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Horn of Africa Expedition – 19-Day Tour through Ethiopia, Djibouti & Somaliland | Horn Explore

Horn of Africa Expedition: Ethiopia, Djibouti & Somaliland

$5900 $6500

/per person
  • Duration : 19 Days / 18 Nights
  • Max People : 14
  • Horn of Africa – Somaliland, Ethiopia & Djibouti

Journey Across Three Nations of Ancient Civilization and Natural Extremes

This exclusive 19-day cross-border expedition curated by Horn Explore Gateways offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the heart of the Horn of Africa — from the volcanic moonscapes of Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression to the coral islands of Djibouti and the prehistoric rock art caves of Somaliland.


Traverse through ancient trade routes, desert escarpments, salt flats, and coastal cultures, uncovering the fascinating blend of Arabian, African, and nomadic traditions that define this unique

region.

Ethiopian cofee and tea

  • Ethiopian coffe

Travel Styles

  • Activities
  • Cultural
  • Festival & Events
  • Independent
  • Marine
  • Nature & Adventure
  • Special Interest

Watch Movie

  • Watching Films in nature areas

    ✅ Include

  • Private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with fuel and professional driver
  • All domestic flight tickets: Addis–Semera, Mekelle–Addis
  • Local guides in each country (Afar, Djibouti, Somaliland regions)
  • English-speaking professional guide throughout the tour
  • Boat transfers to Tadjoura, Moucha, and Maskali Islands
  • All airport transfers, port pickups, and drop-offs
  • Train ticket: Dire Dawa → Djibouti City
  • Camel support during Erta Ale trek
  • Government security permits,
  • 24/7 Horn Explore local assistance & coordination
  • Accommodation & Meals
  • 18 nights in mid-range hotels and desert camps
  • Full board meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily
  • Camping gear & sleeping equipment
  • Bottled mineral water (2L per person daily)
  • Coffee/tea service during camping days
  • All national park entry fees (Awash, Danakil, Erta Ale, Lac Assal)
  • Unity Park, Adwa Museum, Laas Geel, and Berbera heritage access

    ❌ Excluded from the Tour

  • International flights
  • Alcoholic & soft drinks
  • Optional tours or extra activities
  • Visa fees & border taxes

🌟 Tour Highlights

  • 🌋 Witness the active lava lake of Erta Ale, one of the few in the world
  • 🏜️ Explore the colorful salt fields of Dallol in the Danakil Depression
  • 🏛️ Discover ancient rock-hewn churches in the Gheralta Mountains
  • 🦓 Safari in Awash National Park, home to oryx, gazelles & 400+ bird species
  • 🕌 Experience Harar Jugol, the 16th-century walled city & hyena feeding tradition
  • 🚄 Ride the Ethiopia–Djibouti Railway, crossing desert and mountain scenery
  • 🌊 Relax on Djibouti’s coral islands — Moucha & Maskali
  • 🧂 Visit Lac Assal, Africa’s lowest point and one of its saltiest lakes
  • 🏖️ Unwind on Tadjoura’s Les Sables Blancs Beach
  • 🐪 Fly to Somaliland and explore its culture, markets & warm hospitality
  • 🎨 Marvel at Laas Geel’s ancient rock paintings, over 5,000 years old

