Wild Ethiopia
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
This fascinating journey uncovers some of Ethiopia’s wildest and most extreme landscapes. Exploring one of Africa’s most diverse countries, begin in the historically-rich region of Tigray where you will discover rock-hewn churches and dramatic escarpments. From here travel east to the unforgiving Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth. Discover the alien salt landscapes of Dallol and take on a memorable trek to the top of the active volcano Erta Ale, where ...
This fascinating journey uncovers some of Ethiopia’s wildest and most extreme landscapes. Exploring one of Africa’s most diverse countries, begin in the historically-rich region of Tigray where you will discover rock-hewn churches and dramatic escarpments. From here travel east to the unforgiving Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth. Discover the alien salt landscapes of Dallol and take on a memorable trek to the top of the active volcano Erta Ale, where you will camp on the rim of the volcano. From the arid north-east landscapes, you then head south to the lush plains of Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve and Awash National Park, areas brimming with wildlife and refreshing lakes. Your final stop then takes you to the medieval walled city of Harar, a staunchly Muslim city which was once barred to all Christians, where hyenas are still fed by hand in the streets and mosques assail you at every turn.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE MEKELE
Day 1 ARRIVE MEKELE
On arrival in Mekele you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to acclimatise.
Day 2 MEKELE – AHMED ELA
Day 2 MEKELE – AHMED ELA
This morning you will get the chance to discover some of the region’s wonderful rock-hewn churches. Visit Wukro Cherkos, a crooked cruciform sandstone church, which is semi-monolithic and believed to have been created during the 4th century. Continue on to the rock hewn church of Abreha Atsbeha, considered among the country`s earliest churches and architecturally one of its finest. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Northern Tigray region as you then enjoy some lunch before setting off for Ahmed Ela. Arrive late afternoon and settle into your camp for the evening.
Day 3 AHMED ELA – DALLOL – ERTA ALE
Day 3 AHMED ELA – DALLOL – ERTA ALE
This morning you will visit Dallol, the lowest part of the Danakil Depression at 120metres below sea level, and the hottest inhabited area on earth. The acidic hot springs of sulphur, salt, iron oxide, and other minerals facilitate small gas geysers and pools of acid creating an unearthly, desolate and colourful landscape. Continuing on you can visit the salt mining area of Lake Asale. This precious stone salt or Amole was once used as a currency in Ethiopia. Today, hundreds of camel caravans can be found on the road daily transporting salt to the north western highlands of Ethiopia. Return to camp for some lunch before setting off for Erta Ale this afternoon. After a long drive you reach Kuswarad, an Afar village where you pick up your local guide. You then continue through the desert where you reach the basalt rock formed by old lava flows. After getting off your vehicle, you trek to the rim of the volcano at around sunset, to avoid walking during the heat of the day. The trek will take about 45-60 minutes, with the latter part of the walk taking part in the dark. The path is not that steep, but it is important you have a torch and sticks to assist you. You will camp tonight on the crater rim, a safe distance away from the lava.
Day 4 ERTA ALE - SEMERA
Day 4 ERTA ALE - SEMERA
Rise early in the morning to catch another sight of the volcano before walking back down to basecamp. Here you will meet your vehicle again and set off on a long drive to Semera.
Day 5 SEMERA – ALLEDEGHI WILDLIFE RESERVE
Day 5 SEMERA – ALLEDEGHI WILDLIFE RESERVE
This morning sees another long drive as you make your way to the less-visited Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve. This unique area is home to a diverse wildlife, including Grevy’s zebra, spotted hyena, wild ass, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, among many others, as well as an abundance of birdlife.
Day 6 ALLEDEGHI WILDLIFE RESERVE – AWASH NATIONAL PARK
Day 6 ALLEDEGHI WILDLIFE RESERVE – AWASH NATIONAL PARK
Wake early this morning to make the most of your time here and spend a few hours exploring this beautiful area. The lodge is known for its wonderful natural hot springs so treat yourself to a soak before driving on to Awash National Park this afternoon, where you can enjoy a late afternoon game drive.
Day 7 AWASH NATIONAL PARK
Day 7 AWASH NATIONAL PARK
You'll spend today exploring the park in the company of your driver-guide. Awash National Park encompasses a fascinating array of volcanic landscapes that has become a haven for a range of birdlife. See if you can spot colobus monkeys, golden jackals and spotted hyenas today. Lions and leopards are around but are rare sightings these days. There is also the option of visiting Awash River Falls on your safari.
Day 8 AWASH NATIONAL PARK - HARAR
Day 8 AWASH NATIONAL PARK - HARAR
Today you'll continue east towards the historic walled city of Harar, taking approximately 7 hours. Situated on a high escarpment on the southern edge of the Chercher Mountains, the town commands views across the deep gorges, deserts and savannah of the staunchly Christian Highlands. One of Ethiopia's most fascinating towns, it has recently been ascribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list. This evening you can enjoy the ancient tradition of feeding the hyenas, a spectacle which still regularly draws the crowds.
Day 9 HARAR – DIRE DAWA
Day 9 HARAR – DIRE DAWA
Situated on a high escarpment with views over deep gorges, desert and savannah, the historic city of Harar has recently been listed in UNESCO World heritage lists. There are 82 mosques and 102 shrines to explore which all contribute to giving the city the title of fourth holiest city of Islam. Harar’s old walled town, or Jugal as it is known locally, dates back to the 1560s when the original wall was built and is one of the town’s most fascinating features. Spend the day exploring before driving an hour to Dire Dawa.
Day 10 DIRE DAWA – DEPART ADDIS ABABA
Day 10 DIRE DAWA – DEPART ADDIS ABABA
You'll have some time this morning to discover what Dire Dawa has to offer, including a walk around the interesting local market and also a visit to the old train station. In the afternoon you will then fly back to Addis in time to connect with your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Awash Falls Lodge, Awash National Park
Awash Falls lodge is located just outside Awash National Park, within a 3 - 4 hour drive from Addis Ababa. This eco lodge offers 25 simple guestrooms, together with camping facilities. Room are made from local materials and have basic en suite facilities. There is also a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine. For birders and wildlife enthusiasts, the Awash Falls Lodge is the best accommodation on offer near to the National Park. It is also a good stop over for those en route to the walled city of Harar.
Samrat Hotel, Dire Dawa
The Samrat Hotel is a comfortable hotel situated in the heart of Dire Dawa Keriza, just ten minutes from the Aba Tena Dejazmach Yilma International airport. The restaurant serves a range of international cuisines and is available 24 hours a day. The café is located by the outdoor swimming pool and serves snacks and pizzas. The hotel's additional features include a banquet hall, fitness centre, night club and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. There are fifty eight rooms in total and guests can choose from Luxury Suites or Standard Rooms - definitely try to go for the suite as the rooms are far more spacious.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the Expert, Clem
Clem is our Ethiopia expert, who has travelled extensively in the country.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258