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Highlights of Ethiopia

16 days expedition and trekking to Erta Ale volcano, Dallol, Lalibela and Semien mountains (Ethiopia)

Erta Ale's lava lake

Exploding lava bubble

Highlights of Ethiopia

16 days expedition and trekking to Erta Ale volcano, Dallol, Lalibela and Semien mountains (Ethiopia)

Tour type

Expedition: active volcanoes - photography - adventure

Difficulty

Moderate

Group size: 4-10

Duration

Custom and group dates

Price per person

$ 3980 €£¥

A tour which combines 2 different natural phenomena: Danakil Depression (the lowest place - 125 m below the sea level) and Semien Mountains («the roof of Africa” with the highest elevation of 4620m, Mount Ras Dashen). Both of them are the parts of Great Rift Valley with the same geological process: the result of Plate Tectonic process which dates back to 30 million years.
During the trip we spend 4 days in Danakil Depression (which is the result of the triple plate margins in the Northeastern part of Ethiopia and yet is still active) visiting active volcano Erta Ale (with the possibility to see some activity inside the crater), Dallol volcano with its fascinating fumaroles, amazing rock formations, crystal and mineral deposits. At the miners'town of Ahmed Ela near Lake Assale we'll watch the centuries-old ritual of salt cutting, the shaping of salt blocks and the endless caravans arriving and leaving loaded with the precious "white gold".
In the Semien Mountains (which is the result of the destruction of shield volcanoes into numerous peaks and now the UNESCO world heritage site) we also spend 4 days enjoying the most spectacular mountain scenery, climbing the second high mountain Mount Bahwit (4,430m), meeting animals like the Gelada, the Ethiopian wolf, the Walia ibex, the giant Lammergeir) .
On the way we visit ancient towns such as Gondar, Bahir Dar and of cause Lalibela with its famous rock hewn churches.

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4 days in Danakil Depression (Erta Ale, Dallol, Lake Assale, salt mining)
4 days in the Semien Mountains (climb Mount Bahwit (4,430m)
Spectacular and varied landscapes of highlands, mountains, volcanoes and deserts
Watch Endemic wildlife (the gelada, the Ethiopian wolf, the Walia ibex, the giant Lammergeir)
Small international groups
Experience - we organise Danakil adventures since 2007
Professionally outfitted expedition and thorough preparation
Excellent Ethiopian volcanologist as main guide
Comfortable travel in 4x4 jeeps (window seat guaranteed)
Dedicated supply vehicle and experienced cook
Competent and friendly local team and drivers
Interaction with local people, introduction into local customs

16 Days expedition

Day 1: Arrival to Semera (Capital city of Afar Region)
Arrival to Semera, pick up at the Airport, transfer to the Hotel. After check in to your Hotel, we drive about 40Km as an excursion short sightseeing Tour and acclimatization of Afar Region Desert , with active Geothermal and volcanic ranges of Alelo Bad hot springs pools and hydrothermal deposits south of Manda Harraro. Overnight at Semera

Day 2: Semera – Erta Ale (300 km)
After breakfast at the Hotel, we meet with Enku (your organizer and Guide) at your Hotel about 07:00 Am and proceed to Erta Ale Volcanic Field through the Old Danakil sea . Today you have a chance to see a glance of the fresh lava flow and tectonically affected mountain ranges. Both recent basalts of spreading Axes, recent sediments and Highland rock sequences dominate the road Geology of the area where you are driving through. Paper work Processing with Erta Ale area chief and administrators for further continue of Erta Ale active volcano and get a permission for the visit. More to see the fresh lava flows. Overnight at the Base camp of Erta Ale

Day 3: Ascent to Erta Ale's summit
Early morning ascend to Erta Ale´s summit (ca. 1,5-2 h, 10 km, 500 m height), breakfast on the rim and morning group tour around Erta Ale´s caldera. After lunch, free to relax and explore the summit caldera.

Day 4: Descend from Erta Ale to basecamp, drive to Hamed Ela
Early morning descend from Erta Ale back down to basecamp, breakfast, 4X4 drive to return to the main road and continue our journey to the Afar village of Hamed Ela.