🗓️ Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa 🇪🇹 Arrive at Bole International Airport, where our Horn Explore team will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Visit Unity Park inside the historic Grand Palace to see Ethiopia’s royal history, wildlife, and culture. Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner and coffee ceremony in the evening. Overnight: Addis Ababa Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 2: Addis Ababa – Adwa Museum Tour 🇪🇹 After breakfast, visit the Adwa Museum, a national symbol of African pride and unity. Learn about the famous Battle of Adwa (1896), where Ethiopia defeated Italian forces and remained independent. Explore exhibits showing weapons, uniforms, and stories of courage from that historic victory. Overnight: Addis Ababa Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 3: Addis Ababa – Semera – Erta Ale Volcano 🇪🇹 Take a morning flight to Semera, the capital of the Afar region. Meet your local team and drive to Erta Ale, known as the “Smoking Mountain.” After dinner at the base camp, begin a night trek to the crater with camels carrying your gear. At the top, witness the glowing lava lake — one of the few active ones on Earth. Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 4: Erta Ale – Lake Afdera – Hamed Ela 🇪🇹 Early in the morning, descend from Erta Ale and drive toward Lake Afdera, a salt lake below sea level. See how the Afar people harvest salt using traditional methods. Continue driving across the desert to Hamed Ela, a small Afar village near the salt flats. Enjoy dinner under the stars in the heart of the Danakil Depression. Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 5: Hamed Ela – Dallol – Mekelle 🇪🇹 After breakfast, drive to Ragad (Asebo) to watch salt miners cutting and loading salt blocks onto camel caravans. Continue to Dallol, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, known for its colorful salt formations and boiling springs. Later, drive to Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region. Overnight: Mekelle Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 6: Mekelle – Hawzen (Gheralta Mountains) 🇪🇹 After breakfast, drive to Hawzen, in the stunning Gheralta Mountains. Visit ancient rock-hewn churches like Abune Yemata Guh and Maryam Korkor, carved high into the cliffs. Enjoy amazing views and learn about Ethiopia’s early Christian history. Overnight: Hawzen Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 7: Hawzen – Mekelle 🇪🇹 After breakfast, drive back to Mekelle. Visit the Emperor Yohannes IV Museum, located in his former palace. Learn about the emperor’s role in uniting Ethiopia and defending it from colonial powers. Relax for the rest of the day in the city. Overnight: Mekelle Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 8: Mekelle – Addis Ababa – Awash National Park 🇪🇹 Take a morning flight from Mekelle to Addis Ababa, then drive to Awash National Park — Ethiopia’s first and most famous wildlife reserve. On the way, stop at Lake Beseka and meet the Karrayyu people, known for their traditional lifestyle. Arrive at the park and enjoy a short evening game drive. Overnight: Awash Park Lodge Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 9: Awash National Park Safari 🇪🇹 Spend the day exploring Awash National Park, Ethiopia’s first wildlife reserve. Spot animals like oryx, gazelles, warthogs, baboons, and many bird species. Visit the Awash River Falls and enjoy a scenic picnic in the park. Overnight: Awash Park Lodge Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 10: Awash – Harar 🇪🇹 After breakfast, drive east to the ancient walled city of Harar Jugol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through its colorful alleys, visit old mosques, and explore vibrant markets. In the evening, watch the famous Hyena Feeding Ceremony, a local tradition unique to Harar. Overnight: Harar Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 11: Harar – Dire Dawa – Djibouti (Train Journey) 🇪🇹🇩🇯 After breakfast, drive to Dire Dawa (about 2 hours). Board the modern Ethiopia–Djibouti Railway and enjoy scenic views of desert plains and mountain landscapes. Arrive in Djibouti City in the evening, where our local team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight: Djibouti City Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 12: Djibouti City Tour & Marine Excursion 🇩🇯 After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Djibouti — visit the Central Market, European Quarter, and Hamoudi Mosque. Later, take a boat trip to Moucha and Maskali Islands for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the coral beaches. Return to the city by evening for a seaside dinner. Overnight: Djibouti City Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 13: Lac Assal & Ardoukoba Volcano Expedition 🇩🇯 Drive west to Lac Assal, Africa’s lowest point at –155m below sea level. See the stunning salt lake surrounded by volcanic mountains. Stop at Ardoukoba Volcano, Grand Bara Desert, and Goubet Bay on the way. Return to Djibouti City by evening. Overnight: Djibouti City Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 14: Tadjoura – Les Sables Blancs Beach 🇩🇯 Take a morning speedboat to Tadjoura, one of the oldest Red Sea towns. Explore its old port and whitewashed buildings, then relax on Les Sables Blancs Beach — perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Overnight: Tadjoura Resort Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 15: Return to Djibouti City – Fly to Hargeisa 🇩🇯✈️🇸🇴 After breakfast, return to Djibouti City by boat or road. Enjoy some free time before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Hargeisa, Somaliland. Meet our Horn Explore team and transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Hargeisa Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 16: Hargeisa – Laas Geel Caves 🇸🇴 Drive to Laas Geel, home to some of Africa’s oldest rock art, dating back over 5,000 years. Explore the caves and enjoy scenic views of the arid Somaliland landscape. Return to Hargeisa in the afternoon for a city tour or local market visit. Overnight: Hargeisa Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 17: Hargeisa – Berbera – Hargeisa 🇸🇴 Drive to Berbera, the historic Red Sea port city. Visit the old Ottoman quarter, fish market, and relax on Berbera Beach, where the desert meets the sea. Return to Hargeisa by evening. Overnight: Hargeisa Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 18: Hargeisa – Rest Day 🇸🇴 Enjoy a relaxing day in Hargeisa after your long journey. You can explore local markets, visit coffee shops, or simply rest at your hotel. Optional: join a short cultural city tour or evening dinner with local music. Overnight: Hargeisa Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 18: Hargeisa – Rest Day 🇸🇴 Enjoy a relaxing day in Hargeisa after your long journey. You can explore local markets, visit coffee shops, or simply rest at your hotel. Optional: join a short cultural city tour or evening dinner with local music. Overnight: Hargeisa Meals: B, L, D

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