15 days tour

Through The Danakil Desert

Through The Danakil Desert

This tour includes:

Meals

Meals: 13ร—F, 3ร—M, 1ร—M (LB), 10ร—A

Flights

Scheduled flight from/to Frankfurt to Addis Ababa and back with Turkish Airlines or other airline in Economy Class (subject to availability; flight surcharge possible)

Accommodation

8 nights: hotel in double room 2 nights: tent 1 night: tent shared WC/shower 1 night: lodge 1 night: lodge in double room

Guide

DIAMIR tour guide alternating English speaking, local guides

Transport

all transfers according to the program all rides in all-wheel drive vehicles

Others

all entrance fees, national park fees and permits according to the program Police, Afar security guards and cook in the Danakil desert camping equipment (tents, mattresses) during the desert days Drinking water during the desert days Day room on departure day

Not included:

Others

PCR or rapid antigen tests required, if any meals and drinks not mentioned visas Ethiopia (twice single entry, 2x approx. 82 USD), visa Djibouti (approx. 12 USD) optional excursions and activities photo and video fees tips Personal

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Through The Danakil Desert

  • Day 1 Day 1: Arrival
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Arrival

      Day 1: Arrival

      Flight from Germany to Ethiopia. Your DIAMIR tour guide is already waiting for you at the airport in Addis Ababa and accompanies you to the hotel. Overnight stay at Sabon Hotel.


      Grey-headed Kingfisher on the Awash River


  • Day 2 Day 2: Addis Ababa - Awash National Park 1ร—(B/A)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Addis Ababa - Awash National Park 1ร—(B/A)

      Day 2: Addis Ababa - Awash National Park 1ร—(B/A)

      Your journey begins with a scenic drive from the Shoa region to the northeastern foothills of the Oromo region. On the way, you will stop at Lake Beseka, the only lake in the country that has been growing in size for years. Towards afternoon you will reach Awash National Park, where you will visit the impressive Awash waterfalls and, if you are lucky, you will be able to observe oryx antelopes, warthogs, kudus and baboons. Overnight at Genet Hotel. (Travel time approx. 4h, 220 km).


      Hyenas in Harar


  • Day 3 Day 3: Awash National Park - Harar 1ร—(B/A)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Awash National Park - Harar 1ร—(B/A)

      Day 3: Awash National Park - Harar 1ร—(B/A)

      After breakfast, you will drive through the beautiful cultivated landscape of the Ahmar Highlands with its terraced millet, khat and maize fields to Harar. In the evening, a special experience awaits you. At the city limits of Harar, hyena men attract free-ranging, habituated hyenas with camel meat and sometimes feed them from mouth to mouth. If you dare, you too can feed the impressively gentle predators. Overnight stay at Ras Hotel. (driving time approx. 6-7h, 315 km).


      traditional house in Harar


  • Day 4 Day 4: Harar - Dire Dawa 1ร—(B/A)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Harar - Dire Dawa 1ร—(B/A)

      Day 4: Harar - Dire Dawa 1ร—(B/A)

      Today is free to explore the historic old town of Harar. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the center of Ethiopian Muslims. You will visit the city museum, the Arthur Rimbaud House and various colorful markets, among others. Afterwards, you will drive to Dire Dawa, which was first founded in 1900 as a railroad station on the Djibouti-Addis Ababa line and where you can still visit the old railroad station. Nowadays Dire Dawa is home to the largest commercial hub in the country, with its modern market and traditional spice market. Overnight stay at Hotel Samrat. (Travel time about 1h, 55 km).


      Dhow in front of warship in Djibouti city


  • Day 5 Day 5: Dire Dawa - Tadjoura 1ร—F
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Dire Dawa - Tadjoura 1ร—F

      Day 5: Dire Dawa - Tadjoura 1ร—F

      Early in the morning you will leave Dire Dawa, the last major town in eastern Ethiopia. You will drive through the southernmost foothills of the Danakil Desert to Dewele, the border crossing to Djibouti. After border formalities are completed, you will cross the Grand Barra Plain and reach the sleepy town of Tadjoura on the Red Sea in the late afternoon. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Driving distance approx. 400 km; approx. 7-8h).


      Excursion to the Goda Mountains


  • Day 6 Day 6: Trip To The Goda Mountains 1ร—F
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Trip To The Goda Mountains 1ร—F

      Day 6: Excursion to the Goda Mountains 1ร—F

      From Tadjoura, you will take an excursion to the nearby Goda Mountains, which seem like a green island in the semi-desert and desert region. You will hike to the Bankouale spring and experience the hospitality of the Afar people living here. In the afternoon you will return to Tadjoura, where the turquoise waters and the underwater world of the Red Sea invite you for a swim. Overnight stay as on the previous day. (Travel time approx. 2h, 60 km).

  • Day 7 Day 7: Ardoukoba Volcano - Assal Lake - Abbe Lake 1ร—(B/A)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Ardoukoba Volcano - Assal Lake - Abbe Lake 1ร—(B/A)

      Day 7: Ardoukoba Volcano - Assal Lake - Abbe Lake 1ร—(B/A)

      You will leave the Gulf of Tadjoura and drive first to the still young Ardoukoba volcano (formation eruption: 1978). From the volcano you will have a breathtaking view of the "sandbox of God". Fissures in the earth, volcanic cones and the lowest point in Africa lie at your feet. Afterwards, you will continue to Lake Assal, one of the most saline lakes on earth. You will experience the sunset in the bizarre landscape of Lake Abbe. Due to the continuous uplift of the area, fascinating limestone chimneys lie there "over land". Overnight stay in a traditional Afar tent at the Abbe Lake. (Travel time approx. 6-7h, 195 km).


