Duration
6-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
6-Day 5-Nights Afar the Land of Origin Tour
Overview
Experience a 6-day adventure through Ethiopia's Afar region, the Land of Origin. Travel from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park for wildlife viewing then explore Lake Afdera's salt flats, the active Erta Ale Volcano with its lava lake and the surreal landscapes of Dallol. Witness Afar nomads camel caravans and extreme desert scenery in one of the world's most unique and dramatic travel destinations.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Awash NP, Danakil Depression, Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Awash National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
17 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Doho Lodge & Hot Springs - Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$1,540 USD
$1,210 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$1,540 USD
$1,210 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$1,540 USD
$1,210 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 17 years and older.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 1
Awash NP
Day 2
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 3
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 4
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 5
Mekele (City)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 6)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour uses lodges and hotels.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request changes to this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
17
Minimum age of 17 years
The minimum age for this tour is 17 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-2
Doho Lodge & Hot Springs
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Erta Ale Motel Budget hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Planet Hotel
Budget hotel in Mekele (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Addis Ababa to Awash National Park
Depart early from Addis Ababa and drive east toward Awash National Park, enjoying scenic Rift Valley landscapes along the way. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive across savannah plains and river valleys. Spot diverse wildlife including oryx, baboons, kudu, warthogs, gazelles, and many bird species. With luck, you may also see predators such as lions or leopards. Enjoy sunset views over the Awash Gorge before dinner and overnight stay in lodge inside the park. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awash National Park Stay: Doho Lodge & Hot Springs Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Awash to Afdera Salt Lake Region
After breakfast, journey deeper into the Afar region toward Lake Afdera, passing volcanic and desert landscapes. Arrive at the striking salt lake surrounded by black basalt mountains. Witness traditional salt extraction activities performed by Afar nomads, an ancient livelihood still practiced today. Learn about camel caravans and local trade routes that connect the desert to Ethiopia’s interior. Relax in nearby hot springs before enjoying dinner and overnight camping under the desert sky. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Doho Lodge & Hot Springs Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Afdera to Erta Ale Volcano
Continue driving toward Erta Ale Volcano, one of the world’s most active shield volcanoes. In the afternoon, begin a guided hike (or camel ride) to the crater rim. After sunset, descend into the volcanic caldera to witness the glowing lava lake—one of the rarest natural phenomena on Earth. Experience the intense heat and surreal atmosphere before camping overnight on the volcano rim under a star-filled desert sky. Budget hotel located in Semera (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Erta Ale Motel Budget hotel located in Semera (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Erta Ale to Hamed Ela
Wake early to watch sunrise over the lava lake before descending from the volcano. After breakfast, drive to Hamed Ela through dramatic desert terrain and lava fields. Along the way, enjoy views of volcanic formations and Afar nomadic settlements. Arrive at camp in the late afternoon and relax after the challenging trek. Dinner and overnight stay in a desert campsite surrounded by silence and vast landscapes. Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Dallol & Lake Asale – Mekele
After breakfast, travel to Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. Explore its surreal mineral formations with vivid colors of yellow, green, and red created by volcanic activity. Continue to Lake Asale, where Afar communities harvest salt and organize camel caravans across the desert. Observe traditional salt mining techniques and cultural life of the nomads. In the afternoon, drive to Mekele for hotel check-in and overnight stay. Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Mekele (City) Stay: Planet Hotel Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Mekele to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, transfer to Mekele airport for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, optional short city tour or shopping for souvenirs and coffee experience before your final airport transfer. This marks the end of your unforgettable Afar desert expedition, filled with volcanoes, salt lakes, and dramatic landscapes. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Royal Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
6 reviews
Step into a world where ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures converge with the best Tour Company in Ethiopia. At Royal Ethiopia Tours, we don’t just organize trips
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2005)
Tour Types
Budget camping tours that can start every day (clients assist with camp chores)
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Highly Professional and Knowledgeable
Our one-day layover tour in Addis Ababa turned into one of the most memorable parts of our trip, all thanks to Mulie from Royal Ethiopia Tours. Our flight was delayed, so we went in expecting to miss out on seeing much of the city. But the moment we walked out of the airport, Mulie was right there waiting for us, ready to go. That immediately set the tone. From there, everything was smooth and well thought out. Transportation was comfortable, and he made the most of our limited time. He took us to key museums and local spots, but what really stood out was how he brought everything to life. As we moved through the city, he broke down the history and culture of Ethiopia in a way that made it easy to understand and appreciate. He also made sure we didn’t miss the real experience introducing us to authentic Ethiopian coffee and a traditional meal at a local restaurant. If you’re thinking about visiting Addis Ababa even on a tight schedule this is the way to do it. Mulie went above and beyond, and we would absolutely recommend Royal Ethiopia Tours.
Lamar · United States
Great, insightful tour - perfect tour with amazing places paired with expertise and flexibility!
Amazing 1-day trip in Ethiopia, unforgettable! Would do it again any time!
Marie · Germany
Knowledge, attentive and very respectful your operator that I highly recommend to do a great job!
At no time during my tour in Ethiopia did I feel unsafe and although it was my first time there never did I feel isolated or lost with my new environment as a visitor. Everything was prepared in advance for my group with the guide and company . The locations, meals, hotels, shopping areas were nicely planned and I was extremely impressed with how well it worked out. I would recommend this company with Mulia my guide as top of the line for people like me who are foreign to the environment and Ethiopia. I left feeling like I was in my vacation home with nothing missing from my life. I made new friends. I was able to see and experience new foods and the warm and welcoming people with a beautiful culture! Thank you so much!
Shunda · United States
A very good tour guide.
The tour was the best time of my life. And the tour guides were very knowledgeable.
Kenaz · United States
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 17 years and older.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request changes to this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Doho Lodge & Hot Springs - Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations are only effective on receipt of written notification. The following per person fees are applicable on this safari: • Up to 75 days prior to departure, less 20% (30% some suppliers) of tour cost. • Less than 75 days prior to departure, refund is dependent on amount recoverable from overseas suppliers. These cancellation fees are also in addition to any imposed by airlines. Please note that cancellation includes reduction of services or decrease in number of participants in a group. In case of change of date, every effort will be made to avoid cancellation penalties, but penalties are dependent on policies of our suppliers.
Payment Options:
A deposit of 25% of tour cost must be submitted to confirm you reservation. Deposits may be paid by check, transfer or charged to American Express, Mastercard, Visa or Discover. Final payment is payable by check or money order ONLY and is due no later than 75 days prior to departure.
Payment Terms:
25% to confirm reservation and final payments no later than 75 days prior to departure.
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Royal Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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