Simien & Danakil Desert
This extraordinary journey through Ethiopia runs from the spectacular Simien Mountains trek, through the prehistoric Danakil Desert and the colorful Dallol Depression, all the way to the ancient rock-hewn churches of Tigray. Our adventure begins in the Simien Mountains National Park, home to some of Africa's most dramatic landscapes. We trek between breathtaking cliffs, summit peaks over 4000m, and encounter Gelada baboons, the endemic Walia ibex and the rare Ethiopian wolf in their natural habitat. From the highlands we descend to the Danakil Desert - one of the lowest places on Earth. We visit the colorful Dallol Depression, hike through salt lakes and sulfur fields, and trek to the crater of Erta Ale - an active volcano - in the heart of the night under a sky blazing with stars. We close the journey in Tigray, climbing up to the rock-hewn churches - one of Ethiopia's best-kept secrets, carved directly into towering cliff faces over a thousand years ago. Join us on this incredible Ethiopian adventure and make a meaningful contribution to the fight against cancer!
Trip details
- Country: Ethiopia
- Summit elevation: 4430m
- Duration: 12 days
- Price: from $3000
- Success rate: 92%
- Recommended seasons: November-February
Highlights
- Ras Bwahit 4430m
- Gelada baboons
- Erta Ale active lava lake
- Prehistoric Danakil landscape
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
We fly to Addis Ababa. After landing we check into the hotel, rest and get organised. In the evening we gather for a celebratory opening dinner, meet the team and the group, and receive a briefing for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Day 2: Addis Ababa - Gondar
We take a domestic flight to Gondar - the "City of Kings." On arrival we head out on a sightseeing tour: the 17th-century Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), the famous Debre Berhan Selassie church with its stunning frescoes, and sweeping views over the green hills surrounding the ancient imperial capital.
Accommodation: Hotel in Gondar
Day 3: Gondar - Debark (2850m) - Sankaber (3250m)
We leave Gondar, pass through a traditional Ethiopian Jewish village and visit the local synagogue. We continue to Debark to arrange entry permits for the Simien Mountains National Park, then begin the trek along the dramatic cliffs of the Simien ridge in search of the famous Gelada baboon troops that roam here in the wild.
Accommodation: Tents at Sankaber camp
Day 4: Sankaber (3250m) - Geech (3600m)
We trek from Sankaber to Geech on a varied trail of ascents, descents and cliff-edge walking. Along the way we stop at the powerful Jinbar waterfall, gaze out over the open park landscapes and encounter the remarkable Gelada baboons again in their natural habitat. The day ends at Geech camp with a breathtaking sunset viewpoint above the Simien Mountains.
Accommodation: Tents at Geech camp
Day 5: Geech - Imet Gogo (3900m) - Chennek (3620m)
We climb gradually to the iconic viewpoint of Imet Gogo (3900m), then push on to Inatye Peak (4050m), one of the highest points on the trek. The ridge walk offers dramatic views of cliffs, green valleys and endless horizons. Along the way we may spot the endemic Walia ibex, the rare Ethiopian wolf, and a variety of birds found nowhere else on Earth.
Accommodation: Tents at Chennek camp
Day 6: Chennek (3620m) - Ras Bwahit (4430m) - Gondar
An early start for the summit push to Ras Bwahit (4430m) - the highest point of the expedition and the most spectacular viewpoint in the reserve. We search for the Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolf and impressive raptors soaring above the ridges. After the descent we leave the mountains behind, drive back to Gondar and celebrate the end of the trekking leg together.
Accommodation: Hotel in Gondar
Day 7: Gondar - Addis Ababa - Samara
After a well-earned rest following the trek, we take a domestic flight from Gondar to Samara with a short connection in Addis Ababa. After landing we check into the hotel, rest and get organised. In the evening we gather for dinner and receive a briefing for the Danakil Desert days ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel in Samara
Day 8: Samara - Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil)
In the morning we set off into the wild Danakil Desert by jeep. En route we stop for lunch beside Lake Afdera, a beautiful oasis in the heart of the desert, then continue to Erta Ale - one of the most active and fascinating volcanoes on Earth. In the evening we hike up to the crater rim for a powerful spectacle of a boiling lava lake, one of the rarest sights our planet has to offer. We end the day sleeping at a field camp at the foot of the volcano.
Accommodation: Tents at Erta Ale camp
Day 9: Erta Ale - Ahmed Ela - Salt Desert (Danakil)
At dawn we say goodbye to the volcano and drive deeper into the Danakil to Ahmed Ela. Along the way we pass endless camel caravans carrying blocks of salt - an ancient tradition still very much alive. We visit the salt-mining sites and watch up close as workers chip, cut and load salt onto the camels' backs. We continue to the Danakil Salt Flats and Lake Asale - one of the lowest points on Earth - with a spectacular sunset over the vast white salt crust.
