Duration
12-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
12-Day Danakil, Bale Mountain, Awash and Abijata Park
Overview
You'll explore Ethiopia's incredible natural diversity on this exciting journey. You'll visit the Danakil Depression with its colorful sulfur springs, salt flats, and volcanic landscapes. You continue to the Bale Mountains to see unique wildlife and stunning highland scenery. You'll discover Awash National Park with its waterfalls and wildlife, and enjoy birdwatching and beautiful lake views at Abijata-Shalla National Park.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Danakil Depression, Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Semera (Town)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Awash National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
5 years
Activities
game drives, nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Capital Hotel & Spa - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$2,189 USD
$2,178 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,310 USD
$2,266 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$2,420 USD
$2,365 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 5 years and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.
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 2
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 3
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 4
Semera (Town)
Day 5-6
Awash NP
Day 7
Lake Ziway
Day 8
Abijatta-Shalla NP
Day 9-11
Bale Mountains NP
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 12)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping 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 minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
5
Minimum age of 5 years
The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Capital Hotel & Spa
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Dini Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5-6
Genet Hotel Awash Mid-range hotel less than 1hr drive from Awash NP – Breakfast Included
Mid-range hotel less than 1hr drive from Awash NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7-8
Haile Resort Ziway
Mid-range hotel at Lake Ziway – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9-11
Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 12
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 City Tour
After breakfast, you'll begin a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, the political and cultural capital of Ethiopia. You visit the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Ethnological Museum located in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. Later, you'll explore Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, before returning to your hotel for the evening. Your overnight stay will be at the Capital Hotel and Spa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Capital Hotel & Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Fly Addis Ababa – Semera – Hamedela
In the morning, you'll take a flight from Addis Ababa to Semera in the Afar region. From Semera, you will drive toward Hamedela, passing dramatic desert landscapes and nomadic Afar settlements. In the afternoon, you visit the salt lakes and watch local Afar people traditionally extracting salt blocks. Your overnight stay is camping. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Drive Danakil Depression to Volcano
Today, you will explore the colorful mineral formations of the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on Earth. You walk among the extraordinary sulfur springs, salt flats, and vibrant hydrothermal landscapes. Later, you'll visit the famous Erta Ale volcanic area to experience the dramatic volcanic environment. Your overnight stay will be at the camp. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Drive Volcano to Semera
After breakfast, you begin the journey back through the remarkable desert scenery of the Danakil Depression. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of salt caravans and wide volcanic plains typical of the Afar region. You arrive in Semera in the afternoon and relax at your hotel. Your overnight stay willl be at Dini Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Semera (Town) Stay: Dini Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Drive Semera – Awash National Park
Today, you will drive south toward Awash National Park through the scenic Afar landscapes. Upon arrival, you'll start visiting different wildlife where you may see animals such as oryx, baboons, warthogs, and several antelope species. The park is also home to many birds, making it a great place for nature lovers. Your overnight stay will be at Genet Hotel. Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awash National Park Stay: Genet Hotel Awash Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Explore Awash Waterfall
In the morning, you take a guided walk to the beautiful Awash Falls located inside the park. The waterfall flows dramatically through a deep gorge and attracts many birds and monkeys. You spend the rest of the day exploring the park and enjoying its scenic landscapes. Your overnight stay will be at Genet Hotel. Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awash National Park Stay: Genet Hotel Awash Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Drive Awash to Ziway
After breakfast, you drive through the Ethiopian Rift Valley toward the lakeside town of Ziway. Upon arrival, you'll take a relaxing lake excursion on Lake Ziway. During the boat trip, you may see many birds and hippos resting in the water near the shore. Your overnight stay will be at Haile Resort. Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Ziway Stay: Haile Resort Ziway Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Drive Ziway – Abijatta-Shalla National Park
Today, you will drive to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, located in the Rift Valley. You will explore the park where you can see small gazelles, warthogs, and large flocks of flamingos around the soda lakes. You'll enjoy the spectacular scenery of the lakes and volcanic landscapes before returning for an overnight stay at Haile Resort. Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Abijatta-Shalla National Park Stay: Haile Resort Ziway Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Drive Ziway – Bale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, you drive toward the Bale Mountains through the beautiful highland scenery. Upon arrival, you'll visit Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park. During a short hike, you may see endemic animals such as the Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck. Your overnight stay will be at Wabe Shebelle Hotel. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Stay: Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Explore Sanetti Plateau and Tullu Dimtu
