Horn of Africa Expedition 2027 (17 days)
February 20 – March 8, 2027
Danakil Depression, Somaliland, Mogadishu and Djibouti
⬇️ Going ⬇️
⬇️ Interested ⬇️
From the volcanic wilderness of Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression to ancient Harar, the rock art of Somaliland, the streets of Mogadishu and the salt lakes of Djibouti, this is NomadMania’s complete journey through the eastern Horn of Africa.
The full 17-day adventure travels through Ethiopia, Somaliland, Somalia and Djibouti, visiting nine NomadMania regions:
- Ethiopia – Addis Ababa
- Ethiopia – Afar
- Ethiopia – Oromia–East Hararge
- Ethiopia – Somali
- Somaliland Coastal West
- Somaliland East
- Somalia – Coastal and Northern
- Djibouti – Djibouti, Arta, Ali Sabieh and Dikhil
- Djibouti – Obock and Tadjourah
The tour is divided into three independently bookable modules. Each offers a complete journey of its own, while the full package connects them into one remarkable expedition from Addis Ababa to Djibouti.
The complete tour includes two flights, 28 meals and 16 nights of accommodation.
Every included hotel night is in a private single room, with shared or basic arrangements used only during the four camping nights.
Woman Holds the Somali Flag at Mogadishu International Airport, CC0
Module 1 — Danakil Depression and Harar Adventure
February 20–26, 2027 | 6 touring days / 6 nights
Route: Addis Ababa · Semera · Alellobad · Lake Afdera · Hamedela · Dallol · Erta Ale · Awash · Dire Dawa · Harar
- February 20: Included flight to Semera; Alellobad geyser, Lake Afdera and Hamedela.
- February 21: Dallol geothermal fields and Erta Ale.
- February 22: Sunrise at Erta Ale and return to Semera.
- February 23: Drive from Semera to Awash.
- February 24: Continue to Dire Dawa and explore the historic railway city.
- February 25: Harar Jugol and the Hyena Man experience.
- February 26: Module 1 concludes in Harar after the final included overnight.
*Participants joining Module 2 separately may meet the group either in Harar on the morning of February 26 or in Hargeisa on the evening of February 26.
Module 2 — Somaliland and Mogadishu: Across the Horn
February 26–March 4, 2027 | 7 days / 6 nights
Route: Harar · Babile · Jijiga · Tog Wajaale · Hargeisa · Laas Geel · Berbera · Sheikh · Burao · Hargeisa · Addis Ababa · Mogadishu
- February 26: Harar, Babile, Jijiga, Tog Wajaale and Hargeisa; alternative meeting point in Hargeisa.
- February 27: Laas Geel rock art and the historic port of Berbera.
- February 28: Berbera, the Sheikh mountain pass and Burao.
- March 1: Return to Hargeisa and city tour.
- March 2: Included flight from Hargeisa to Mogadishu.
- March 3: Full-day Mogadishu city and cultural tour.
- March 4: Breakfast and airport transfer. Module 2 ends at Mogadishu Airport.
Module 3 — Djibouti Complete
March 4–8, 2027 | 5 days / 4 nights
Route: Djibouti City · Lake Abbé · Grand Bara · Lake Assal · Ghoubet · Day Forest · Abourma · Tadjourah · Sable Blanc · Djibouti City
- March 4: Arrival in Djibouti and airport transfer.
- March 5: Cross southern Djibouti to Lake Abbé.
- March 6: Lake Abbé, Grand Bara, Lake Assal, Ghoubet and Day Forest.
- March 7: Abourma Rock Paintings and Tadjourah.
- March 8: Sable Blanc, Ghoubet and transfer to Djibouti Airport.
Lake Karum in the Danakil region – by Thomas Fuhrmann, CC4.0
Module 1 — Danakil Depression and Harar Adventure
Day 1 — Addis Ababa, Semera and the Danakil Depression [Saturday, February 20, 2027]
We take the included early-morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera and begin our journey through Ethiopia’s Afar Region.
After visiting the geothermal area of Alellobad geyser, we continue to saline Lake Afdera, where traditional salt extraction takes place. We then travel deeper into the Danakil Depression toward Hamedela.
Overnight: Hamedela camp, basic camp arrangements.
Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Danakil Depression – by Mike Mirano, 197TravelStamps.com, CC2.0
Day 2 — Dallol and Erta Ale [Sunday, February 21, 2027]
We explore the mineral springs, salt formations and otherworldly colours of Dallol, one of the Danakil Depression’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Later, we drive toward Erta Ale and begin the approximately one-hour hike to the volcanic rim around sunset. The visibility of glowing or flowing lava depends on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Overnight: Basic camp near the Erta Ale rim, shared.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Erta Ale – by Petr Meissner, CC2.0
Day 3 — Erta Ale and Semera [Monday, February 22, 2027]
We wake early for a final sunrise view of Erta Ale before descending to the base camp.
After breakfast, we cross the desert plains back to Semera, returning to the comfort of a hotel after two nights in the Danakil Depression.
Overnight: Kuriftu Lodge or similar, Semera. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Hydrothermal System of Dallol – by Kotopoulou Electra, CC4.0
Day 4 — Semera to Awash [Tuesday, February 23, 2027]
We travel from Semera to Awash, a journey expected to take around seven hours.
If road conditions and arrival time permit, we will include a short activity around Awash, potentially visiting the river, waterfalls or nearby hot springs.
Overnight: Grace Land Hotel or similar, Awash. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast.
Street Scene in Old Town, Dire Dawa – by Adam Jones, CC2.0
Day 5 — Awash and Dire Dawa [Wednesday, February 24, 2027]
We continue east to Dire Dawa, a city shaped by the historic railway linking Addis Ababa with Djibouti.
