wildlife Reserve – Semera

Doho – Aledegi Wildlife Reserve – Semera

Distance: 375 km
Driving time: 5-6 hours

Depart at 6:00 AM for an exciting wildlife excursion to Aledegi Wildlife Reserve, renowned for its populations of Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring's Gazelle, Salt's Dik-dik, ostriches, and other desert wildlife. Continue your scenic drive through the dramatic landscapes of the Afar Region, following the Great Rift Valley toward Semera. Stop in Mille for lunch before arriving in Semera in the early evening. Relax at the comfortable Kuriftu Resort Semera and prepare for the unforgettable Danakil adventure ahead.

Overnight: Kuriftu Resort Semera.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

+7 Photos

+6 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Semera – Lake Afdera – Erta Ale Volcano

Semera – Lake Afdera – Erta Ale Volcano

Distance: 360km
Driving Time: 5 hours

After breakfast, begin your Danakil Depression expedition in a fully air-conditioned 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser. Descend into one of Earth's most extraordinary landscapes, where parts of the Danakil Depression lie more than 100 meters below sea level. Arrive at Lake Afdera for a freshly prepared lunch by your expedition chef, followed by an optional swim in the naturally salty lake and a refreshing freshwater shower. Continue to the legendary Erta Ale Volcano, one of the world's few continuously active volcanoes. After settling into camp and enjoying dinner, begin a 30–45 minute hike to witness the spectacular glowing lava crater beneath the African night sky before returning to camp.

Overnight: Erta Ale Campsite.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Erta Ale – Ahmed Ela – Dallol

Erta Ale – Ahmed Ela – Dallol

Distance: approximately 180 KM
Driving time: 5 hours.

Early risers may choose an optional sunrise hike to the rim of Erta Ale Volcano for unforgettable panoramic views. After breakfast, drive across the dramatic volcanic desert toward Ahmed Ela Oasis, arriving around lunchtime for a well-deserved rest. In the late afternoon, continue to the surreal Lake Asale Salt Flats, where visitors can walk barefoot across the shallow salt lake, enjoying a natural mineral foot massage. Witness one of Ethiopia's most spectacular sunsets over this otherworldly landscape before returning to camp.

Overnight: Ahmed Ela Camp.

Main Destination:

Ahmed Ela (Village)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Dallol – Mekele – Addis Ababa

Dallol – Mekele – Addis Ababa

Distance to Mekele: 250km
Driving distance: 4 hours.

Flight departure Time From Mekele: 17:30 PM
Flight arrival in Addis Ababa: 19:05 PM

Begin before sunrise to explore the extraordinary Dallol Geothermal Field, one of the hottest and most colorful places on Earth. Discover vibrant mineral formations, bubbling hot springs, sulfur pools, crystal salt mountains, and the famous floating salt pools while observing the traditional lifestyle of the Afar salt miners, who continue centuries-old camel caravan traditions. Enjoy breakfast beneath the crystal salt formations before driving back to Mekele for lunch. Board your evening flight to Addis Ababa, where you will celebrate the end of your journey with a traditional Ethiopian farewell dinner featuring cultural music and dance before your airport or hotel transfer.

End of Tour.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

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

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