14-Day Ethiopia Grand Trek & Danakil Adventure

Simien, Bale Mountains & Danakil Depression
The Ultimate Ethiopian Extremes Journey
This 14-day tour combines the serene, high-altitude trekking of Ethiopia’s endemic highlands
(Simien and Bale) with an intense expedition into the dramatic, surreal geological extremes of
the Danakil Depression, the hottest place on Earth. You will witness the country’s
breathtaking natural diversity, from mountain peaks over 4,000m to volcano floors 125m
below sea level.
Bale Mountains Brilliant Tours Commitment: We handle all the complex logistics—from high
altitude trekking support to managing the intense 4×4 expedition in the Afar region and
coordinating all necessary domestic flights—to give you a seamless, safe, and truly
unforgettable experience

Part I: Simien Mountains – The Roof of Africa (5 Days)

Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization (Gondar → Sankaber Camp)
Altitude: Ascend to 3,200m (10,500 ft)
Highlights: Drive to park HQ (Debark). Acclimatization walk. Guaranteed close-up viewing
of large troops of endemic Gelada Baboons.

Day 2: Escarpment Trek (Sankaber → Geech Camp)
Altitude: Trekking up to 3,600m (11,800 ft)
Highlights: Full-day trek (5-6 hrs) following the escarpment. View the spectacular Jinbar
Waterfall. Search for soaring Lammergeyer Vultures.

Day 3: Scenic Peak Day (Geech Loop to Imet Gogo)
Altitude: High Point: 3,926m (12,880 ft)
Highlights: Excursion trek (5-6 hrs) to the famous Imet Gogo viewpoint, offering the most
breathtaking 360° vistas of the Simien range.

Day 4: Walia Ibex Search (Geech → Chenek Camp)
Altitude: Camp at 3,600m (11,800 ft)
Highlights: A longer, scenic trek (7-8 hrs). Chenek is the prime location to search for the
elusive and endemic Walia Ibex.

Day 5: Summit Views & Transfer (Chenek → Gondar)
Altitude: High Point: 4,430m (14,534 ft)
Highlights: Optional early morning hike towards Bwahit Peak. Drive from Chenek back to
Debark and on to the historical city of Gondar for overnight.
Part II: Bale Mountains – Ethiopian Wolf Sanctuary (5 Days)

Day 6: Critical Transfer Day (Fly Gondar → Addis → Robe → Dinsho)
Altitude: Arrive at 3,200m (10,500 ft)
Highlights: Domestic flights transfer from North to South. Drive to Bale HQ in Dinsho.
Afternoon walk in the Gaysay grasslands for guaranteed sightings of the endemic
Mountain Nyala.

Day 7: Ascent to Web Valley (Dinsho → Sodota Camp)
Altitude: Trekking up to 3,500m (11,500 ft)
Highlights: Begin the Bale trek, ascending into the Web Valley. Early opportunities to spot
the highly endangered Ethiopian Wolf.

Day 8: High Alpine Zone (Sodota → Wasama Camp)
Altitude: Ascent to 4,200m (13,780 ft)
Highlights: A challenging ascent day. The scenery shifts to surreal Afro-alpine moorland,
dominated by bizarre, towering Giant Lobelias.

Day 9: Plateau Traverse (Wasama → Gebre Guracha Camp)
Altitude: Trekking around 4,000m (13,120 ft)
Highlights: Traverse the plateau to the tranquil glacial lake, Gebre Guracha. This is a
prime viewing area for the Ethiopian Wolf.

Day 10: Grand Finale & Transfer to Capital (Gebre Guracha → Tullu Dimtu → Addis)
Altitude: High Point: 4,377m (14,357 ft)
Highlights: Drive across the Sanetti Plateau, summiting Tullu Dimtu. The drive offers the
best opportunity for multiple Ethiopian Wolf sightings. Drive to Robe/Goba for evening
f
light to Addis Ababa (ADD). Overnight in Addis.

