Duration
10-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
Experience the best of Ethiopia with our combined cultural and natural expedition. Explore vibrant local traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife. From the volcanic wonders of Dallol to the rich heritage of tribal communities, this journey offers a unique blend of adventure and cultural immersion.
Plan snapshot
Duration
10-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Awash NP, Danakil Depression, Gheralta (Mountain Range)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Awash National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
game drives & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Doho Lodge & Hot Springs - Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour includes camping and lodges.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't 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 Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Mid-range hotel in Mekele (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Mid-range hotel in Arba Minch (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8-9
Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
(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
Our driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel at 7:30 AM. You will then set off to join the expressway, reaching Adama (formerly Nazret) in about an hour. You will stop en route at Beseka Lake, home to many water birds, including Striated (or Green-backed) Herons, Black-headed Herons, Red-billed Teal, White-backed and Maccoa Ducks, and Common Cranes. Depending on how long you stop for birding en route, the 211 km drive will take about 4-5 hours. For accommodation, you'll have the following choices: a hotel in Awash Town with air conditioning available, camping, or Doho Lodge, a hot spring resort located about 20 km from Awash Town. This resort features a lake and hot water pools. As you drive from the park gate toward the Awash River, you can expect to see various mammals, including Beisa Oryx, Klipspringers, Hamadryas and Anubis Baboons, Salt’s Dik-dik, Grivet Monkeys, and more. In the late afternoon, as the temperature cools, you will go on a game drive. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
After an early morning game drive, you will exit the park and drive east, crossing the main road to Filwuha Hot Springs. This oasis features luxuriant vegetation amidst a lava desert and is home to the rare, restricted-range Sombre Rock Chat, which prefers old lava flows, along with other birdlife. The cliffs behind the springs are inhabited by colonies of Hamadryas Baboons. The hot springs are crystal clear and extremely hot, making it best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon. After your activities, you will drive back, and have lunch in Adama or Nazret. ovenight Addis. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Addis Abeba to Semera & drive to Dallol Following breakfast, you will depart for Dallol. First, you'll stop at Ragad (Asebo) to witness traditional salt mining practices. You will observe local artisans skillfully extracting salt, cutting it into rectangular blocks, and loading it onto camels. You'll continue to Dallol, where you will encounter stunning volcanic landscapes, vibrant salt formations, and the striking Lake Assal. You'll experience the local culture by interacting with the Afar people and witnessing camel caravans. After a fulfilling day, you will drive to Hamed Ela for an overnight stay at Hamadella. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Your adventure continues with a drive to Erta Ale, known as the "smoky mountain" in the Afar language. This remarkable shield volcano boasts the world’s only permanent lava lake, situated at an elevation of 613 meters. You'll depart early at 9:00 AM, navigating one of the roughest roads in the world over an 80 km route, which takes approximately six hours. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of solidified lava, unique rock formations, and occasional palm-fringed oases. Upon reaching Dodom, the base camp for Erta Ale, you'll enjoy dinner around 5:00 pm. After a brief rest, you'll trek to the summit at 8:00 pm, where you will camp on the volcano's rim, witnessing the mesmerizing spectacle of bubbling lava throughout the night and stay overnight Ertale. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Erta Ale to Afdera, Mekelle, and Departure You'll wake up early to witness a stunning sunrise over the main pit crater, an impressive 200 meters deep and 350 meters wide. After a hearty breakfast, you will begin your descent from Erta Ale around 9:00 am, aiming to return to Dodom by approximately 10:30 am. If time permits, you'll visit the enchanting Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera), a picturesque saltwater lake located over 100 meters below sea level. You'll observe the Afar people harvesting salt through evaporation amidst stunning landscapes. After your visit, you'll return to Mekelle for your overnight. Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Begin with a drive to Mekele, followed by a scenic drive through the rugged beauty of the Gheralta Mountains. Arrive at Abreha Atsbeha Church, a truly impressive example of rock-hewn architecture. This magnificent church is carved directly into the mountainside, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Spend time exploring the church's interior, learning about its rich history and cultural significance from your expert guide. Enjoy the stunning scenery during the journey and marvel at the incredible architecture up close abune yemata guh and return back to Mekelle for your flight back to Addis in the evening. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Fly from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch. Upon arrival, drive to Dorze Village, nestled high in the Gughe Mountains, where you can experience the vibrant culture and traditional lifestyle of the Dorze people. In the evening, enjoy an overnight stay in Arba Minch. Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
After breakfast, embark on a scenic boat trip on Lake Chamo, visiting the crocodile market where you can observe hippos and a variety of birds. Next, visit the UNESCO-listed Konso village, renowned for its terracing and high-quality coffee. In the afternoon, explore the Bana village, home to semi-nomadic pastoralists known for their distinctive clay-capped hairstyles. Finally, continue tno Turmi, the heartland of the Hamer tribes, and enjoy an overnight stay in Turmi. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
Following breakfast, head to Omorate to meet the Dassanech people, known as the "people of the Delta," residing on the northern shore of Lake Turkana. After lunch back in Turmi, drive to Jinka. In the afternoon, visit the Ari people, the largest ethnic group in the lower Omo Valley, known for their beautiful pottery and women who wear skirts made from the Enset plant. Explore the Karo and Dassanech tribes, experiencing their unique cultures and traditions. Overnight in Turmi. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
On your final day, after breakfast, drive to Jinka, stopping at Keyafer village to visit the Mursi tribes, famous for their lip plates and unique customs. Continue to Demeka and fly back to Addis Abeba. 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 flights during the tour
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.
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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