Danakil depressions and Awash National Park Tour

Discover the Afar region and Awash National Park on a 5-day tour from Addis Ababa. Visit Erta Ale, Dallol, and Salt Lake Asale, and see wildlife in Awash National Park.
Day 1: Fly from Addis to Semera

Meet your guide upon arrival at Semera airport and drive to Ahmed Ella. Pass through beautiful landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. Visit Ahmad Ella village to see the lifestyle of the local Afar people. Finally, proceed to Salt Lake Asale, a huge salty lake where you can swim in a natural pool while enjoying sunset reflections on the salty ground. Spend the night camping at Ahmed Ella.

Day 2: Erta Ale to Dallol

After breakfast, drive to Dallol and visit the unique landscape formed by volcanic activity. Explore colorful salt formations and bubbling oily lakes. Return to Ahmad Ella for lunch, then proceed to Erta Ale. Spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Erta Ale is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km square caldera at its summit. It contains the world’s only permanent lava lake, one of only five in the world, present since the early years of the twentieth century.

Day 3: Dallol to Afdera then to Semera

After breakfast, drive to Afdera, a major source of salt extraction in Ethiopia. Visit the saline Lake Afdera, where the lake water is pumped to saltpans for solar evaporation. After lunch, continue the trip to Semera and spend the night there.

Day 4: Semera to Awash National Park

Drive from Semera to Awash National Park. Upon arrival, explore the park and have a chance to see Oryx, Zebra, and other animals. Visit the Filwoha Hot Springs. Spend the night at Doho Lodge.

Day 5: Awash National Park to Addis Ababa

Spend some time in Awash National Park, including a trip to the waterfall where you can see crocodiles by the side of Awash Falls. Then, head back to Addis Ababa. Upon reaching Addis Ababa, you’ll be transferred to your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable trip.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.