      Sunset at Lake Assale


  • Day 8 Day 8: Lake Abbe - Semera 1ร—(B/A)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Lake Abbe - Semera 1ร—(B/A)

      Day 8: Lake Abbe - Semera 1ร—(B/A)

      Rise early from your springs! The sunrises are a dream in this spectacular landscape. During a hike along the salt lake, you may be lucky enough to see large flocks of flamingos. After breakfast you will return to Ethiopia at Galafi (border crossing). Your destination for today is Semera, the new capital of the Afar region. Overnight stay in a local hotel. (Travel time approx. 6-7h, 300 km).


      Through the Danakil desert


  • Day 9 Day 9: Dubti Hot Springs - Lake Afrera 1ร—(B/M/A)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Dubti Hot Springs - Lake Afrera 1ร—(B/M/A)

      Day 9: Dubti Hot Springs - Lake Afrera 1ร—(B/M/A).

      After obtaining permission for your Danakil expedition from the regional administration, you will visit the Dubti hot springs located south of the city. Afterwards, you will continue to one of the most fascinating areas on earth. The Danakil Depression, about 135 m below sea level, is considered the most volcanically active area in the world. In the late afternoon you will reach the salty Afrera Lake, which is fed by more than 200 bubbling springs. Take the opportunity for a weightless swim in the lake or seek some relaxation in one of the "desert Jacuzzis". Overnight stay in tent. (Travel time approx. 5-6h, 270 km).


      At the crater rim of Erta Ale


  • Day 10 Day 10: Erta Ale Volcano 1ร—(B/M/A)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Erta Ale Volcano 1ร—(B/M/A)

      Day 10: Erta Ale Volcano 1ร—(F/M/A)

      After dismantling the tented camp, you will start the off-road drive towards Erta Ale volcano. Around noon you will reach Dodom, where the last formalities for the ascent of Fire Mountain will be done with the Afar authorities. Afterwards, continue to Erta Ale base camp. In the late afternoon you will begin the ascent to the volcano crater and once at the top you will be presented with a natural spectacle without equal. You will descend into the caldera of Erta Ale, approach the open maw and have plenty of time to take in the primeval spectacle. Overnight stay in a simple stone hut. (Walking time about 1-2h, 200 mโ†‘; driving time about 2h, 70km).


      Erta Ale by day


  • Day 11 Day 11: Exploring Erta Ale Volcano 1ร—(B/M (Lb)/A)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Exploring Erta Ale Volcano 1ร—(B/M (Lb)/A)

      Day 11: Exploration of Erta Ale volcano 1ร—(B/M (LB)/A)

      Today is free for exploring the Erta Ale volcano. A hike to the former northern caldera will give you breathtaking insights into the changing processes of the volcano, the region and the entire Horn of Africa. Enjoy the view down to the plain where the Afar people live with their families. If the visibility is good, you can also see the Ethiopian mountains to the west. Overnight stay as on the previous day.

  • Day 12 Day 12: Erta Ale Volcano - Semera 1ร—(B/M/A)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Erta Ale Volcano - Semera 1ร—(B/M/A)

      Day 12: Erta Ale Volcano - Semera 1ร—(B/M/A)

      At dawn you will have another opportunity to experience the overwhelming natural spectacle. Afterwards, you will descend to the base camp, where your crew is already waiting for you with fresh coffee and a hearty breakfast. After the equipment is stowed in the vehicles, you will head south again to Semera, the capital of the region. After two days on the volcano you will now enjoy a shower. (Walking time approx. 1-2h, 200 mโ†“; driving time approx. 2-3h, 180 km).


      Awash waterfall


  • Day 13 Day 13: Semera - Awash 1ร—(B/A)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Semera - Awash 1ร—(B/A)

      Day 13: Semera - Awash 1ร—(B/A)

      Todayโ€™s drive takes you southwest along the Great African Rift Valley. Parallel to the Awash River, you will have repeated great views over the green savannahs of the river, which today are mainly used for cotton cultivation. In the afternoon you will reach the Awash region. Overnight stay in a lodge. (Driving time approx. 6-7h, 400 km).


      Injera


  • Day 14 Day 14: Awash - Addis Ababa - Departure 1ร—F
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Awash - Addis Ababa - Departure 1ร—F

      Day 14: Awash - Addis Ababa - Departure 1ร—F

      Slowly your journey to Ethiopia comes to an end. From the Rift Valley, you will drive back up into the Ethiopian highlands to Shoa, as you reach the capital Addis Ababa in the afternoon. If time permits, there will be some time for last minute souvenir shopping for your loved ones back home. In the evening your DIAMIR guide will bid you farewell at the airport and you will start your return journey to Germany. Day room at the hotel. (Travel time approx. 3-4h, 220 km).


      By plane to your dream destination


  • Day 15 Day 15: Arrival
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Arrival

      Day 15: Arrival

      Arrival in Frankfurt.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 5 / Max: 85

Age range allowed for this experience.

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