1
Day 1 — Addis Ababa city tour
Visit the National Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral before heading east the following morning.
12-Day Ethiopia Tour: Awash National Park, Danakil Depression & Lalibela
12 Days
Private — any size
Hotels & remote camps
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Eastern & Northern Ethiopia
Awash National Park · Afar/Logia · Lake Afdera · Erta Ale · Ahmed Ela · ·Mekele · Lalibela
Tour overview
This 12-day tour combines three of Ethiopia's most contrasting landscapes: the Rift Valley wildlife of Awash National Park, the volcanic extremes of the Danakil Depression, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. A genuine journey of contrasts, from grazing oryx to active lava to sacred rock-hewn architecture.
Starting and ending in Addis Ababa, the journey heads east into Awash before descending into the Danakil, then finishes with two days in Lalibela.
Tour highlights
Watch for Beisa oryx and Soemmering's gazelle in Awash National Park
Trek to the active lava lake at Erta Ale
Visit Dallol's surreal sulphur-and-salt landscape
Watch camel caravans carry salt blocks out of the depression by hand
Explore all 11 rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
A genuine journey of contrasts across three distinct landscapes
Day by day
The itinerary
3
Day 2 — Awash National Park
Drive to Awash National Park, watching for Beisa oryx and Soemmering's gazelle beneath the dormant volcano Mount Fantale.
3
Day 3 — Into the Afar Triangle
Continue through the Rift Valley into Afar territory, with the landscape shifting from savanna to half-desert, meeting Kereyou communities along the way.
4
Day 4 — Lake Afdera's salt flats
Drive into the Danakil by 4WD, descending to 100m below sea level at Lake Afdera, where pure salt is extracted from the lake.
5
Day 5 — Trek to Erta Ale
Drive to Kuswarad to collect local Afar guides, then trek roughly 4-5 hours to the rim of Erta Ale at sunset, camping near the lava lake.
6
Day 6 — Erta Ale to Ahmed Ela
Descend at dawn and drive off-road to Ahmed Ela, watching the salt caravans come and go.
7
Day 7 — Excursion to Dallol
Visit the salt workers near Lake Asale and continue to Dallol's sulphur springs, among the hottest inhabited places on Earth.
8
Day 8 — Return to Mekele
Watch the morning salt caravans depart before driving back to Mekele.
9
Day 9 — Drive to Lalibela
A full day's drive south, arriving in Lalibela by evening.
10
Day 10 — Lalibela's first church cluster
Visit the first group of rock-hewn churches, including the cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis.
11
Day 11 — Yemrehane Kristos and the second cluster
Visit the cliffside church of Yemrehane Kristos, then the remaining rock-hewn churches.
12
Day 12 — Fly back to Addis Ababa
Morning flight back to Addis Ababa for a farewell dinner before departure.
The route
12-Day Ethiopia Tour: Awash National Park, Danakil Depression & Lalibela
What's included
Included
- Private vehicle and driver-guide throughout
- English-speaking guide
- Trekking scouts, permits, and camping equipment
- All accommodation/camping as listed
- All meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
- Domestic flights per itinerary
- Park entrance and permit fees
Not included
- International flights
- Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Where you'll stay
Accommodation
Awash National Park
Kuriftu Awash Falls Lodge
Lodge
Erta Ale
Camping (Absolute Ethiopia Tours)
Camping
Mekele
Homeland Hotel
Hotel
Lalibela
Mezena Lodge
Lodge
Accommodation can be adjusted based on your budget and preferences. Premium and budget alternatives are available on request.
On the road
Our vehicles
All Absolute Ethiopia tours use well-maintained 4WD vehicles - Toyota Land Cruisers or similar - driven by experienced, professional drivers. For larger groups we use minibuses or coaster buses. Your comfort and safety on the road is our priority throughout every journey.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?
Ethiopia is generally safe for visitors, and the vast majority of tourist routes — including every destination on this itinerary — see no disruption. Some regions elsewhere in the country carry travel advisories; our guides and drivers know exactly where to go and where to avoid, and this itinerary is built entirely around routes we consider safe to run.
Do I need a visa to visit Ethiopia?
Most nationalities can apply for an Ethiopian e-Visa online before travel, or a visa on arrival at Bole International Airport. We recommend applying for the e-Visa in advance to avoid queues on arrival.
How physically demanding is this tour?
Moderate. The Erta Ale trek is the most demanding portion; the rest is vehicle-based with short walks.
Is the Danakil Depression safe to visit?
Yes — this itinerary uses an established route with experienced Afar guides. Temperatures are extreme, so we provide guidance on hydration and timing before you travel.
What wildlife might I see in Awash National Park?
Beisa oryx, Soemmering's gazelle, and a range of dry-country bird species are commonly seen; larger predators are present but rarely spotted.
Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?
Ethiopia is safe for tourists across all the destinations we operate. Our team monitors conditions on an ongoing basis and will always communicate any updates that affect your itinerary. We have been operating tours safely for many years and your wellbeing is our first priority.
Do I need a visa to visit Ethiopia?
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Ethiopia. The Ethiopian e-Visa is available online before travel and is the most straightforward option. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Contact us if you need guidance on the visa process for your specific nationality.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This tour includes trekking at Erta Ale - a two to three hour walk on uneven terrain - and multi-day trekking in the Simien Mountains at altitudes above 3,000 metres. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. You do not need prior trekking experience but should be comfortable walking for several hours on varied terrain. Please let us know of any health conditions when inquiring.
Is the Danakil Depression safe to visit?
The Danakil Depression requires armed scouts as a standard precaution - this applies to all tour operators working in the region. We have operated safely in the Danakil for many years and work exclusively with trusted local partners. We monitor conditions continuously and will always communicate any changes that affect the itinerary.
What altitude does this tour reach?
This tour covers an extraordinary range - from the Danakil Depression at 116 metres below sea level, the lowest point in Africa, to the Simien Mountains above 4,000 metres. We acclimatise gradually throughout the itinerary and your guide monitors the group's wellbeing throughout the trekking sections.
Can I do this tour without the Danakil Depression section?
Yes. We can adapt this itinerary to focus on the northern historic route and Simien Mountains without the Danakil section. Contact us via WhatsApp or email and we will build the right itinerary for your interests and fitness level.
Dates & departures
This is a suggested private itinerary
Every detail can be adapted to suit you - dates, duration, accommodation tier, pace, and group size. Use this as your starting point and let us design your perfect journey.
Related tours
See all tours →Timket and Africa’s Hidden Gem
Enquire NowEthiopian Christmas & Genna
Enquire NowOmo Valley Cultural Express Tour
Enquire NowTour inquiry
Interested in this tour?
Tell us a bit about your trip and we'll get back to you with everything you need.
12-Day Ethiopia Tour: Awash National Park, Danakil Depression & Lalibela
Private
No obligation, no rush
Ready to start planning your Ethiopia adventure?
Our team in Addis Ababa is ready to help. Tell us what you're dreaming of and we'll take it from there.