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Ethiopia Awash & Danakil Depression
£2,295.00
A 5-day Ethiopia adventure that moves from the savannah and volcanic landscapes of Awash to the Danakil Depression’s salt flats, hot springs, and active volcanic terrain. Expect a wildlife-focused start in Awash and Allideghe, then a shift into the Afar lowlands for Lake Afdera, Erta Ale volcano, and the mineral formations of Dallol. Accommodation is a mix of lodge nights and desert camping, with the route designed to cover some of Ethiopia’s most striking geological extremes.
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Awash National Park
Drive to Awash National Park and settle into the park’s mix of acacia, grassland, and volcanic scenery. Wildlife viewing focuses on the open plains and river areas, where sightings can include zebra, Beisa oryx, kudu, Soemmerring’s gazelle, and Swayne’s hartebeest, plus baboons and monkeys near the water. The park is also a strong birding area, with species ranging from ostrich to Abyssinian ground hornbill, secretary bird, and colourful rollers and bee-eaters. Overnight at Doho Lodge.
Day 2: Awash National Park – Allideghe Wildlife Reserve – Semera
Drive towards Semera, stopping for a game drive in Allideghe Wildlife Reserve. The landscape is mainly grassland with wooded rises and surrounding hills, and the reserve is known for arid-country species such as Somali wild ass, Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, Grevy’s zebra, and gerenuk, with predators present including cheetah, lion, and spotted hyena. Continue to Semera. Overnight at Ruftana Hotel.
Day 3: Semera – Lake Afdera – Erta Ale
Drive into the Danakil towards Erta Ale, with a stop at Lake Afdera, a salt lake where there is time to swim and reset before continuing. Later, trek up Erta Ale for crater viewing and the chance to see active volcanic activity. Overnight camping.
Day 4: Erta Ale – Hamedela
Begin with further observation at the volcano area, then trek back and continue by vehicle towards Hamedela, travelling across stark lowland terrain shaped by the Rift system. Around Hamedela, watch for Afar salt-trade camel caravans moving across the flats, which is part of the region’s daily rhythm rather than a staged stop. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Hamedela – Dallol – Mekele – Addis Ababa
Drive to Lake Asale to see rock salt mining and camel caravans associated with the trade routes. Continue to Dallol, known for colourful mineral deposits and geothermal formations created by hot springs rich in sulphur, potash, and salt, and for its extreme low elevation. Drive onward to Mekele for the scheduled flight back to Addis Ababa.
Included:
- Hotel and camping accommodation in twin or double rooms where applicable
- Meals on a full board basis, breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Unlimited bottled mineral water
- Ground transport by jeep with fuel and driver allowance
- Domestic flight, Mekele – Addis Ababa
- Entrance fees, village fees, local guide fees, and scout fees
Excluded:
- Visa fee, USD 62
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage porter fees at hotels and airport terminals
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Any other personal expenses
Highlights
- Awash National Park lodge stay with game drives in acacia savannah and river habitats
- Allideghe Wildlife Reserve for Grevy’s zebra and other arid-land species
- Lake Afdera stop in the Danakil lowlands, a salt lake with a stark shoreline
- Erta Ale trek for crater views on an active volcano, with a night of desert camping
- Dallol’s geothermal mineral fields, plus salt mining and camel caravans at Lake Asale
Ethiopia Information
