Duration
9-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
9-Day From Volcanoes to Highlands Ethiopia Explorer Tour
Overview
From Volcanoes to Highlands: Ethiopia Explorer Tour takes you through Ethiopia's most spectacular landscapes -- from the colorful lava fields and salt deserts of Danakil Depression to the wildlife-rich plains of Awash National Park and the breathtaking peaks of Bale Mountains National Park. Experience volcanoes, unique cultures, rare wildlife, and stunning scenery on one unforgettable adventure across Ethiopia.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Danakil Depression, Awash NP, Bale Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Awash National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
6 years
Activities
game drives & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included - Danakil Depression (Highlight) – 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
$2,000 USD
$1,950 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,250 USD
$2,200 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$3,000 USD
$2,900 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 6 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 1-2
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 3-4
Awash NP
Day 5-8
Bale Mountains NP
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 9)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and hotels.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't 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.
6
Minimum age of 6 years
The minimum age for this tour is 6 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives & nature hikes/walks
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 1-2
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
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 5-8
Nurobe Hotel 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 9
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 – Semera – Hamedela
Fly from Addis Ababa to Semera and begin the drive to Hamedela. Along the route, visit the beautiful salt lakes of Lake Afdera and Lake Asale, known for their colorful mineral formations and traditional salt mining. Enjoy a stunning sunset over the salt flats before overnight camping in Hamedela. 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 2
Hamedela – Dallol – Erta Ale
Depart early in the morning for an excursion to Dallol, one of the world’s most unique geothermal landscapes. Explore colorful sulfur springs, salt canyons, and bubbling hydrothermal fields before returning for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Erta Ale and hike to the active volcano crater to witness the spectacular lava lake at sunset. 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
Erta Ale – Awash National Park
Wake early to enjoy sunrise views over Erta Ale and the surrounding desert scenery. After descending from the volcano, begin the long but scenic drive toward Awash National Park. Arrive in the evening and relax at your lodge surrounded by acacia woodland and wildlife. 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 4
Awash National Park
Spend the day exploring the diverse landscapes of Awash National Park on a guided game drive. Search for wildlife including oryx, gazelles, baboons, crocodiles, and numerous bird species throughout the park. Visit the beautiful Awash Falls and enjoy panoramic views of the savannah and river gorge. 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 5
Awash – Bale Mountains National Park
Leave Awash and travel south through changing landscapes, traditional villages, and scenic Ethiopian highlands. Continue the journey to Bale Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most important biodiversity areas. Arrive in Dinsho or Goba for overnight stay surrounded by cool mountain air and natural beauty. 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: Nurobe Hotel Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Dinsho & Bale Mountains Exploration
Explore the Dinsho section of Bale Mountains National Park with guided walks through forests and open grasslands. Look for endemic wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, and several rare bird species. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular mountain scenery throughout the day. 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: Nurobe Hotel Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Sanetti Plateau – Harenna Forest
Drive across the dramatic Sanetti Plateau, one of the highest alpine roads in Africa with breathtaking panoramic views. Continue into the lush Harenna Forest, home to giant bamboo, wild coffee forests, and unique wildlife. Enjoy nature walks and opportunities to experience the rich biodiversity of the region. 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: Nurobe Hotel Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Bale Mountains Hiking & Cultural Experience
Spend the day hiking through scenic mountain trails and enjoying the fresh highland environment of Bale Mountains. Optional activities include birdwatching, horseback riding, and photography in the park’s beautiful landscapes. Later, visit nearby Oromo communities to learn about local traditions, culture, and daily life. 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: Nurobe Hotel Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Bale Mountains – Addis Ababa – Departure
After breakfast, begin the return drive to Addis Ababa through scenic countryside and local market towns. Stop along the way for photos, refreshments, and cultural encounters with local communities. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to the airport for your international departure 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
Nigat Ethiopia Tours
4.8 operator rating
Nigat Ethiopia Tours offers immersive travel that goes beyond simple sightseeing, focusing on culture, history, and authentic local experiences. Travelers explore highlights like Lalibela, Simien Mountains National Park, Omo Valley, and Danakil Depression. Their professional, responsible, and trustworthy guides ensure safety, comfort, and deep understanding, always prioritizing customer satisfaction beyond profit while creating meaningful, respectful, and unforgettable journeys across Ethiopia
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2015)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA, ATOA & STT
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
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 6 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 minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included - Danakil Depression (Highlight) – 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
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Nigat 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 Nigat Ethiopia Tours.
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