19-Day Horn of Africa Expedition: Djibouti, Somaliland & Ethiopia

After breakfast, depart Djibouti City and drive inland through volcanic desert scenery toward Lac Abbe, one of Djibouti's most memorable natural wonders. The landscape becomes increasingly remote as you approach the lake, where limestone chimneys rise from the salt flats like natural towers. Steam vents, dry plains and distant mountains create an otherworldly atmosphere associated with scenes from the film Planet of the Apes. Enjoy the sunset over this extraordinary landscape before settling into the simple camp.

Overnight: Lac Abbe Camp

Rise early to enjoy the morning light around Lac Abbe before driving toward Lac Assal, a spectacular crater lake located around 150 metres below sea level, known for its intense colours, white salt crystals and high salinity. Around the shoreline, Afar salt collectors and herders may be seen depending on the season. After exploring the viewpoints and salt formations, continue back to Djibouti City.

Overnight: Rasdika Hotel or similar, Djibouti City

Depart early for the long overland transfer to the Somaliland border at Lawyacado. After completing border formalities, continue through remote desert and semi-arid landscapes toward Borama — one of the more adventurous driving days of the expedition and a rare opportunity to travel through a less-visited part of the Horn of Africa. Arrive in Borama and check into your hotel.

Overnight: Rays Hotel or similar, Borama

After breakfast, visit Dhagax Khoure, one of Somaliland's important rock art sites, set in a scenic landscape that offers insight into the region's ancient pastoral cultures. As you travel toward Hargeisa, pass small villages, semi-nomadic communities and wide desert views. Arrive in Hargeisa, Somaliland's friendly and low-key capital.

Overnight: Damal Hotel or similar, Hargeisa

Spend the day exploring Hargeisa with your local guide. Visit the central market, the MiG Jetfighter War Memorial connected to the civil war period, and the famous street money exchange where large stacks of Somaliland shillings are openly traded. Later, visit the livestock market, an excellent place to observe local commerce and see camels, goats and sheep being bought and sold.

Overnight: Damal Hotel or similar, Hargeisa

Depart Hargeisa and drive to Las Geel, one of the most important and best-preserved rock art sites in Africa. The vivid paintings depict cattle, human figures and symbolic scenes and are a major cultural highlight of Somaliland. Continue across open landscapes toward Berbera on the Gulf of Aden, a historic port city shaped by Ottoman, Egyptian and Somali influences.

Overnight: Damal Hotel or similar, Berbera

Explore the old quarter of Berbera, including atmospheric streets and historic buildings connected to the city's long trading history. Afterwards, drive inland toward the Sheikh Mountains, where the scenery changes from coastal plains to cooler highland landscapes, before continuing back to Hargeisa for your final night in Somaliland.

Overnight: Damal Hotel or similar, Hargeisa

A relaxed day in Hargeisa. Depending on local conditions and group interests, you may revisit the markets, explore additional neighbourhoods, enjoy a local coffee stop or simply rest before the Ethiopia section of the expedition begins. This day also provides flexibility in case of border or road timing adjustments.

Overnight: Damal Hotel or similar, Hargeisa

After breakfast, drive approximately two hours to the Wajaale border crossing between Somaliland and Ethiopia. After immigration and customs formalities, continue to Jijiga, capital of Ethiopia's Somali Region. After lunch, continue to Harar, one of the oldest Islamic cities in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, witness the famous Harar Hyena Feeding Ceremony, where wild hyenas are fed by hand.

Overnight: Feres Hotel or similar, Harar

Begin with a guided walking tour inside the walled city of Harar, exploring narrow alleyways, traditional Harari houses, local markets, historic gates and mosques. Later, drive to Dire Dawa and board the Ethiopia–Djibouti Railway toward Awash. On arrival, transfer to Doho Lodge, and in the late afternoon enjoy a game drive in Awash National Park, looking for Beisa oryx, Soemmerring's gazelle, warthogs, baboons and birdlife.

Overnight: Doho Lodge

Enjoy a full day in Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia's oldest protected areas. Morning and afternoon game drives offer opportunities to observe wildlife, volcanic landscapes, acacia woodland and open plains, and the park is known for its rich birdlife and scenic Awash River area. Between activities, relax at Doho Lodge and enjoy the natural hot springs.

Overnight: Doho Lodge

After breakfast, continue through the Afar Region toward Semera. En route, visit Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve, a wide open landscape known for desert-adapted wildlife such as Beisa oryx, Soemmerring's gazelle and ostriches, giving a sense of the scale and openness of the Afar lowlands. Continue to Semera, the regional capital and gateway to the Danakil Depression.

Overnight: Langudi Hotel or similar, Semera

Depart early for the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most geologically active regions on earth. Drive across volcanic plains and desert landscapes toward Lake Afdera, where salt extraction remains an important local activity. Continue to Erta Ale Volcano and, depending on current volcanic conditions, hike toward the crater area to observe volcanic formations, steaming vents and the dramatic scenery of the Afar desert.

Overnight: Camping near Erta Ale

After sunrise around Erta Ale, descend and continue across the Danakil landscapes toward Hamedela. In the afternoon, visit Lake Asale and the salt flats, where traditional salt cutting and camel caravans can still be observed when active. The sunset over the salt plains is one of the most memorable scenes of the Danakil experience.

Overnight: Camping in Hamedela

Start early for the excursion to Dallol, a surreal geothermal area of colourful mineral formations, sulfur springs, salt canyons and bubbling pools — one of the most unusual geological sites in the world. After exploring with local guides and Afar escorts, begin the drive out of the Danakil Depression toward Mekele.

Overnight: Planet Hotel, Amdina Hotel or similar, Mekele

After breakfast, drive to the Gheralta Mountains, famous for dramatic sandstone cliffs and ancient rock-hewn churches. Visit Abune Yemata Guh, one of Ethiopia's most remarkable churches, reached by a challenging climb and short rock scramble, and known for its cliff-top location, ancient frescoes and breathtaking views.

Overnight: Gheralta Lodge

Spend the day exploring more of Tigray's rock-hewn church heritage. Visit Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, two beautifully located churches offering a combination of history, spirituality and mountain scenery. The walks and climbs provide excellent views of the Gheralta formations and rural landscapes below. The afternoon is at leisure to relax at the lodge and enjoy the sunset over the mountains.

Overnight: Gheralta Lodge

After breakfast, drive back to Mekele for your flight to Addis Ababa. On arrival in the capital, enjoy time for last-minute shopping, a traditional coffee ceremony or a short visit to local artisan shops depending on your flight schedule. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with music and dance before transferring to Bole International Airport for your onward flight.

Overnight: Day-use or departure transfer; end of services