Duration
5-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
Set off on an unforgettable journey through Ethiopia's stunning landscapes. Explore Awash National Park's diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery, then venture into the unique geological wonders of the Danakil Depression. Experience vibrant cultures, incredible sunsets, and the thrill of safari in one of the world's most extraordinary regions!
Plan snapshot
Duration
5-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
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
Activities
game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Doho Lodge & Hot Springs - Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Day 3: All Meals Included; Day 4: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Day 1
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Mid-range hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 3: All Meals Included; Day 4: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 5
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel or the airport by our experienced driver and guide. We will head onto the expressway, reaching Adama (formerly known as Nazret) in approximately one hour. As we drive from the park gate towards the Awash River, keep an eye out for wildlife such as Beisa Oryx, Klipspringer, Hamadryas and Anubis baboons, Salt’s Dik-dik, and Grivet monkeys. We'll also visit the stunning Awash Gorge, where two rivers converge, and take a trip to the picturesque Awash Falls before returning to the lodge. as temperatures cool, we’ll on a game drive. Here, we may encounter Soemmerring’s Gazelle, lesser and greater Kudus, Warthogs, the Defarsa waterbuck, Colobus and Grivet monkeys, as well as Black-Backed and Golden Jackals. With some luck, you might spot elusive Leopards and Lions. Awash National Park is home to over 400 recorded bird species, set against a beautiful backdrop of grasslands and acacia scrub, complemented by the flowing Awash River. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
We’ll set off early in the morning for a drive to the Alledighe Wildlife Reserve (AWR), an exceptional expanse of open grassland characterized by breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife. Located in the Great Rift Valley, AWR boasts the largest grassland plains in Ethiopia, providing opportunities to spot animals like Beisa Oryx, Grant Gazelle, Gerenuk, Soemmerring Gazelle, Grevy’s Zebra, and the rare Lion and Leopard. The birdwatching here is equally impressive, with species such as Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Arabian Bustard, Black-headed Lapwing, Little Egret, and many more frequently spotted. After our activities, we will return to Semera to prepare for our journey to the Danakil Depression the following day. Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
In the morning, we will depart for Ragad (Asebo), a local salt mining area. Here, you can observe workers extracting salt, cutting it into blocks, and loading it onto camels (note that salt mining may vary by season). Next, we’ll continue our journey to Dallol, one of the lowest points on Earth at 116 meters below sea level. Dallol is known for its vibrant salt formations and unique geological features shaped by volcanic activity. We will also have the chance to observe camel caravans near Lake Assal (availability depends on the season). As we engage with the Afar people, we’ll learn about their traditional salt harvesting methods. The drive from Semera to Hamed Ela is about 400 km, and if time permits, we may catch a beautiful sunset at Lake Assal. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
In the morning, we’ll head to Lake Assal to witness a stunning sunrise over this unique saltwater lake, situated 125 meters below sea level. Explore the lake’s vibrant salt flats and distinctive geological features while interacting with local Afar people. Afterward, we will proceed to Dallol, known for its extreme environment. Marvel at the surreal landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, including colorful mineral formations and geothermal features. Spend time at the Dallol crater, where you can capture unforgettable photographs of hot springs, sulfur deposits, and salt formations. Later, we will begin our journey to Erta Ale, one of the few volcanoes in the world with a permanent lava lake. Arriving at the base in Dodom, we will prepare for our trek to the summit, where you can witness the mesmerizing lava lake and dramatic volcanic activity. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Experience an early morning at Erta Ale, taking a short walk to explore the northern, southern, and central pits. The main crater measures 200 m deep and 350 m across, offering a spectacular view. We will descend from Erta Ale around 9:00 AM, returning to Dodom for a well-deserved breakfast at approximately 07:00. After a relaxing morning, conditions permitting, we’ll drive to Lake Giulietti (Lake Afrera), a picturesque saltwater lake situated more than 100 meters below sea level. Here, you can explore the salt flats where the Afar people harvest salt through evaporation. Finally, we will continue our journey back to Semera, where you will board your flight back to Addis Ababa, concluding this unforgettable adventure. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
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
Offered by
Discover Simien Tour is one of the premier tour companies in Ethiopia, founded by a dynamic team of young and energetic tourism professionals. Led by Sahlie Beza, a seasoned tour guide with years of experience, our company is dedicated to providing exceptional travel experiences that showcase the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
Tour Types
Luxury tours that, when possible, use accommodations owned and operated by them
Destinations
Djibouti, Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Sensational. Breathtaking views. The staff is one of the highlights of the tour.
Raphael · Brazil
Fantastic day with an absolutely knowledgeable guide - Gondar is full of magic!
Janoa · Hungary
We just completed a 12 day Ultimative Ethiopian Wildlife Adventure with Discover Simien Tour and it was truly unforgettable from start to finish. From the very first day, our guide Sahile impressed us with his broad and deep knowledge, calm professionalism and genuine passion for Ethiopia. He made everything feel safe, easygoing, and yet so enriching – whether explaining the geology of the Simien mountains, pointing out gelada monkeys, or helping us understand local customs. Our driver Daniel, was equally fantastic; punctual, skilled, and navigating challenging terrain with ease, which even made long drives feel part of the adventure. The scenery across the trip was breath taking, whereas Simien mountains was the absolute highlight with its dramatic cliffs and astonishing flora and fauna. We stayed in a mix of comfortable lodges and hotels and the logistics were handled smoothly; transport, park fees, food and guides – everything as promised. Culturally, we visited traditional communities, explored the spiritual side of Ethiopian heritage, and felt welcomed everywhere. Sahile skilfully bridged us into these moments, making them feel authentic. In short; 5 stars for the excellent guides, the authentic cultural immersion, the stunning landscapes and the very professional and warm service. We felt like we did not just visited Ethiopia but also experienced it.
Daniela and Sina · Switzerland
I don’t even know where to start… Our 3-day trip to the Danakil Depression with Discover Simien Mountains was an absolutely unforgettable experience – not only because of the surreal landscapes but also thanks to the incredible people we got to meet and travel with. We chose a private tour, and during our journey, we were joined by Bahran (guide), Addis (driver), and Habtu (cook) – each of them was such a kind, warm, and genuine person. If you’re planning a trip to Danakil or any other part of Ethiopia with Discover Simien Mountains, I truly recommend asking for Addis – he’s an amazing person and an excellent driver. Our guide (Bahran) explained everything clearly and with great passion. We learned so much about Dallol, the salt lakes, and the volcanoes. The food was another highlight! Habtu somehow managed to cook fresh, tasty meals right in the middle of the desert. We always had enough water and soft drinks, and even got to enjoy some Ethiopian beer or wine while watching the sunset on the salt lake an unforgettable experience. We also really appreciated the small but thoughtful details, like the portable shower provided during the tour – in such hot conditions, it was a true blessing! What made this trip even more special was the planning: while most operators follow a similar route, the Discover Simien Mountains team made sure we could arrive early to the main sights and enjoy them in peace before other groups arrived. That sense of privacy and exclusivity was priceless. We cannot recommend Discover Simien Mountains highly enough – if you’re planning a trip to Danakil or any other region in Ethiopia, this is the team you want to travel with. We felt safe, well taken care of, and genuinely welcomed throughout the journey. We left with the most beautiful memories the kind that stay with you long after the trip ends. It’s hard to put it all into words… you simply have to experience it yourself!
Monika · Poland
Practical answers
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 of all ages. Children under 2 are free.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Doho Lodge & Hot Springs - Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Discover Simien Tour, 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.
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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