Day by Day

Detailed Itinerary Summary

This is pioneering travel where Africa is an open book

Ground breaking small group travel and extraordinary experiences. Push the boundaries of conventional travel experiences and reach some of Africa´s most remote places on these dynamic itineraries. You may have to give up your creature comforts to go off the beaten track, encounter challenging terrain and explore rugged locations in Africa that few have ventured to.

Unforgettable travel. On our Explorer Tours we will utilise a mix of Mobile Safari Camping, Lodges, Village Stays, Local Hotels and Guest Houses.

Day 1: Addis Ababa

Arriving in the city of contrasts Addis Ababa you will be met and transferred from the International Airport to your hotel by our drivers. Our local r...

On this day	Arriving in the city of contrasts Addis Ababa you will be met and transferred from the International Airport to your hotel by our drivers. Our local representative will meet you at the hotel and will provide details of the upcoming tour as well as any additional tours or activities that you may wish to enjoy whilst in Addis, you will also meet your guides and fellow travellers at the pre departure meeting for your epic tour.
Accommodation	Jupiter Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Dinner
Included Activities	Airport arrival transfer, pre departure meeting

Day 2: Hamed Ela

We wake up for a early morning transfer to the airport to board a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Mekele. Upon arrival we will stop for breakfast...

On this day	We wake up for a early morning transfer to the airport to board a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Mekele. Upon arrival we will stop for breakfast before embarking on a road transfer to Hamed Ela. En-route we will stop in Berhale for lunch, and to obtain entry permits to Danakil area, we meet our local guide and a scout as escorts. During the drive to Hamed Ela we pass a succession of fascinating scenic landscapes and imagery as the road descends from over 2,000 meters to about 80 meters below sea level in Hamed Ela. This is a common route for camel caravans carrying massive slabs of salt, making their way to Hamed Ela or to Mekele, which is the terminus of the salt caravan route from the Danakil Depression (Danakil Desert), where the slabs of salt are mined in the Arho region. Salt merchants come to Mekele market from all over the country.
Rooming	Twin-share camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Domestic flight to Mekele (not included in tour fare), road transfer to Hamed Ela
Travel Distance	150 km / 94 miles
Travelling Time	6-7 hours

Day 3: Dallol - Lago Assale - Hamed Ela

Getting up early, around 6:00, we head to a nearby hill and if the sky is clear, we have the opportunity to climb the hill to the other side of the dr...

On this day	Getting up early, around 6:00, we head to a nearby hill and if the sky is clear, we have the opportunity to climb the hill to the other side of the dry river to and enjoy the sunrise for from a panoramic point. As the sun rises, the light reflects on the surface of salty lake creating a fire like impression across the horizon with camel caravans camped in the river bed below. Afterwards we depart to Dallol, the lowest point of the continent, which is about 116 meters below sea level. Upon arrival at the base of the lowest hill we take a walk to reach the top (1-2 hours). From our elevated position a magnificent landscape of unique salt formations, crystallized pools full of bright colors, and small crater lakes scatter the ground. The multi coloured hot springs and bizarre rock formations reminds one of a land locked coral reef. This is surely a sight that one will never easily forget. We return to our vehicles and proceed to Lake Assale, where we hope to observe the process of extracting and processing salt by hand, workers are making tablets, about 7 pounds each, which will then be loaded onto camels and taken to market in Mekele. We return to Hamed Ella for lunch, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Rooming	Twin-share camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Watch the sunrise in the morning before heading to Dallol, hike to a viewpoint and descent down to Lake Assale to watch the process of salt making by the hands of locals
Travel Distance	40 km / 25 miles
Travelling Time	1 hour

Day 4: Erta Ale

A challenging but exceptionally rewarding day as we wake up early to ascent to the active volcano, Erta Ale. The "road" does not actually exist, as we...

On this day	A challenging but exceptionally rewarding day as we wake up early to ascent to the active volcano, Erta Ale. The "road" does not actually exist, as we have to follow a shallow track in the sand, which ultimately forces our vehicles to proceed at a slow pace. Eventually we will arrive in Kurswait and stop for a well deserved lunch before continuing to the base camp of Erta Ale Volcano. Upon arrival there is some free time to rest a bit, to have a snack and wait for the sunset to begin so that we may begin the climb to the summit of the volcano in cool conditions. The climbing takes three to four hours to cover 9 km with a drop of about 500 meters at a 20/25 degree Celsius. Once on top we’ll have a light dinner to regain strength and descend the volcano crater up to the rim of the caldera. Once again you are provided with an awe inspiring view of this incredible active volcano bubbling and boiling below your very feet. You can stay as There is no fixed time to return to the camp on the top of the crater, so you can linger on the caldera as long as you wish or can endure the heat. The descent to the base camp will begin at 4:30/5:00 the morning after, therefore three to four hours sleep are recommended.
Rooming	Twin-share camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Hike to the top of Erta Ale Volcanoe
Travel Distance	110 km / 69 miles
Travelling Time	7-8 hours

Day 5: Afdera - Semera

Early morning descent from the crater to the base camp. Upon arrival, we enjoy a hearty breakfast and departure to Afdera. In the afternoon we visit...

