Danakil Depression & Simien Mountains

Denakil Depression and Simien Mountains

• These seven days tour from Addis Ababa offers a unique opportunity to Explore Erta’Ale Volcano, Danankil Depression, Semien Mountains, Gondar and Addis Ababa.
• Danakil Depression: The Danakil Depression is one of the most extreme and mesmerizing landscapes on Earth. You will visit the different landscapes formed by volcanic activity; Dallol, Lake Assale, Lake Afdera, Camel caravans and the fiery spectacle of the Erta’ale volcano.
• Semien Mountains: The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breath-taking views on a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia and abroad with awe. Gentle highland ridges at altitudes above 3600 meters above sea level, covered with grasses, isolated trees (Erica & bored) and the bizarre Giant Lobelia) are found on the high plateau that ends abruptly at 1000- to 2000-m deep escarpments

Danakil Depression and Semien Mountains
Tour Code: ETI – 233
Duration: 5N | 6D 
Transportation: Flight and Drive  

Day 1 | Addis – Semera – Denakil Depression

• Fly to Semera and drive to Ahmedela
• Admire the longest camel caravans bar salt across the desert landscape with beautiful sunset
• Admire the beautiful sunset over Denakil Depression

Day 2 | Denakil Depression – Ertale

• Early in the morning, visit one the surreal beauty of Dallol, where lakes of acid form colorful sulfur formation, one of the most colorful and unique places on Earth.
• Marvel at the vibrant geysers, steaming sulfuric pools, and visit the different landscape formed by volcanic activity
• Walk on Lake Asale which is a massive salt flat that stretches for miles
• Look the activity of breaking the salt from the ground, cutting in to rectangular pieces and loading on camel
• At night witness the awe-inspiring Ertale Volcano, home to the world’s oldest permanent Lake.

Day 3 | Ertale – Afdera – Semera – Addis

• Early in the morning walk to observe the volcanic activity and phenomena in the summit caldera.
• Visit Lake Afdera, one of the lowest-ling lakes on the planet, where salt is harvested a traditional manner
• Drive to Semera Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Overnight Hotel

Day 4| Fly to Gondar –  Sankaber  – Geech

• Fly to Gondar then drive to Sankaber, stopping at the national park headquarters to obtain permit.
• Begin your trek to Geech, enjoy stunning vistas of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and deep valleys.
• Encounter the unique Gelada baboons, endemic Walia Ibex, and possibly even the elusive Ethiopian wolf
• Camping at Geech

Day 5| Trek from Geech to Chenek  

• After early breakfast start unforgettable trek to Chenek ( 7 -8 hrs )
• Explore the breathtaking towering peaks, heather forest, and dramatic escarpments
• Passing through one of the most scenic and spectacular trails in the national park.
• Overnight at Chenek campsite

Day 6| Drive from Geech to Gondar

• After early breakfast, we start trekking from Chenek to Buhait Ras, where we may encounter the endemic Walia Ibexes again
• Steep walk to reach Buahit ( about 4200 masl). It allows you to have a great view of the Ras Dashen mountain ( 4550m). The highest peak in Ethiopia.
• Trek back to Chenek then drive back to Gondar.

Day 7| Visit Gondar Castles then back to Addis Ababa

• After breakfast visit Royal Enclosure in Gondar. The Royal and ancient historical city of Ethiopia.
• Explore the 17^th century castles and palaces of Ethiopia’s former capital.
• Fly back to Addis and cultural dinner at one of Ethiopian cultural restaurant.
• Transfer to the airport and departure. End of the tour

Package price:

Estimated Domestic Flight fare from Addis – Semera –Addis – Gondar – Addis would cost you about 00.00 USD if your international is Ethiopian.

Price Includes

• 2 Nights accommodation on double/twin bed basis
• 4 nights camping
• Cook at the camping places
• All camping gears and cooking materials
• All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) on full board basis
• All entrance fees according to the tour program
• Transfer from/to airport
• All ground transportation throughout the tour
• English speaking guide at each destination
• Government Tax

Price doesn’t include

• Alcoholic drinks
• Tips: Gratuities for guides and drivers are generally not included (optional)
• Video and camera fees if and where applicable
• Entrance fees to any special ceremonies you might encounter by chance
• Tips, telephone calls, laundry services and other expenses of personal nature
• Non specified meals
• International and Domestic flight