Day 5: Dallol – Abala (200 km)
Full day visit of the Salt plain ,surrounding the Erta Ale Volcanic Range and trasnsfer to Abala.

Day 6: Abala – Logia (300 km)
Drive to Logia visiting on the way Afdera Salt Lake. Overnight at Logia Local Hotel with Basic facilities

Day 7: Logia – Woldyia (250 km)
Drive through the whole range of Tertiary / Quaternary volcanoes with lots of Quaternary alluvial Sediments and Paleosoil. Arrive at Woldia, a town surrounded by old Tertiary Basaltic high mountains. Overnight at Local Hotel.

Day 8: Woldyia – Lalibela (270 km)
Drive from Woldia to Lalibela through the stunning view of Sekota Mountains. Arrival to Lalibela. Free time. Overnight Hotel at Lalibela Roha Hotel.

Day 9: Lalibela rock hewn churches
Full day visit of the UNESCO world heritage site of the rock hewn churches of Lalibela.

Day 10: Lalibela – Gondar (300 km)
Drive to Gondar through Checheho Tertiary volcanic mountain and Awra Amba community with their unique living style. Overnight at Gondar Goha Hotel.

Day 11: Debark – Sanka Ber Camp (50 km by car)
Morning Drive to Semien Mountain National Park, Bauit – Ras (3,000m), 25 Km from Debark town. Walk 1h30m to the camp Sankaber (3250 m), acclimatization.

Day 12: Trek Sanka Ber – Geech (18 km, 5 – 6 h)
Trek to Geech camp (3580 m) will take about 5 – 6 hours.
The walk will start by following the escarpment to Gean Bar Falls and Gean Bar River where we have a picnic Lunch. You have the chance to see many birds like Vultures, European Griffin, Lammergeyers and etc. At the end we reach the small village of Geech where the second camping is. The camp site offers great views of the mountains and is characterized by giant Lobelia plants. It is situated at an altitude of 3600m. Night at camping at Geech

Day 13: Trek Geech – Intye - Chenke (23 km, 6 – 7 h)
Trek to Chenke, along the whole escarpment to up to 3620m, which is bounded by a semi-circular ring of cliffs. It takes about 6 -7 hours of walking, with some steeps up and down and passing the Intye Mountain (4070m), where we have a lunch. Intye mountain is the highest in the area with an amazing landscape. Camping at Chenke, which is located in a beautiful valley at the foot of Bwahit peak, at the altitude of 3680m.

Day 14: Chenke – Bahwit – Chenke (14 km, 3-4 h). Return to – Gondar
Today we climb Mount Bahwit (4,430m). It takes about 3-4 Hours. After we admire the beauty of the surroundings, we star the descend. When we return to the camp, we take the things and walk back to the main road to meet with our vehicle and transfer to Gondar. Overnight at Gondar.

Day 15: Gondar - Bahir Dar
Half day visit of Gondar. After Lunch drive to Bahir Dar where Lake Tana is Located, the Origin of Blue Nile River. Overnight at Hotel, Bahir Dar (The Capital City of Amhara Region).

Day 16: Blue Nile falls and fly back home
Early morning drive to the Blue Nile falls (30 Km one way) and in the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight back Addis and home.

Dates and details

Booking inquiry

Arrival info:

The expedition starts in Semera and ends in Bahir Dar. Please note it while the tickets reservations.

Tour guide

Enku is the main guide on all our Danakil volcano expeditions. After obtaining a Diploma in Travel Organising and completing his BSc in Geology at the University of Addis Ababa, he spend 10 years traveling through Ethiopia whilst working both as free-lance travel guide and a contracted mining geologist for different oil and gold mining companies. Since 2006 he specialised in geological travel guidance for the Danakil depression and hence has lots of experience and competence in organizing expeditions to Erta Ale and Dallol. He likes to share his vast knowledge on the geology of the Danakil but will also gladly answer any questions you might have regarding Ethiopia´s fauna and flora, culture, history, food or traditions!

Our excellent Ethiopian main guide and geologist Enku!

