Adventure Trip

Desert Adventure

Great-inspiring scenery, unique land features, photogenic and approachable birds and mammals, plus some striking ancient buildings make Ethiopia a photographer’s dream. Our Ethiopia Photographic Adventure tour will allow the opportunity to encapsulate these exceptional scenes and earth formation on camera. We also venture north to the fantastic Simien Mountains, where you will photograph large troops of Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex in this, their final stronghold. Our Sunside Ethiopia Tours is the base for most of our adventure-minded visitors. Ethiopia is truly home for adventure tours with owing the highest rugged mountains to the lowest point on earth. We also work with local campsites to provide budget holidays and short breaks.

Erta’Ale

Is a continuously active basaltic shield volcanoes A shield volcano is a type of volcano usually built almost entirely of fluid lava flows. They are named for their large size and low profile, resembling a warrior's shield. This is caused by the highly fluid lava they erupt, which travels farther than lava erupted from more explosive volcanoes. This results in the steady accumulation of broad sheets of lava, building up the shield volcano's distinctive form.) in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia, the most active volcano in Ethiopia.

Erta Ale means "smoking mountain" in the local Afar language and its southernmost pit is known locally as "the gateway to hell". It is situated on 613 metres (2,011 ft) high, with one or sometimes two active lava lakes at the summit which occasionally overflow on the south side of the volcano. It is notable for being the longest-existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century (1906). Volcanoes with lava lakes are very rare: there are only five in the world.

Dallol Depression

Interactions between water and lava at shield volcanoes can cause some eruptions to become hydrovolcanic. These explosive eruptions are drastically different from the usual shield volcanic activity, and are especially prevalent at the waterbound volcanoes of the Hawaiian Isles.

The Hawaiian shield volcanoes and the Galápagos islands are unique in that they are not located near any plate boundaries; instead, the two chains are fed by the movement of oceanic plates over an upwelling of magma known as a hotspot. Over millions of years, the tectonic movement that moves continents also creates long volcanic trails across the seafloor. The Hawaiian and Galápagos shields, and other hotspot shields like them, are both constructed of oceanic island basalt. Their lavas are characterized by high levels of sodium, potassium, and aluminum.

Sof Omar

Sof Omar, a tiny Muslim village in Bale, is the site of an amazing complex of natural caves, cut by the Wab River as it found its way from the nearby mountains. The settlement, which is a religious site, is named after a local Sheikh. Armed with torches and official map, visitors to Sof Omar make their way underground, far into the bowels of the earth, beside a subterranean stream, and there can see an extraordinary number of arched portals, high eroded ceilings and deep echoing chambers.

The Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia

The Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia is one of the most geologically and ecologically diverse regions in Africa, stretching across the country from the northeast to the south. This massive geological trench, part of the larger East African Rift System, was formed millions of years ago due to tectonic activity. It is home to stunning lakes, active volcanoes, hot springs, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural heritage sites, making it a prime destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts.

1. Formation and Geography of the Ethiopian Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley in Ethiopia is part of the East African Rift, a 6,000 km-long geological fault system that extends from Jordan in the Middle East to Mozambique in southern Africa.
Formation: It was created by the separation of the African tectonic plates, causing the land to sink and form a vast depression filled with lakes, mountains, and volcanic activity.
Ethiopian Rift Valley Extent: In Ethiopia, the Rift Valley runs from the Afar Depression in the northeast to Lake Turkana in the south, covering a distance of over 1,500 km.
Diverse Landscapes: The valley features lush forests, vast savannahs, volcanic craters, and salt flats, creating a unique blend of ecosystems.

2. Unique Tourist Attractions in the Ethiopian Rift Valley

The Ethiopian section of the Great Rift Valley is rich in natural beauty, wildlife, lakes, and cultural sites. Here are some of the must-visit locations:
A. Rift Valley Lakes – The Jewel of Ethiopia
The Rift Valley is dotted with a series of freshwater and alkaline lakes, each with unique ecological and cultural significance.
1. Lake Ziway – Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Largest of the central Rift Valley lakes, covering 440 km². Famous for abundant birdlife, including pelicans, African fish eagles, marabou storks, and flamingos. Home to Debre Sina Monastery, a historic Orthodox Christian site. Hippos and fish-rich waters make it popular for boating and fishing.
2. Lake Langano – Ethiopia’s Only Swimmable Rift Valley Lake
The only Rift Valley lake safe for swimming, due to its alkaline waters. A popular weekend getaway, with lakeside resorts and lodges. Ideal for watersports, fishing, and birdwatching.
3. Lake Abijatta and Lake Shalla – Twin Lakes with Contrasting Beauty
Lake Abijatta is a shallow, alkaline lake known for large flamingo populations. Lake Shalla is the deepest lake in Ethiopia (266m deep), surrounded by volcanic cliffs and hot springs. Both lakes form part of the Abijatta-Shalla National Park, home to ostriches, warthogs, and gazelles.
4. Lake Hawassa – A Bustling Lakeside City
The most developed Rift Valley lake, with the city of Hawassa on its shores. A hub for fresh fish markets, hippos, and boat rides. Home to Hawassa Amora Gedel Park, a great place for wildlife spotting.
5. Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya – Crocodile and Hippo Haven
Lake Chamo is famous for the "Crocodile Market," where huge Nile crocodiles (some over 6m long) bask in the sun. Lake Abaya has a distinct reddish-brown color due to high mineral content. Both lakes are located near Arba Minch and part of the Nechisar National Park.

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

P.O.Box No. 26001 code 1000

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