Ethiopia Adventure Photo Expedition (10D)

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa early in the morning, you will be welcomed with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, offering a cultural introduction to Ethiopia’s famed hospitality. Spend the morning exploring Entoto Mountain with its panoramic city views and cool highland air. After lunch, take a domestic flight to Semera, the gateway to the Danakil Depression. In the evening, check in at your local hotel, relax, and prepare for the overland desert expedition ahead. Highlights: Coffee ceremony, mountain views, domestic flight, and evening rest.

After breakfast, drive toward the Allalobad Geothermal Field, witnessing steaming vents, bubbling mud craters, and vividly colored hot pools—a surreal landscape ideal for photography. Stop at Lake Afdera to observe salt harvesting and capture the stark beauty of the salt flats. Continue through rugged desert terrain toward Erta Ale, culminating in a 20-minute trek to the rim of the volcano for sunset photography. Camp overnight at the crater’s rim, enjoying dinner under the stars. Highlights: Geothermal wonders, active geysers, salt flats, and sunset photography.

Spend the day exploring the summit of Erta Ale, photographing flowing lava, glowing magma, and volcanic fissures. The dramatic light changes from dawn to dusk provide unparalleled opportunities for capturing this extraordinary landscape. Overnight camping at the summit allows photographers to experience the volcano in its most dynamic light conditions.

Descend Erta Ale in the early morning and drive across the desert to Ahmed Ela, near the Dallol Depression. Upon arrival, set up camp and prepare for sunset photography over the vast salt plains. Capture the dramatic colors and patterns created by the mineral-rich desert terrain. Highlights: Desert landscapes, salt flats, and sunset photography.

Begin the day with a sunrise photography session at Dallol, one of the world’s most colorful geothermal areas. In the midday heat, rest at camp, and later visit Lake Asale to observe the centuries-old salt-harvesting traditions of the Afar people, often using camels for transport. Return to Dallol for sunset photography as the mineral pools and formations glow in the warm evening light. Overnight camping near Ahmed Ela. Highlights: Sunrise photography, geothermal landscapes, cultural encounters at Lake Asale.

Continue exploring Dallol’s alien landscapes, revisiting key formations and discovering new sites for unique photographic opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon light is ideal for capturing the vivid colors and textures of the mineral pools and geothermal vents. Overnight camping near Ahmed Ela ensures maximum time in this otherworldly environment.

After an optional morning visit to Lake Asale or nearby salt flats, drive back to Semera. Arrive in the late afternoon to relax, refresh, and review the images captured over the past days. Overnight at a local hotel in Semera provides a comfortable end to the desert portion of the expedition.

Fly back to Addis Ababa in the morning and enjoy a half-day cultural tour. Highlights include the National Museum of Ethiopia (home of “Lucy”), Entoto Mountain, the bustling Merkato Market, key national monuments, and a visit to a traditional weaving workshop. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner featuring Ethiopian cuisine, music, and dance, celebrating the conclusion of an unforgettable journey.

Optional Add-On: Book a cultural photo tour to the Omo Valley, an enriching extension of your Ethiopian adventure.