Additional info

Physical requirements

The walks on this tour are not particularly difficult, but you should have experience with hiking on uneven and rugged terrain. Although it is about the coolest time of the year, temperatures near Ahmed Ela and in the desert are usually around 35-40 deg (95-105 deg F), but could soar up to 45-50 deg C (120-130 deg F) in the hottest hours near Dallol.
Sanitary conditions during most part of this expedition will be very basic and you should be in excellent overall health. We ask you to consult a medical doctor about going to the Danakil prior to joining the expedition.
As for Semien Mountains hikes, the hikes there demand the efforts as it is mountain hikes and you should be prepared for it.

16 Days expedition

Day 1

Arrival to Semera (Capital city of Afar Region)

Arrival to Semera, pick up at the Airport, transfer to the Hotel. After check in to your Hotel, we drive about 40Km as an excursion short sightseeing Tour and acclimatization of Afar Region Desert , with active Geothermal and volcanic ranges of Alelo Bad hot springs pools and hydrothermal deposits south of Manda Harraro. Overnight at Semera

Day 2

Semera – Erta Ale (300 km)

After breakfast at the Hotel, we meet with Enku (your organizer and Guide) at your Hotel about 07:00 Am and proceed to Erta Ale Volcanic Field through the Old Danakil sea . Today you have a chance to see a glance of the fresh lava flow and tectonically affected mountain ranges. Both recent basalts of spreading Axes, recent sediments and Highland rock sequences dominate the road Geology of the area where you are driving through. Paper work Processing with Erta Ale area chief and administrators for further continue of Erta Ale active volcano and get a permission for the visit. More to see the fresh lava flows. Overnight at the Base camp of Erta Ale

Day 3

Ascent to Erta Ale's summit

Before sunrise we set off on the ca. 3 h ascend of Erta Ela. It is a relatively easy hike - about 10 km across the old lava flows that cover the flanks of the shield volcano, with a total elevation difference of ca. 500 m.
We arrive at the rim when first light comes up.
As part of our camel caravan already went ahead of us, breakfast will be ready by the time we arrive on the caldera rim. After setting up camp in the different Afar huts, the group reassembles for a guided walk down into the caldera which will take you along Erta Ale´s main volcanic features and viewpoints. Lunch upon our return, the rest of this day and night everyone is free to plan his/her relaxing, sleeping and summit caldera exploring.

Day 4

Descend from Erta Ale to basecamp, drive to Hamed Ela

View from Erta Ale camp onto observers gathered around the active lava lake for sunrise (Ingrid Smet - November 2015)

The Afar village of Hamed Ela where we set up camp for 2 nights, sleeping on wooden beds underneath the stars (Jay Ramji - February 2016)

Camel caravans laden with the precious salt pass through Hamed Ela in the late afternoon (Tom Pfeiffer - February 2009)

After a last short night camping on Erta Ale´s caldera rim (ca. 565 m) and breakfast, we start our descend. At basecamp (ca. 140 m) we re-arrange our luggage back onto the jeeps and start our travel to the area of Dallol and Lake Assale taking a route along a quickly changing scenery from lava dessert via steppe to mountainous highlands. First we retrace our off road steps to the foot of the volcano where we take a road and head west, climbing out of the Danakil onto the western highlands (ca. 2000 m). There we shortly take the main road north before turning east and heading back down into the Danakil.
On the way we make a stop at Afdera Salt Lake where modern salt extraction are taking place. We have a chance to swim in the Salt Lake and take a bath in the small ponds with the hot spring water. After the picnic lunch we proceed to Ahmed Ela.
Depending on road and weather conditions we arrive at the Afar village of Hamed Ela (ca. -85 m) in the course of the afternoon and set up camp. The rest of the afternoon / evening can be used to rest, have a semi-shower, explore Hamed Ela, observe the camel caravans passing through...

Day 5

Dallol – Abala (200 km)

Full day visit of the Salt plain ,surrounding the Erta Ale Volcanic Range , covering 400 Km Square and has a thickness of about 975m at the very least .Every year ,during the rainy season in the highlands , the river pour down the western escarpment , covering the salt plain to depths of up to a meter and raising the level of the ground water which gives rise to the dissolved salt comes up to the surface and is precipitated when the water evaporates, forming a surface crust of interlayered salt and Mud which is renewed every rainy season .Visit the intense geothermal activity in the form of hot springs ,intermittent geysers ,brine pools in which carbon dioxide bubbles to the surface ,bubbling mud pools and circular crater like structures which are collapsed mounds of salt blown up by stream erosion .After all the visit is over , the drive will continue to the relatively highland town of Abala . Overnight at the Local Abala town.

