Day 1: Addis Ababa – Awash
After breakfast, head to the central Ethiopian market town of Awash. En route, visit the five beautiful crater lakes of Debre Zeyit. In the evening, enjoy an exciting safari in the Awash National Park. Admire the fascinating variety of bird life and the stunning waterfalls of the Awash River gorge. Spend the night at the Genet Hotel in Awash.
Day 2: Awash – Semera
Embark on an exciting morning visit to the upper Kudu Valley of the Awash National Park to enjoy the hot springs amid the groves of palm trees. Keep your eyes peeled for the warthogs that make the region their home and then enjoy a scenic drive to Semera, the capital city for the Afar people, were you will camp for the night.
Day 3: Semera – Afdera Lake Afdera
Continue your journey from Semera to Afdera, one of the woredas in the Afar Region of Ethiopia. En route, stop to admire the volcanic rock and spectacular scenery of the desert. Upon arrival to Afdera, visit the hypersaline Lake Afdera and witness the fascinating salt extraction process that takes place at the lake. Spend the night camping near the lake.
Day 4: Afdera – Dodom/Kusreyat – Erta Ale
Begin the day with a drive form the Afdera region to either Dodom or Kusreyat. In the evening, embark on an amazing trek up to the mountains to visit the active volcano of Erta Ale, and to admire the dramatic setting of the landscape. Spend the night camping in the mountains.
Day 5: Erta Ale – Dodom – Dallol
Begin the day with a trek back down the mountain to Dodom. Continue the journey with a drive to Dallol, a settlement in the Dallol woreda of northern Ethiopia. Considered the lowest point on earth, Dallol has an elevation of about 130 meters below sea level, and is also one of the most remote places on Earth. Spend the night camping in this fascinating place.
Day 6: Dallol
Begin the day with a visit to the crater lake of Assal , a beautiful salk lake situated between the border of Ethiopia and Djibouti. Spend the night camping close to the lake.
Day 7: Dallol – Mek’ele
Begin the day with a drive from Dallol to Mek’ele, a city in the northern Tigray Region of Ethiopia. En route to Mek’ele, visit a local camel caravan and spot along the way to admire the spectacular scenery surrounding your route. Spend the night at the Axum Hotel in Mek’ele.
Day 8: Mek’ele – Kombolcha
Drive back to city of Kombolcha. En route, stop to admire the mountain chains at Ambalage and pay a visit to the Hayq stefanos monastery (open only for men) as well as the palace of Ras Mikael Sihul. Spend the night at the Sunny Side Hotel, with breakfast and dinner included.
Day 9: Kombolcha – Addis Ababa
Drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping en route to admire the mouth of Rift Valley system at Tarmaber and the lush landscape of the Shoan Plateau. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dance show at a local restaurant and then head to the airport for your return flight home.