Wildlife & Culture Tour

10 days Djibouti TO Ethiopia Safari Tour

 10 Day 9 Night Djibouti & Ethiopia Safari Tour, Ethiopia
 12th Feb - 01st Jul
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Overview

10 Days 9 Nights Djibouti & Ethiopia Safari Tour

Djibouti – Lac Assal – Lac Abbe – Erta Ale – Dallol – Afar Desert – Addis Ababa

Embark on one of Africa’s most extraordinary overland adventures through the wild landscapes of Djibouti and Ethiopia. This journey takes you across surreal volcanic deserts, salt lakes, and ancient tribal lands—blending raw nature, geology, and authentic cultural encounters.

From alien-like landscapes of Lac Abbe to the fiery lava lake of Erta Ale, this safari is designed for true adventure seekers.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the volcanic landscapes of Lac Assal
  • Discover the surreal limestone chimneys of Lac Abbe
  • Meet the nomadic Afar communities in the desert
  • Hike the active volcano Erta Ale with its lava lake
  • Visit the extreme landscapes of Dallol (one of the hottest places on Earth)
  • Witness camel salt caravans in the Afar Desert
  • End in vibrant Addis Ababa

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Djibouti

Arrive in Djibouti City. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Lac Assal Exploration

Travel to Lac Assal, one of the lowest and saltiest points in Africa.

  • Dramatic volcanic landscapes
  • Salt formations and desert scenery
  • Cultural encounters with Afar nomads

Day 3: Lac Abbe – Alien Landscape

Journey to Lac Abbe, famous for its limestone chimneys and surreal atmosphere.

  • Sunset photography among geothermal vents
  • Flamingo sightings (seasonal)
  • Overnight desert camping experience

Day 4: Lac Abbe – Semera (Cross into Ethiopia)

Drive across the border into Ethiopia via the Afar region.

Arrive in Semera and relax after the desert journey.

Day 5: Lake Afrera

Visit Lake Afrera, a remote volcanic salt lake surrounded by rugged terrain.

  • Salt extraction sites
  • Afar cultural encounters
  • Stunning desert scenery

Day 6: Erta Ale Volcano

Travel deep into the Afar Desert to reach Erta Ale.

  • Evening hike to the crater
  • Witness one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes
  • Overnight near the volcano

Day 7: Ahmedela – Salt Caravan Experience

Descend from Erta Ale and travel to Ahmedela.

  • Meet traditional camel salt caravans
  • Experience desert life in the Afar region
  • Overnight camp

Day 8: Dallol – Mekelle

Explore Dallol, known for its colorful hydrothermal fields and extreme heat.

Continue to Mekelle for overnight stay.

Day 9: Mekelle – Addis Ababa

Fly or drive to Addis Ababa.

  • Optional city tour
  • Cultural markets and coffee experience
  • Overnight stay

Day 10: Departure from Addis Ababa

Transfer to Bole International Airport for departure from Addis Ababa.

What to Bring

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing (desert heat)
  • Warm jacket (cold desert nights)
  • Hiking boots
  • Sunglasses & sun hat
  • High SPF sunscreen
  • Water bottle & hydration salts
  • Flashlight/headlamp
  • Camera for landscapes

Why Choose This Safari?

This is one of Africa’s most extreme and unique adventure circuits, combining:

  • Volcanic landscapes
  • Active lava lakes
  • Salt deserts
  • Ancient nomadic cultures

It is ideal for photographers, adventure travelers, and geological exploration enthusiasts.

Optional Extensions

Extend your journey to:

  • Kenya (wildlife safaris)
  • Uganda (gorillas & primates)
  • Tanzania (Serengeti & Kilimanjaro)

5.0/5

(2 Reviews)

Tour Overview

Availability

Nov 18- Mar 17

Duration

12D/11N

Pickup Location

pickup avaiable from airport, train and also cruise

Language

English

Car PickUp

Available

Tour Guide

Included

Included

  • Transport throughout the tour
  • Full-board Accommodation
  • Experience Driver Guide
  • Attractions and Activities charges
  • Bottled water in the safari vehicle

Excluded

  • Anything not added on the itinerary!
  • Tips to porters and driver/ guide
  • Drinks, tips and gratuities
  • VISAs & Air tickets,
  • Personal insurance and shopping

Itenary

Day 1
  • 08:00 AM

    Day 1 – Djibouti
    Arrive in Djibouti and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2
  • 08:00 A.M

    Day 2 – Lac Assal
    We head to the crater lake of Lac Assal – one of Africa’s most impressive natural phenomena, its spectacular colors and unusual crystalline formations give it an almost alien appearance.

Day 3
  • 08:00 A.M

    Day 3 – Lac Abbe
    Drive to Lac Abbe, stopping en route to meet local people and arriving in the late afternoon to watch the sun set over one of Africa’s most enigmatic and breathtaking regions.

Day 4
  • 08:00 AM

    Day 4 – Lac Abbe – Semera
    This morning we visit the extraordinary landscape of Lac Abbe, a desolate salt lake with hundreds of limestone chimneys belching Sulphur into the atmosphere.

Day 5
  • 08:00 AM

    Day 5 – Lake Afrera
    We head to the turquoise Afrera Lake, surrounded by palm trees and home to local Afar people harvesting salt flakes using traditional methods

Day 6
  • 08:00 PM

    Day 6 – Erta Ale
    Drive to Mount Erta Ale through the Afar desert – Erta Ale is one of the highlights of this expedition, and is one of only five permanent lava lakes in the world. Hike to the rim to see one of the world’s most spectacular sights when the red lava in the crater lights up the sky.

Day 7
  • 08:00 PM

    Day 7 – Ahmedela
    Drive to Ahmedela along unmarked sandy tracks, passing Afar settlements along the way.

Day 8
  • 08:00 PM

    Day 8 – Dallol – Mekelle
    Drive to the hot springs at Dallol, composed of different minerals along with Sulphurs and potash and create spectacular colors. You are likely to see the long ‘caravane de sel’ – camel trains loaded with salt.

Day 9
  • 08:00 AM

    Day 9 – Addis Ababa
    Fly back to Addis Ababa for farewell dinner in local and overnight.

Day 10
  • 08:00 AM

    Day 10– Addis Ababa
    In the morning after breakfast you will transferred for a city tour to explore some of the sights of this fascinating city and evening you board your flight back home.

"Ultimate Wild Safaris made the experience awesome, With the logistics of traveling to some of the more remote parts of Ethiopia and Djibouti, getting a small personal tour was fantastic. We went to Addis and other areas. I'm definitely going to go back and I'll be booking through them again."

peres

"This is a review of a 10-day tour of Ethiopia and Djibouti. This tour covered highlights of the two countries - so it involved numerous flights and was fun, recommend."

Rebecca

5/5

Provider

5.0/5

Customer Review

  • peres

    21st Oct, 2020

    Ultimate Wild Safaris made the experience awesome, With the logistics of traveling to some of the more remote parts of Ethiopia and Djibouti, getting a small personal tour was fantastic. We went to Addis and other areas. I'm definitely going to go back and I'll be booking through them again.

    5.0

  • Rebecca

    21st Oct, 2020

    This is a review of a 10-day tour of Ethiopia and Djibouti. This tour covered highlights of the two countries - so it involved numerous flights and was fun, recommend.

    5.0