Day 6

Abala – Logia (300 km)

Toda we drive from Abala to Logia. On the way we visit Afdera Salt Lake where Modern salt extraction is taking place and enjoy the hot spring pools (swim in the salt Lake) around the salt lake and finally proceed to Logia through Semera.
Overnight at Logia Local Hotel with Basic facilities

Day 7

Logia – Woldyia (250 km)

Drive through the whole range of Tertiary / Quaternary volcanoes with lots of Quaternary alluvial Sediments and Paleosoil. Arrive at Woldia, a town surrounded by old Tertiary Basaltic high mountains. Overnight at Local Hotel.

Day 8

Woldyia – Lalibela (270 km)

Drive from Woldia to Lalibela through the stunning view of Sekota Mountains. Arrival to Lalibela. Free time. Overnight Hotel at Lalibela Roha Hotel.

Day 9

Lalibela rock hewn churches

looking down onto the church of Saint George / Bet Girogis

Ethiopian orthodox priest at the entrance of a ca 900 year old rock hewn church

Doorway windows and church bell outside the rock hewn ´Tomb of Adam´

This day will be spend at 2500m above sea level exploring the Lalibela rock hewn churches which were intricately carved into volcanic red tuff stone during the reign of the area´s most famous ruler, Saint-King Gebre Meskel Lalibela, from the late 12th to early 13th century. Some of the major churches that we visit include Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Amanuel, Bet Giorgis ,Bet Meskel, Bet Denagel, Bethlehem, Bet Merkorios, Aba Libanos and Bet Golgotha. The group spends the last evening of this expedition enjoying a farewell dinner at a local restaurant serving Ethiopian delicacies.

Day 10

Lalibela – Gondar (300 km)

Drive to Gondar through Checheho Tertiary volcanic mountain and Awra Amba community with their unique living style. Overnight at Gondar Goha Hotel.

Day 11

Debark – Sanka Ber Camp (50 km by car)

Morning Drive to Semien Mountain National Park, Bauit – Ras (3,000m), 25 Km from Debark town.
We walk about 1h30m along the ridge to have the first impression of the mountain scenery and animals like Gelada Baboon or Bleeding-heart Baboon. After arrival at the first camp known as Sankaber (3250 m), you can have tea break in the camp and perhaps have time to see some views and walk around Sankaber to acclimatize to the altitude.

Day 12

Trek Sanka Ber – Geech (18 km, 5 – 6 h)

Trek to Geech camp (3580 m) will take about 5 – 6 hours.
The walk will start by following the escarpment to Gean Bar Falls and Gean Bar River where we have a picnic Lunch. You have the chance to see many birds like Vultures, European Griffin, Lammergeyers and etc. At the end we reach the small village of Geech where the second camping is. The camp site offers great views of the mountains and is characterized by giant Lobelia plants. It is situated at an altitude of 3600m. Night at camping at Geech

Day 13

Trek Geech – Intye - Chenke (23 km, 6 – 7 h)

Trek to Chenke, along the whole escarpment to up to 3620m, which is bounded by a semi-circular ring of cliffs. It takes about 6 -7 hours of walking, with some steeps up and down and passing the Intye Mountain (4070m), where we have a lunch. Intye mountain is the highest in the area with an amazing landscape. Camping at Chenke, which is located in a beautiful valley at the foot of Bwahit peak, at the altitude of 3680m.

Day 14

Chenke – Bahwit – Chenke (14 km, 3-4 h). Return to – Gondar

Today we climb Mount Bahwit (4,430m). It takes about 3-4 Hours. After we admire the beauty of the surroundings, we star the descend. When we return to the camp, we take the things and walk back to the main road to meet with our vehicle and transfer to Gondar. Overnight at Gondar.

