Horn of Africa

A morning flight from Addis to Mekele. From here we will drive approximately 260km to Hamedella via Berhale (where a police escort joins us). We will then continue to Dallol. At 116m below sea level, it is the lowest place in the Danakil Depression and generally considered the hottest inhabited place on earth. The otherworldly landscape around Dallol hosts colourful sulphur and salt lakes as well as thermo-active springs. The route passes many salt-laden camel caravans crossing the bleak landscape. You’ll also get time to meet some of the Afar people that live near Lake Assal.
Overnight in Dallol in very basic conditions.

After spending the morning visiting further sites in Dallol, you will begin your journey by 4×4 to Khiwa where the Danakil Depression begins. One of the lowest places in the world it is an inhospitable landscape of sulphur springs, acid pools, and colourful rock formations. We will collect our police escorts in Khiwa and then our Afar militia escort in Kesrawat. In the late afternoon, we will reach the base of the volcano. We will wait until nightfall before beginning the 3-hour trek to the volcano’s rim (for those that need them camels are available for hire). On the rim, you will be able to gaze into the boiling lava of one of the world’s only permanent lava lake. An experience you will never forget.
Overnight camping or sleeping on a rope bed at Erta Ale.

Rise with the sun and spend the early hours of the day walking around the pits and craters of Erta Ale. Then return by foot to the base of Erta Ale.
Return and overnight in Mekele.

Drive to the Tigrayan mountains to visit the most remarkable rock churches cut into the mountains near Hawsein. These will include Mikael Imba (requires a 20-minute walk and a short ladder) and the easily-accessible churches of Wukro Chirkos and Abreha we Atsbeha.
Overnight in a lodge at Hawsein.

In the morning, before the heat of the day rises, visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor. Both churches require a challenging 1-2 hour hike to reach. The reward is commanding views of the surrounding areas and visiting some of the most remote churches in the world in the most unsuspecting of places. Return to Mekele to take a flight to Dire Dawa followed by a drive to Harar. Time permitting, we shall visit the lively market at Kefira and/or the chat market on the way.

A full day to explore the walled city of Harar – considered by some to be the 4th holiest city in Islam. The old city is famed for its medieval townhouses and has 82 mosques, including three built in the 10th century. The walls surrounding the sacred city of Harar were built between the 13th and 16th centuries. African and Islamic traditions combine, creating a particularly unique character. One of Harar’s more unusual traditions is the nightly feeding of wild hyenas that wander the streets.
Overnight in Harar.

A full day to drive from Harar to Hargeisa crossing the border between Ethiopia and Somaliland on the way. As you progress, you will pass out of the green Ethiopian lands into the brown scrub desert of Somalia, spotting camel trains as you drive.
Overnight in Hargeisa.

After a visit to the Hargeisa Camel Market, we will take you (with your security escort) to the beautiful cave paintings at Las Geel, one of the most intriguing sights in the Horn of Africa. On the overhangs of a rock in the desert are some of the world’s best-preserved ancient cave paintings. Dating from 5000-9000 years old they depict cows, people, dogs, and even giraffes. Return to Hargeisa.
Overnight in Hargeisa.

Transfer to airport for morning flight to Addis.
Connect with evening flights home.
Those travelling to Mogadishu will depart on the same day from Hargeisa to Mogadishu.