Today, you will explore the spectacular Sanetti Plateau, one of the highest road-accessible plateaus in Africa. The area is famous for its dramatic alpine landscapes and the rare Ethiopian wolf. You will continue to Tullu Dimtu, the second-highest peak in Ethiopia, for breathtaking mountain views. Your overnight stay will be at Wabe Shebelle Hotel. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Stay: Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Visit Harenna Forest
After breakfast, you descend into the lush Harenna Forest on the southern side of the Bale Mountains. This dense forest is home to many wildlife species, including monkeys, birds, and unique plants. You enjoy a relaxing walk through the forest and experience the peaceful natural environment. Your overnight stay at Wabe Shebelle Hotel. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Stay: Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 12
Fly Bale – Addis Ababa
In the morning, you will transfer to Bale (Robe/Goba) Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you may have free time for shopping or relaxing before departure. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner before your international flight. 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)
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
Bath towels
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
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
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
Kingdom Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
20 reviews
Kingdom Ethiopia Tours is a travel and tour service that specializes in showcasing the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Ethiopia. The company offers guided tours to some of the country’s most remarkable destinations, including historic sites, cultural heritage, Safari, Adventure and breathtaking landscapes. With experienced local guides and well-planned itineraries, Kingdom Ethiopia Tours aims to provide travelers with authentic and memorable experiences.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2020)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA, ATOA, ELTA & STT
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5we had a great time in Ethiopia
we had a fabulous city tour in Addis Ababa with Desale, We were in national museum, Entoto palace and Merkato. Desale has amazing knowledge about Ethiopian and Addis Ababa history!! we highly recommend this tour company for the authentic tour!!
Satoyo · Japan
He cared about everything
Everything very good organised. It’s an adventure trip with limited comfort, lots of beautiful and impressive experiences. You have to do it one times in your life.
Frank · Germany
Highly recommended Tour
I joined this tour on a recommendation from a friend, and I’m so glad I did. As a solo traveler, I was honestly a bit nervous at first, but from the moment the tour started, all my worries quickly disappeared. I spent 12 amazing days traveling from Addis Ababa all the way to Bale Mountains, and the experience was far beyond my expectations. My guide, Afework, and driver, Thomas, were incredibly professional, kind, and attentive throughout the journey. They didn’t treat me like just another tourist, but more like a close family member, which made the whole experience feel very special and personal. Every part of the trip was well-organized, smooth, and full of memorable moments. By the end of the tour, I even felt emotional when Thomas dropped me off at Bale airport it really felt like saying goodbye to friends. A big thank you as well to Biniam for arranging everything so perfectly. The entire trip was seamless and thoughtfully planned. I highly recommend this tour operator to anyone, especially solo travelers who may feel unsure at first. You will be in great hands. I will definitely come back again, next time with my family!
Matteo · Germany
Exccellent and very organized team..
We booked our tour through the company website after finding them on Google while searching for an Africa trip. This was our first time visiting Africa, and from the beginning Biniam was very helpful, knowledgeable, and always quick to respond. He arranged an amazing 14-day tour covering both North and South Ethiopia, and every single day brought something new and unforgettable. We visited incredible places including Omo Valley, Lalibela, Danakil Depression, Simien Mountains, and Gondar. The experiences, culture, landscapes, and history were beyond our expectations. Our guide Yohanes and driver Abel were outstanding throughout the journey. They treated us with great care and kindness, always making sure we were comfortable. Abel often surprised us by bringing fresh fruits during the long drives, which we really appreciated. The whole team worked very hard to make the tour successful, even during the fuel shortages. Their professionalism and dedication were impressive. We especially appreciated the warm welcome, farewell dinner, and the beautiful cotton scarf gift at the end of the trip. One small suggestion regarding the Danakil tour is that more attention should be given to cleaning plastic waste and protecting the environment. Overall, we had an unbelievable experience in Ethiopia and truly recommend this company to anyone looking for an authentic and well-organized adventure.
Emma · Italy
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 5 years and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.
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 minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Capital Hotel & Spa - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast 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
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Kingdom 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.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Kingdom Ethiopia Tours.
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