Ethiopia · Geological Wonders

5-Day Awash and Danakil Adventure with Erta Ale Lava Lake

5 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Easy pace

View all 9 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes in Awash National Park
02 Explore the vibrant salt formations and volcanic features of the Danakil Depression
03 Experience Afar culture and learn about traditional salt harvesting methods
04 Trek to Erta Ale to witness its mesmerizing lava lake and volcanic activity
05 Enjoy stunning sunrises over Lake Assal's unique saltwater environment

Set off on an unforgettable 5-day journey through Ethiopia's stunning landscapes, combining wildlife viewing in Awash National Park with the extraordinary geological wonders of the Danakil Depression. Encounter diverse animals and birdlife, explore vibrant salt formations and volcanic terrain, and engage with Afar communities to learn about traditional salt harvesting methods. From the grasslands of Awash and Alledighe to the surreal scenery of Dallol and the mesmerizing lava lake of Erta Ale, this adventure showcases some of Ethiopia's most remarkable regions.

Awash National Park is home to over 400 recorded bird species, set against a beautiful backdrop of grasslands and acacia scrub, complemented by the flowing Awash River.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Adama, Semera, Awash National Park, Afdera, Erta Ale, Dallol

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Addis Ababa to Awash National Park Safari

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel or the airport by our experienced driver and guide. We will head onto the expressway, reaching Adama, formerly known as Nazret, in approximately one hour.
As we drive from the park gate towards the Awash River, keep an eye out for wildlife such as Beisa Oryx, Klipspringer, Hamadryas and Anubis baboons, Salt's Dik-dik, and Grivet monkeys.
We'll also visit the stunning Awash Gorge, where two rivers converge, and take a trip to the picturesque Awash Falls before returning to the lodge.
As temperatures cool, we'll head out on a game drive. Here, we may encounter Soemmerring's Gazelle, lesser and greater Kudus, Warthogs, the Defarsa waterbuck, Colobus and Grivet monkeys, as well as Black-Backed and Golden Jackals.
With some luck, you might spot elusive Leopards and Lions. Awash National Park is home to over 400 recorded bird species, set against a beautiful backdrop of grasslands and acacia scrub, complemented by the flowing Awash River.

Day 02

Awash National Park to Alledighe Wildlife Reserve

We'll set off early in the morning for a drive to the Alledighe Wildlife Reserve (AWR), an exceptional expanse of open grassland characterized by breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife.
Located in the Great Rift Valley, AWR boasts the largest grassland plains in Ethiopia, providing opportunities to spot animals like Beisa Oryx, Grant Gazelle, Gerenuk, Soemmerring Gazelle, Grevy's Zebra, and the rare Lion and Leopard.
The birdwatching here is equally impressive, with species such as Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Arabian Bustard, Black-headed Lapwing, Little Egret, and many more frequently spotted.
After our activities, we will return to Semera to prepare for our journey to the Danakil Depression the following day.

Day 03

Semera to Hamedela via Ragad and Dallol

In the morning, we will depart for Ragad (Asebo), a local salt mining area. Here, you can observe workers extracting salt, cutting it into blocks, and loading it onto camels, although salt mining activity may vary by season.
Next, we'll continue our journey to Dallol, one of the lowest points on Earth at 116 meters below sea level. Dallol is known for its vibrant salt formations and unique geological features shaped by volcanic activity.
We will also have the chance to observe camel caravans near Lake Assal, depending on the season.
As we engage with the Afar people, we'll learn about their traditional salt harvesting methods. The drive from Semera to Hamed Ela is about 400 km, and if time permits, we may catch a beautiful sunset at Lake Assal.

Day 04

Lake Assal, Dallol, and Erta Ale Trek

In the morning, we'll head to Lake Assal to witness a stunning sunrise over this unique saltwater lake, situated 125 meters below sea level.
Explore the lake's vibrant salt flats and distinctive geological features while interacting with local Afar people.
Afterward, we will proceed to Dallol, known for its extreme environment.
Marvel at the surreal landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, including colorful mineral formations and geothermal features. Spend time at the Dallol crater, where you can capture unforgettable photographs of hot springs, sulfur deposits, and salt formations.
Later, we will begin our journey to Erta Ale, one of the few volcanoes in the world with a permanent lava lake.
Arriving at the base in Dodom, we will prepare for our trek to the summit, where you can witness the mesmerizing lava lake and dramatic volcanic activity.

Day 05

Erta Ale to Lake Afdera and Semera

Experience an early morning at Erta Ale, taking a short walk to explore the northern, southern, and central pits. The main crater measures 200 m deep and 350 m across, offering a spectacular view.
We will descend from Erta Ale around 9:00 AM, returning to Dodom for a well-deserved breakfast at approximately 07:00.
After a relaxing morning, conditions permitting, we'll drive to Lake Giulietti (Lake Afrera), a picturesque saltwater lake situated more than 100 meters below sea level.
Here, you can explore the salt flats where the Afar people harvest salt through evaporation.
Finally, we will continue our journey back to Semera, where you will board your flight back to Addis Ababa, concluding this unforgettable adventure.