Part III: Danakil Depression – Extreme Earth Expedition (3 Days)

Day 11: Fly to Mekelle & Drive to Erta Ale Volcano
Logistics: Early morning domestic flight from Addis Ababa (ADD) to Mekelle (MQX). Meet
4×4 crew and security.
Highlights: Drive through the Afar region to Erta Ale base camp. Evening trek (approx. 3
hrs) up to the summit of the Erta Ale active shield volcano to witness the dramatic,
permanent lava lake at night.
Accommodation: Basic camping on the volcano rim.

Day 12: Erta Ale Sunrise, Hamed Ela, & Salt Lake
Activity: Early morning descent from Erta Ale. Drive (approx. 6 hours on challenging
terrain) to Hamed Ela village (116m below sea level).
Highlights: Visit Lake Assale, a vast salt pan. Watch the incredible sunset over the salt
f
lats and see the Afar camel caravans arriving with salt blocks.
Accommodation: Basic camping in Hamed Ela (under the stars).

Day 13: Dallol, Salt Mining, & Return to Mekelle
Activity: Very early morning drive to the Dallol hydrothermal area (one of the lowest
places on Earth).
Highlights: Explore the surreal, multi-coloured formations of the Dallol Volcano, created
by hot springs rich in sulphur and minerals. Witness local Afar workers mining salt and
see the ancient salt caravans. Drive back to Mekelle.
Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Mekelle.

Day 14: Departure
Day 14: Mekelle → Addis Ababa (and International Departure)
Logistics: Morning flight from Mekelle (MQX) to Addis Ababa (ADD).
Activity: Connect to your international departure flight, or spend the day exploring Addis
Ababa

What is INCLUDED in the Tour Price:
This is a premium, all-inclusive package designed to handle the complex logistics of all three
regions.

1. Transportation & Flights:
Domestic Flights (3 Segments):
Gondar (GDQ) → Addis Ababa (ADD)
Addis Ababa (ADD) → Robe/Goba (GOB) (for Bale)
Mekelle (MQX) → Addis Ababa (ADD)
Ground Transport:
All necessary airport transfers in Gondar, Robe/Goba, Addis Ababa, and Mekelle.
All long-distance transport in well-maintained 4×4 vehicles (Land Cruiser or similar)
suitable for the rugged terrain in Simien, Bale, and Danakil.
All fuel and driver allowances.

2. Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation (13 Nights):
Hotel nights in Addis Ababa, Gondar, and Mekelle (standard tourist class).
All required high-altitude camping fees and full setup in Simien and Bale Mountains
(tents, mattresses, cooking, dining).
Basic expedition camping/sleeping under the stars in the Danakil Depression.
Meals:
Full Board (B/L/D) on Trek & Expedition days (Simien, Bale, and Danakil segments).
Meals in town may be specified (e.g., Bed & Breakfast in Addis).
Unlimited bottled water during the Danakil Depression expedition (essential for
safety in extreme heat).
Cook, cooking equipment, and assistance in all camping locations.

3. Permits, Fees & Security:
National Park Fees: All entry fees, camping fees, and required park permits for:
Simien Mountains National Park.
Bale Mountains National Park.
Danakil Depression region (Erta Ale, Dallol, Salt Lake).
Guiding & Support Staff:
Professional, English-speaking, certified guide for the entire 14-day trip.
Mandatory local guides, armed scouts, and local security/police escorts as required by
the National Park and Afar Regional authorities (crucial for safety in Simien and
Danakil).
Muleteers, mules, and camels (as needed) to carry luggage, camping gear, and food
during the Simien Trek, Bale Trek, and up Erta Ale Volcano.

What is EXCLUDED from the Tour Price:
These items are considered personal expenses and are the responsibility of the traveler:
International Flights: Flights to and from Ethiopia (Addis Ababa – ADD).
Ethiopian Visa: The cost and arrangement of your entry visa (e-Visa or Visa on Arrival).
Travel Insurance: Mandatory comprehensive travel and medical insurance (must cover
high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation).
Tipping: Gratuities for guides, drivers, cooks, scouts, muleteers, and other local service
providers.
Personal Gear: Hiking boots, sunscreen, sun hats, and power banks.
Beverages: Alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, liquor).
Optional Fees: Any minimal charges for personal photography/video at specific sites, if
requested.
Personal Expenses: Laundry, souvenirs, phone charges, and other purchases of a
personal nature