Duration
10-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
Discover Ethiopia's most diverse landscapes and cultures on this 10-day adventure from Harar's ancient walled city to the dramatic Danakil Depression and Erta Ale volcano, ending in the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Experience wildlife, desert expeditions, Rift Valley scenery, and rich cultural heritage with expert guided travel across Ethiopia's highlights.
Plan snapshot
Duration
10-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Harar (Town), Awash NP, Semera (Town)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Awash National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
12 years
Activities
game drives & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Harar Ras Hotel - Budget hotel in Harar (Town) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals 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.
The minimum age for this tour is 12 years.
Day 1-2
Budget hotel in Harar (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Mid-range hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Mid-range hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8-9
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – 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
Arrival in Addis Ababa and onward transfer by flight or scenic drive to Dire Dawa, followed by a road journey to the historic city of Harar. Upon arrival, explore the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage city known for its ancient Islamic heritage and vibrant culture. The rest of the day is at leisure to walk through the old walled city (Jugol), experience local life, and enjoy the traditional surroundings of Harar before settling into your accommodation for overnight rest. Budget hotel located in Harar (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Full day dedicated to exploring the cultural and historical treasures of Harar, one of Africa’s oldest living cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the ancient Jugol walled city with its narrow alleyways, traditional Harari houses, and vibrant local markets. Discover the unique architecture and daily life of the community. In the evening, experience the famous hyena feeding tradition just outside the city walls, a rare cultural practice that has been preserved for generations. Budget hotel located in Harar (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
After breakfast in Harar, drive through the scenic landscapes of the Ethiopian Rift Valley toward Awash National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive inside the park, home to diverse wildlife including Beisa oryx, Soemmering’s gazelles, warthogs, baboons, and various bird species. The park offers excellent views of volcanic formations and savannah ecosystems. This day combines overland travel with wildlife viewing in one of Ethiopia’s most accessible national parks. Overnight stay at a lodge near Awash. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
After breakfast in Awash, continue the journey north through the dramatic landscapes of the Ethiopian Rift Valley and volcanic plains toward Semera, the gateway to the Danakil Depression. En route, enjoy scenic views of desert terrain, lava fields, and remote Afar settlements. This is a full-day overland drive focused on exploration and landscape observation rather than wildlife activities. Arrive in Semera in the afternoon or evening and relax in preparation for the upcoming Danakil expedition into one of the hottest and most unique places on Earth. Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Early morning departure from Semera and drive deep into the extraordinary Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most geologically active regions on Earth. Explore the surreal landscapes of Dallol with its colorful hydrothermal formations, acid pools, and salt-carved terrain. Visit vast salt flats where traditional camel caravans transport salt blocks across the desert. Continue to Lake Assale, a striking salt lake reflecting the extreme environment of the region. This full-day expedition offers a unique insight into one of Ethiopia’s most remote and otherworldly landscapes before returning to the expedition base for overnight camping. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
After breakfast at the Danakil expedition base, drive toward the Erta Ale volcanic region, one of the most active and remote volcanoes in the world. In the evening, begin the guided trek across volcanic terrain to reach the summit crater. Experience the unforgettable sight of the active lava lake glowing in the darkness, a rare natural phenomenon found in only a few places on Earth. Spend time observing the volcanic activity before camping near the crater under the stars. This day offers one of the most extraordinary adventure experiences in Ethiopia. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Early morning descent from Erta Ale after the unforgettable volcanic experience. Meet your support team and begin the long drive back through the Danakil Desert landscape toward Semera. Enjoy changing scenery of volcanic terrain, salt plains, and remote Afar settlements along the way. This is a full-day overland journey focused on travel and recovery after the expedition. Arrive in Semera in the afternoon or evening and rest at your hotel or lodge, preparing for the next stage of the journey toward the Ethiopian highlands and Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
After breakfast in Semera, begin a full-day scenic drive toward the highlands of Lalibela. Travel through dramatically changing landscapes, from arid lowlands and volcanic plains to green highland terrain and traditional rural villages. Along the way, observe authentic Ethiopian countryside life and stunning mountain scenery. This overland journey offers a deep transition from the desert regions of the Danakil to the cultural heart of Ethiopia. Arrive in Lalibela in the evening and settle into your hotel for rest before exploring the famous rock-hewn churches the next day. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Spend a full day exploring the legendary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks in the world. Visit the Northern and Southern church complexes, interconnected by narrow passages, tunnels, and carved trenches. Discover iconic churches such as St. George, carved in the shape of a cross, and experience centuries-old Christian traditions still practiced today. Guided by local experts, learn about the spiritual significance and architectural genius of these monolithic structures, offering a powerful cultural and historical experience in the heart of Ethiopia. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
After breakfast in Lalibela, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy a short guided city tour depending on your schedule, including visits to cultural and historical highlights such as the National Museum, home to the famous Lucy fossil, and a drive through local markets or viewpoints such as Mount Entoto. This day offers a final glimpse of Ethiopia’s capital before your international departure. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your 10-day Ethiopian adventure. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
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)
Drinking water (On all days)
Sleeping bag
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
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
Hidden Ethiopia Tours is a locally owned Ethiopian tour operator offering authentic, customized travel experiences across Ethiopia. We specialize in cultural, historical, trekking, and nature tours, ensuring travelers discover the true hidden beauty of Ethiopia through professional and personalized service.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2017)
Member Of
ETOA & ETTA
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5I visited Lalibela for two days and Ayaliwu, my guide, was arranged by my travel agent in Addis. He was a true expert on the history of this stunning site as well as its broader cultural context. Ayaliwu was able to provide detailed information about the history of the Rock-cut churches. He payed attention to the details and was very well-prepared. He was also very solicitous of my physical capabilities and always found solutions for me. My visit to the churches of Lalibela was unforgettable thanks to him! I definitely recommend Ayaliwu to anyone visiting Lalibela.
Stergios · Greece
I did a small private tour with Ayalew ! He is an experienced guide with a wealth of knowledge and an amazing sense of humour. He is fully accredited and I feel I walked away from my three days with him with a better understanding of the history and landscape of not just the churches, but also of Lalibela and Ethiopia . Despite the travel advisory, the town of Lalibela was very friendly and secure . There was a strong military presence in the town but very few tourists. Thanks hidden Ethiopia for such a lovely adventure !
June · Canada
Our tour with Ayaliwu was arranged by our travel agent in Addis, and we could not have been better pleased. This guide was able to provide detailed information the history of the Rock-cut churches, the symbolic significance of architectural features, and also to field questions about unrelated matters, like the crops being grown. He was also very solicitous of our physical capabilities and always found places for us to sit. Ayaliwu ‘s English, too, is easily understood.
Mary · United States
I took a half&half day Lalibela tour with airport pickup / dropoff, and everything went very smoothly. The service was professional from start to finish — communication was clear, timing was perfect, and everything was well organized. I also appreciated their agile problem-solving when small issues came. Ayalew handled everything quickly and efficiently. Overall, it was a great experience, and I can definitely recommend Ayalew to anyone visiting Lalibela.
Maja · 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 who are 12 years and older. Children under 17 receive a discount.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Harar Ras Hotel - Budget hotel in Harar (Town) – 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 Hidden 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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