Accommodation: Tents at Ahmed Ela camp
Day 10: Ahmed Ela - Dallol - Mekele
In the morning we continue to the Dallol Depression, an extraordinary volcanic zone where mind-bending colours of sulphur, acid pools and mineral formations erupt from the earth - like landing on another planet. After three intense days in the heart of the Danakil, we leave the ancient desert behind and drive to Mekele, capital of the Tigray region and one of Ethiopia's most vibrant cities. In the evening we hit the streets to feel the local pulse and celebrate the transition from raw desert to urban life.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mekele
Day 11: Mekele - Hawzen & Rock-Hewn Churches of Tigray
We drive from Mekele to the village of Hawzen in the heart of the Tigray region and trek up to the remarkable rock-hewn churches — one of Ethiopia's best-kept secrets. Carved directly into towering cliff faces over a thousand years ago, these churches stand among the most impressive achievements of ancient Christian architecture in the world. We visit the famous Abraha we Atsbeha church and other sites in the area, meet local priests in traditional robes, and learn about Ethiopia's deep Christian heritage. We end the day in Hawzen.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hawzen
Day 12: Hawzen - Mekele - Addis Ababa - flight home
We drive from Hawzen back to Mekele and take a domestic flight to Addis Ababa. On arrival we take in a taste of the capital: a visit to Merkato - the largest open-air market in Africa - a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony (buna), and a celebratory lunch. In the afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight home, cameras full and hearts fuller.
What's included
- Gift kit - cap and dry-fit shirt!
- A personal area for every customer in the HighAir app
- Transfers from/to Addis Ababa airport to hotel
- Domestic transfers throughout the trek
- Spacious 4x4 jeeps with A/C (up to 4 people per jeep)
- Domestic flights throughout the trek
- Accommodation in hotels and lodges in double rooms
- Accommodation in double tents with mattresses in the field
- Toilets and showers during field stays
- 3 meals per day + mineral water throughout the trek
- Professional local English-speaking guides
- Live WhatsApp updates for families during the trek
- Entry permits for all attractions
- Personal gear checklist and an online gear consultation
- Online preparation call with your group and guide before departure
- Meaningful donation to the fight against cancer!
What's not included
- International flights (we recommend the best routes from your city)
- Travel & medical insurance, including evacuation cover (required)
- Personal gear - clothing and footwear
- Tips for guides - $50 per person
- Ethiopia visa fees - $62 per person
- Vaccinations and medical advice at a travel clinic
- Personal expenses during the trek
- Anything not listed in the included section
- Optional extras:
- Single room at hotel during trek - $50 for entire trek
- Solo tent during trek - $100 for entire trek
Good to know
- Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry to Ethiopia - you must present a vaccination certificate at the airport. Also recommended: malaria, typhoid, Hepatitis A and polio.
- The Danakil Desert is one of the hottest places on Earth - temperatures reach 50°C. The main physical challenge is heat management and high fluid intake.
- The Erta Ale visit (lava lake) is done at night with armed escort - this is a local authority requirement and a condition of access to the region.
- Group limited to 15 participants.
- Medical clearance required - including fitness for extreme heat and ascent to 4430m.
- Any participant who does not meet health requirements will not be permitted to join.
- Safety first - no guarantee of reaching every point, but always committed to safety.
- In the event of an early descent from the mountain, for any reason, all additional costs involved are the traveler's responsibility, such as extra hotel nights, meals, and any required flight changes.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before travelling to Ethiopia?
As before any trip abroad, check the current travel recommendations for Israelis before registering and again before departure, and make sure your travel insurance covers every area on the route. Our local team knows the country deeply and accompanies the group throughout the journey.
How dangerous is it to approach the Erta Ale lava lake?
Access to the Erta Ale lava lake is done with experienced local guides and a security escort, and you stand at the crater rim from a safe distance. It is one of the rarest experiences on earth - watching boiling lava at night - and the high level of safety is what makes it accessible.
What is the maximum altitude on the Ethiopia trip?
The maximum altitude is the summit of Ras Bwahit in the Simien Mountains (4,430 m). By contrast, the Erta Ale volcano rises only 613 m, in the heart of the Danakil Depression, parts of which lie below sea level. The high section in the Simiens can cause mild altitude symptoms, so we built the itinerary with gradual acclimatization.
What vaccinations are required for Ethiopia?
Vaccinations are required. Mandatory: yellow fever (checked on entry) and typhoid; several others are recommended and detailed in the medical document sent after registration. It is worth visiting a travel clinic at least six weeks before the flight.
What is the recommended season for Ethiopia?
The best season is November to February, the dry winter. The Simien Mountains are green and beautiful, and the weather in Danakil is relatively bearable (35-40°C instead of 50 in summer) - and we run our journeys precisely in this window.
How is the Ethiopia trip different from your other treks?
Ethiopia is not a regular climbing trip but a blend of trekking, geographic adventure and anthropological encounter. One night you stand at the rim of an active lava lake, and two days later you climb mountains among gelada monkeys - there is no other journey like it in the world.