Day 15

Gondar - Bahir Dar

Half day visit of the 17th century the royal enclosure containing several medieval castles and churches lies surrounded by tall stone walls. Gondar has been staying the capital city of Ethiopia for about 300 years and it has got lots of historical relics. After lunch drive to Bahir Dar where Lake Tana is located, the Origin of Blue Nile River. Overnight at Hotel, Bahir Dar (The Capital City of Amhara Region )

Day 16

Blue Nile falls and fly back home

Early morning drive to the Blue Nile falls (30 Km one way) and in the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight back Addis and home.

"Hallo Tom!
Ich möchte Dir an dieser Stelle noch einmal ganz herzlich danken für die sehr gut organisierte Expedition zum Erta Ale und Dallol. Ich habe selten zuvor in zwei Wochen so viele positive und eindrückliche Momente erlebt wie auf dieser Reise. Neben dem Besuch der Vulkane wird mir die Danakil-Wüste mit all ihren facettenreichen Landschaften, die Freundlichkeit der Aethiopier, der sehr gute Teamgeist unserer Gruppe und natürlich die Kamelkarawane zum Salzsee in bester Erinnerung bleiben.
Auch erwähnenswert ist natürlich der Besuch der Felsenkirchen, welche eingebettet in einer fantastischen Landschaft liegen. Ich bin sehr dankbar für all diese eindrücklichen Momente! Sollte ich zukünftig wieder einmal auf Vulkanexpedition gehen, werde ich ohne zu zögern "VolcanoDiscovery" deswegen kontaktieren. Zudem erlaube ich mir, Dich in meinem Bekanntenkreis weiter zu empfehlen.
Herzlichst, André B.
Schweiz" (Expedition to the Danakil)

Frank working at the lava lake of Erta Ale volcano, Ethiopia

"Hallo Tom, ich möchte mich hiermit bei Dir für die exzellente logistische Organisation der Touren nach Äthiopien Januar 2008 (Erta Ale, Dallol) und Indonesien Juli 2008 (Krakatau und Tengger Kaldera) bedanken. Dank Deiner netten und kompetenten Partner vor Ort (Solomon, Doni und alle anderen) fühlte ich mich in sehr guten Händen aufgehoben und verköstigt. Somit konnte ich mich auf meine fotografischen Aktivitäten konzentrieren, ohne mir über organisatorische Dinge Sorgen machen zu müssen. Ich bin überzeugt, dass wir noch einige weitere Exkursionen zusammen machen werden und kann Volcano Discovery Touren sehr empfehlen.
Good luck und gut Lava"
Frank Krahmer - Premium Nature Photography
http://www.frankkrahmer.de

Marlies and Solomon at Dallol

Hello Tom Hello Solomon
WOW - the DANAKIL has it all
Sand - stones - rocks - lava - salt - camels, not to forget the fascinating volcano ERTA ALE and the mysterious and magic scenery at DALLOL. Thank you TOM for taking me on your pilot expedition. Thank you SOLOMON for being such a great and helpful tour guide. (Marlies B, UK, 2007 Erta Ale - Dallol expedition).

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Highlights of Ethiopia

16 Days expedition

Arrival info:

Tour guide

Additional info

Physical requirements

16 Days expedition

Day 1

Arrival to Semera (Capital city of Afar Region)

Day 2

Semera – Erta Ale (300 km)

Day 3

Ascent to Erta Ale's summit

Day 4

Descend from Erta Ale to basecamp, drive to Hamed Ela

Day 5

Dallol – Abala (200 km)

Day 6

Abala – Logia (300 km)

Day 7

Logia – Woldyia (250 km)

Day 8

Woldyia – Lalibela (270 km)

Day 9

Lalibela rock hewn churches

Day 10

Lalibela – Gondar (300 km)

Day 11

Debark – Sanka Ber Camp (50 km by car)

Day 12

Trek Sanka Ber – Geech (18 km, 5 – 6 h)

Day 13

Trek Geech – Intye - Chenke (23 km, 6 – 7 h)

Day 14

Chenke – Bahwit – Chenke (14 km, 3-4 h). Return to – Gondar

Day 15

Gondar - Bahir Dar

Day 16

Blue Nile falls and fly back home

Tour Dates & Prices

Prices for tours at custom dates on request

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Requested tour:

Name and (billing) address of the main traveler (person responsible for the booking):

You can enter the names of up to 3 additional participants in your booking:

Additional information:

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