Ethiopia, the largest and most populated country in the Horn of Africa, possesses one of the most rugged terrains in the continent. This road trip offers travelers the chance to explore the wilder parts of Ethiopia and parts of Somaliland, and some may opt to spend an extra 48 hours in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, at the end of the journey. The trip begins with an optional walking tour of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, before setting out on the road the next day to Erta Ale, the most active volcano in the country. After a three to four-hour trek to the volcano’s rim, the group will camp there overnight before driving to Lake Afdera, a hypersaline lake located in the Danakil Depression. A full day will then be spent at the Awash National Park, which is renowned for its volcanic formations, mineral hot springs and abundance of wildlife. Following Awash, travelers will journey to the walled city of Harar, which is considered by many to be the fourth-holiest city in Islam. Famed for its ancient mosques and shrines, the city is also home to a unique blend of African and Islamic traditions. To conclude the trip, travelers will cross the border to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, visiting the Hargeis Camel Market and admiring the rich and vivid cave paintings at Laas Geel.
This 10-day experience starts at $3,950 per person and includes accommodation, ground transportation, three internal flights, and breakfast.