Simien Mountain Trekking

Simien Mountains National Park - Guests will be greeted in the morning at Gondar Airport or their hotel in Gondar. The journey begins with a drive from Gondar to Debark, the headquarters town for the national park. Here, permission to enter the park will be obtained, and the scout will be met. There will be a tea and coffee break, and if time permits, a visit to the local market, which is open daily, with larger markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From Debark, the drive continues to the park gate, approximately 16km away. The adventure then proceeds about 6km to Buit Ras, the initial area of the national park. From Buit Ras, a trek of about 3 to 4 hours leads to Chilkuwanit, a breathtaking viewpoint. This area offers spectacular views over the escarpment, which drops vertically. Visitors will likely encounter troops of the endemic Gelada Baboons up close and may also see common jackals, klipspringers, and more. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting species such as the Thick-billed Raven, Augur Buzzard, Black Kites, Lammergeyer, and various plant species like the Abyssinian Rose, Erica Arborea tree, Euphorbia species, and St. John’s Wort tree (Hypericum revolutum).

Fly to Lalibela

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela - Explore the 11 groups of Lalibela Churches, situated north of a small stream called the Jordan River. These churches were carved during the reign of King Lalibela (1181 – 1221) and are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Here is the list of churches to be visited.

Drive from Lalibela to Mekele

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela - Enjoy the scenic drive from Lalibela to Mekele, taking in the country’s beautiful landscape.

Drive to Erta Ale

Erta Ale - The day begins with a drive to Erta Ale, meaning “smoky mountain” in the Afar language. Erta Ale is one of Ethiopia’s most captivating and physically demanding natural attractions. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale hosts the world’s only permanent lava lake. Standing at 613 meters, it features a lava lake, one of only five globally, at the summit. It is renowned for being the longest-existing lava lake, present since the early 20th century. The journey starts at 9:00 AM, driving to Dodom (at the base of Erta Ale). This may be one of the roughest roads worldwide. The 80 km distance can take about 6 hours, passing through landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. After passing several small hamlets scattered in this deserted land, guests will arrive at the Dodom campsite, located about 17km from Erta Ale.

Dinner will be served around 5:00 PM. After a short break, the trek up to Erta Ale begins at 8:00 PM. Camels will transport all camping materials and some food (sleeping materials like light mattresses and mats, and water) to the volcano’s rim, where the night will be spent watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Guests will spend the night on top of the mountain, at the rim of the volcano.

Dallol

Erta Ale - Witness the early morning sunrise at the northern pit crater and take a 5-minute walk to the southern and central pits, which could either correspond to an ancient pit or a simple collapse structure. The main pit-crater, 200 m deep and 350 m across, is sub-circular and three-storied. The smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. Descend from Erta Ale around 9 AM to Dodom – Return to Dodom after an early breakfast, ideally by 7:00 AM. Arrival at the camp is expected by 10:30 AM, where relaxation awaits. As soon as possible, drive to the mythical Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera) (optional, may not be available during summer), a saltwater lake located over 100 meters below sea level, in one of the planet’s deepest depressions. The picturesque landscape makes it worthwhile to visit the salt flats where the Afar people harvest salt by evaporating the lake’s water, continue to Erbiti, and proceed to Abaala/Hamed Ela.

Salt Mine

Erta Ale - Begin the morning tour with a drive to Ragad (Asebo), where locals mine salt. Observe workers breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels. Continue the drive to Dallol and explore the diverse landscape formed by volcanic activity, including Dallol, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Take an excursion to Dallol (116 meters below sea level, one of the world’s lowest places) to see colorful salt mining, visit Lake Assal, follow camel caravans (no camel caravan in July, August, and early September), and walk with the Afar people. Drive back to Hamedela and proceed to Mekele.

Fly from Mekele to Addis.
End of tour.

• Three domestic flights with Ethiopian Air Lines
• Accommodation and all meals throughout the tour
• All transport with 4WD Land-cruiser, including fuel and driver’s allowance
• English speaking Guide and Driver
• Local guide, scout, and police service in Afar Region
• All Entrance fees and licenses
• Security arrangements
• Camel and camel tires in Afar Region
• Cooking and camping equipment
• Bottles of water for the trip

• Lunch and dinner in Lalibela and Gondar.
• International flights
• Any alcoholic drinks
• Any videographer or camera fee needed
• Laundry service
• Any expense of Personal items like internet, fax and telephone.
• Services which are not mentioned in the above section

Simien Mountain and Danakil are two different landscapes, simien mountains are part of the Ethiopian Highlands. They are a World Heritage Site and include the Simien Mountains National Park. The mountains consist of plateaus separated by valleys and rising to pinnacles. Where as danakil is one of the most geologically active regions with three tectonic plates meeting at the Afar Triple Junction. When tectonic plates move apart like at Danakil, it creates lave lakes, hot springs, geysers and fissures in the ground. The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia are the most extraordinary man-made sites in sub-Saharan Africa. Our tour is unique as it is well-arranged including “must visit” historic sites of Lalibela which we deliver all with Ethiopian hospitality and touch.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.