On this day	Early morning descent from the crater to the base camp. Upon arrival, we enjoy a hearty breakfast and departure to Afdera. In the afternoon we visit the lake Afdera and can take a walk around the salt pans on its shores to observe how the salt is collected. The salt water of the lake is pumped into a large hole which has been dug from the ground and is protected with some plastic insulating sheets. Once all the water evaporates, salt is collected and the process starts over. We leave the lake behind us and continue to the town of Semera.
Accommodation	Local Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Visit to Lake Afdera to learn and watch how salt is collected and processes. Road transfer to Semera
Travel Distance	260 km / 163 miles
Travelling Time	5 hours

Day 6: Awash National Park

After breakfast we make a early start and head for the National Park of Awash, stopping en-route for lunch. We pass by beautiful volcanic landscapes a...

On this day	After breakfast we make a early start and head for the National Park of Awash, stopping en-route for lunch. We pass by beautiful volcanic landscapes and arrive at the National Park in the late afternoon to enjoy a game drive, spotting Lesser and Greater Kudu, Oryx, Gazelles, and Dik-Dik as well as over 350 species of native birds. Previously there were packs of the African Wild Dog, but this species may now be locally extirpated. In the upper Kudu Valley at Filwoha are hot springs amid groves of palm trees. The park is the oldest and most developed wildlife reserve in Ethiopia. Featuring the 1,800-metre Fantalle Volcano, extensive mineral hot-springs and extraordinary volcanic formations, this natural treasure is bordered to the south by the Awash River.
Accommodation	Falls Lodge
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Afternoon game drive in Awash National Park
Travel Distance	340 km / 213 miles
Travelling Time	5-6 hours

Day 7: Addis Ababa

In the early morning, we transfer to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival we embark on city tour city tour. Visiting the outdoor market, one of the largest in Af...

On this day	In the early morning, we transfer to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival we embark on city tour city tour. Visiting the outdoor market, one of the largest in Africa, where you can buy everything from food, straw articles, from jewelry to handmade clothing made from recycled materials. The market is almost the size of a small town itself, the experience can be both exhilarating and over whelming. In the afternoon visit the National Museum, interesting for Sabei finds and Lucy’s remains, an Australopithecus Afarensis who lived in the Awash valley 3 million and half years ago and the Ethnological Museum with its interesting collection of antique musical instruments and Coptic crosses. Day rooms at the hotel are provided so you can relax before dinner (4 pax per room). We enjoy out final dinner in Addis with traditional songs and dances. You will be transferred to the international airport for your flight home unless alternative arrangements have been made to join another adventure tour or extend your stay in Addis Ababa. Additional post-tour accommodation is also available.
Accommodation	Jupiter Hotel
Rooming	Standard twn room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Road transfer to Addis Ababa, guided city tour. Dinner at traditional restaurant and departure airport transfer
Travel Distance	210 km / 131 miles
Travelling Time	3-4 hours

 

Domestic Flight from Addis Ababa to Mekele is not included in the tour fare and are sold separately. Flight prices are subject to change and can fluctuate according to high/low season. Below are examples of the fees charged and should be viewed as a guideline only. Accurate flight costs will be re-quoted on booking.

Addis Ababa to Mekele (One way)   US $80 per person

This can be a physically demanding journey and travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.

 

Rates & Prices

Dates & Availability

Duration	7 days	Code	ENDD

Select a departure:

Trip Dates	Availability	Guaranteed	Price
06 Oct 2012 - 12 Oct 2012			R 14,890
03 Nov 2012 - 09 Nov 2012			R 14,890
12 Nov 2012 - 18 Nov 2012			R 14,135
08 Dec 2012 - 14 Dec 2012			R 14,890

Tour Inclusions

Arrival & Departure airport transfers, Transportation, Accommodation per itinerary or similar, Services of an French/English speaking tour leader, Meals as per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D-Dinner, National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary, Excursions & activities as per itinerary, All meet and greet services

Trip Details

What's Included

Arrival & Departure airport transfers, Transportation, Accommodation per itinerary or similar, Services of an French/English speaking tour leader, Meals as per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D-Dinner, National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary, Excursions & activities as per itinerary, All meet and greet services

What's Excluded

Visas and related costs, Personal Border Taxes, Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature, International flights and arrival and departure taxes, Meals not listed on the itinerary, Travel and personal accident insurance, Optional excursions and activities, Domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Mekele

Transport

Land arrangements utilize private Toyota Minibuses and Toyota Land Cruisers or private coaster buses depending on group size.

Guiding

Accompanied throughout tour by an professional English speaking Tour guide

Accommodation

Hotels (4 nts) and Tented Camps (3 nts)

Meals

6 Breakfasts, 6Lunches and 7 Dinners

Transfers

Arrival and Departure transfers are included in this tour; therefore travellers need to supply us with their flight details as soon as possible. If you require a pre and post tour accommodation this can be organised through our offices.

Optional Extras

 All prices quoted are accurate on publication but subject to change. Prices will be confirmed or requoted on enquiry.

We are able to pre-book a wide range of services not listed here, please contact us should you require more information.

Flights

• Addis Ababa to Nairobi
• Addis Ababa to Entebbe

View tour dossier for further details

Tour Images