Explore Ethiopia's Wild Side
Ethiopia offers some of Africa's most spectacular trekking and adventure opportunities. From the jagged peaks of the Simien Mountains to the otherworldly landscapes of the Danakil Depression, our adventure tours are designed for those who seek thrilling experiences in nature.
Whether you're an experienced trekker looking for challenging routes or a nature lover wanting to explore Ethiopia's diverse landscapes at a comfortable pace, we have the perfect adventure for you.
Why Choose Our Adventure Tours
Expert Guides
Our local guides have extensive knowledge of Ethiopia's trails, wildlife, and safety protocols to ensure an unforgettable adventure.
Well-Planned Routes
We carefully design our trekking routes to maximize scenic beauty while considering difficulty levels and acclimatization.
Quality Equipment
We provide high-quality camping gear and equipment to ensure your comfort and safety during the trek.
Nutritious Meals
Enjoy delicious, energy-packed meals prepared by our trekking chefs to keep you fueled for your adventure.
Simien Mountains Trek
The Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called "the Roof of Africa" with its dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, and sharp peaks. This trek takes you through breathtaking landscapes at altitudes between 3,000-4,500m.
Highlights:
- Encounter troops of Gelada baboons and other endemic wildlife
- Spectacular views from Imet Gogo (3,926m)
- Trek to Ethiopia's highest peak, Ras Dashen (4,543m)
- Camp under star-filled skies in pristine wilderness
Trek Difficulty & Itinerary
| Day | Route | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Debark to Sankaber | 12km (4-5 hours) | Moderate |
| 2 | Sankaber to Geech | 15km (5-6 hours) | Moderate |
| 3 | Geech to Chenek | 18km (7-8 hours) | Challenging |
| 4 | Chenek to Ambiko | 22km (8-9 hours) | Challenging |
| 5 | Summit Ras Dashen & return | 14km (7-8 hours) | Challenging |
Danakil Depression Expedition
The Danakil Depression is one of Earth's most extreme environments with active volcanoes, colorful hydrothermal fields, and vast salt plains. This expedition takes you to the heart of this geological wonderland.
Highlights:
- Night hike to Erta Ale's active lava lake
- Surreal landscapes of Dallol's hydrothermal fields
- Walk on the salt flats of Lake Asale
- Witness the traditional salt mining process
Expedition Itinerary
| Day | Route | Activities | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mekele to Dodom | Drive to base camp, evening hike preparation | Easy |
| 2 | Dodom to Erta Ale | Night hike to volcano (3-4 hours), lava lake viewing | Moderate |
| 3 | Erta Ale to Dallol | Morning hike back, drive to Dallol, salt lake visit | Moderate |
| 4 | Dallol to Mekele | Explore Dallol hydrothermal fields, return to Mekele | Easy |
Bale Mountains Trek
The Bale Mountains offer Ethiopia's largest area of Afro-alpine habitat, home to endemic wildlife including the Ethiopian wolf and mountain nyala. This trek takes you through diverse landscapes from high moorlands to Harenna forest.
Highlights:
- Spot the rare Ethiopian wolf in its natural habitat
- Trek across the Sanetti Plateau, Africa's largest alpine area
- Explore the mysterious Harenna Forest
- Visit Tulu Dimtu, Ethiopia's second highest peak
Trek Difficulty & Itinerary
| Day | Route | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dinsho to Sodota | 12km (4-5 hours) | Moderate |
| 2 | Sodota to Wasama | 14km (5-6 hours) | Moderate |
| 3 | Wasama to Gebre Gurracha | 16km (6-7 hours) | Challenging |
| 4 | Gebre Gurracha to Sannetti Plateau | 10km (4-5 hours) | Moderate |
| 5 | Sanetti Plateau to Harenna Forest | 18km (6-7 hours) | Challenging |
| 6 | Harenna Forest to Dinsho | 8km (3-4 hours) | Easy |
All Adventure & Trekking Tours
Simien Short Trek
A shorter version of our classic Simien trek, perfect for those with limited time who still want to experience the park's stunning scenery and wildlife.
Tour Details
Tigray Churches Trek
Combine trekking with cultural exploration as you hike to ancient rock-hewn churches perched on cliffs in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region.
Tour Details
Bale Short Trek
A condensed version of our Bale trek focusing on the Sanetti Plateau and best chances to see Ethiopian wolves and other endemic wildlife.
Tour Details
Danakil & Simien Combo
Experience Ethiopia's most dramatic landscapes with this combination tour featuring both the Simien Mountains and Danakil Depression.
Tour Details
Omo Valley Cultural Trek
Combine trekking through beautiful landscapes with cultural encounters with the diverse tribes of Ethiopia's Omo Valley region.
Tour Details
Custom Trekking Adventure
Design your own perfect trekking adventure in Ethiopia with our expert team. Choose your destinations, duration, and difficulty level.
Adventure Tour FAQs
What is the best time of year for trekking in Ethiopia?
The best time for trekking in Ethiopia is during the dry seasons from October to March. The Simien Mountains are particularly good from October to December when temperatures are mild and wildflowers are in bloom. The Bale Mountains are best visited from November to February. The Danakil Depression can be visited year-round, though it's extremely hot from April to September.
What fitness level is required for these treks?
Our treks range from moderate to challenging. You should be in good physical condition and ideally have some hiking experience, especially for our longer treks. We recommend preparing with regular cardio exercise and hiking with a weighted pack before your trip. The high altitudes (especially in the Simiens) can make hiking more strenuous than at sea level.
What equipment do I need to bring?
We provide all camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, etc.) and cooking gear. You'll need to bring:
- Good quality hiking boots (broken in)
- Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
- Daypack and waterproof cover
- Layered clothing for variable temperatures
We'll send a complete packing list when you book your trek.
How do you handle altitude sickness?
Our itineraries are designed to allow for gradual acclimatization. For the Simien treks, we spend the first night at 3,200m before going higher. Our guides are trained to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and will adjust the itinerary if needed. We recommend drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and ascending slowly. Those with concerns can consult their doctor about altitude medication.
Is it safe to trek in Ethiopia?
Yes, trekking in Ethiopia is generally safe when done with a reputable operator like Zagol Tours. We work with experienced local guides who know the terrain and conditions. For certain areas like the Danakil, we travel with armed scouts as a precaution. We monitor regional conditions closely and will adjust itineraries if any safety concerns arise.
What about food and water during the trek?
Our trekking chefs prepare nutritious meals with fresh ingredients. We accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. For water, we provide purified drinking water throughout the trek - you'll just need to bring your own water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 2L capacity). In the Danakil, we bring all necessary water and food supplies.