Depending on our arrival time, we explore the old railway station, St Augustine Catholic Church and some of the city’s colourful market areas.
Overnight: Samrat Hotel or similar, Dire Dawa. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast.
Dire Dawa, Ethiopia – by Ninara31, CC2.0
Day 6 — Harar Jugol and the Hyena Man [Thursday, February 25, 2027]
Today is dedicated to Harar Jugol, the UNESCO-listed walled city known for its narrow alleys, traditional Harari houses, markets and Islamic heritage.
Our walking tour includes the historic centre and Arthur Rimbaud House. After dark, we experience Harar’s famous Hyena Man feeding tradition.
Travellers completing only Module 1 spend their final included night in Harar.
Overnight: Heritage Hotel or similar, Harar. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast.
Feeding the Hyenas in Harar, Ethiopia – by Ninara31, CC2.0
Module 2 — Somaliland and Mogadishu: Across the Horn
Day 7 — Harar, Jijiga and Hargeisa [Friday, February 26, 2027]
Participants starting Module 2 in Harar meet the group in the morning.
We travel through Babile toward Jijiga, the capital of Ethiopia’s Somali Region.
We continue to the border at Tog Wajaale, complete immigration formalities and meet our Somaliland team for the drive to Hargeisa.
Participants choosing the Hargeisa joining option meet the group at the hotel that evening and do not take part in the Harar–Hargeisa overland journey.
Overnight: Damal Hotel or similar, Hargeisa. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast for participants travelling from Harar.
Ethiopie-Région de l’Erta Ale – by Ji-Elle, CC3.0
Day 8 — Laas Geel and Berbera [Saturday, February 27, 2027]
We visit Laas Geel, Somaliland’s most important archaeological site, where exceptionally preserved prehistoric paintings depict decorated cattle, people and wild animals.
We then continue to Berbera on the Gulf of Aden. The afternoon includes the historic quarter, its Ottoman and British-influenced buildings and sunset beside the sea.
Overnight: Berbera Damal Hotel or similar. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast.
Laas Geel Rock Paintings – by Theodor Hoffsten, CC3.0
Day 9 — Berbera, Sheikh and Burao [Sunday, February 28, 2027]
After a final look around Berbera, we climb through the dramatic Sheikh mountain pass, stopping for views over the coastal plains.
We explore the historic mountain town of Sheikh before continuing east to Burao, one of Somaliland’s principal commercial and livestock-trading centres.
Overnight: Deero Hotel or similar, Burao. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast.
Sheikh Mountains, Togdheer, Sheikh, Somaliland, CC0
Day 10 — Burao and Hargeisa [Monday, March 1, 2027]
We return west through Somaliland’s open pastoral landscapes to Hargeisa.
After arrival, we explore the capital’s city centre, markets, monuments and public spaces, depending on timing and local access.
Overnight: Damal Hotel or similar, Hargeisa. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hargeisa Plane Monument – by Najeeb, CC2.0
Day 11 — Hargeisa to Mogadishu [Tuesday, March 2, 2027]
We take the included flight from Hargeisa to Mogadishu.
After meeting our Mogadishu team and security personnel, we transfer to the hotel. Depending on our arrival time and local conditions, we begin with a short city introduction or a visit to Liido Beach.
Overnight: Holiday Hotel or similar, Mogadishu. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast.
Residents of Mogadishu, Somalia Spend their Weekends at the Lido beach, CC0
Day 12 — Mogadishu City Tour [Wednesday, March 3, 2027]
We spend the day exploring Mogadishu with our local guides and security team.
Subject to access, visits may include Hamar Weyne, Mogadishu Old Town, the cathedral ruins, Arba-Rucun Mosque, the fish market, historical monuments, local streets and the Indian Ocean coastline.
The precise program may be adjusted according to security conditions and local permissions.
Overnight: Holiday Hotel or similar, Mogadishu. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast.
Man Carries a Huge Hammerhead Through the Streets of Mogadishu – by Marco Gualazzini, CC4.0
Module 3 — Djibouti Complete
Day 13 — Mogadishu to Djibouti [Thursday, March 4, 2027]
After breakfast, we transfer to Mogadishu Airport. Module 2 ends at the airport.
Travellers continuing to Module 3 fly independently from Mogadishu to Djibouti. This flight is not included.
Upon arrival in Djibouti, our local team provides an included airport transfer to the group hotel.
Overnight: Red Sea Hotel or similar, Djibouti City. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast under Module 2.
Soldiers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia, CC0
Day 14 — Djibouti City and Lake Abbé [Friday, March 5, 2027]
We leave Djibouti City and cross the country’s southern desert landscapes toward Lake Abbé, close to the Ethiopian border.
The lake is famous for its limestone chimneys, hot springs and stark mineral landscape. We explore the area in the late afternoon and remain for sunset.
Overnight: Lake Abbé tourist campsite, shared.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Place Menelik in Djibouti city – by Francisco Anzola, CC2.0
Day 15 — Grand Bara, Lake Assal, Ghoubet and Day Forest [Saturday, March 6, 2027]
After sunrise at Lake Abbé, we continue across the immense Grand Bara Desert.
We visit Lake Assal, approximately 155 metres below sea level, before crossing the volcanic landscapes around Ghoubet and climbing toward the cooler Goda Mountains and Day Forest.
Overnight: Day Forest campsite, shared.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Goat Herds and Donkeys Roam Near Limestone Chimneys in Lake Abbe, Djibouti, CC0
Day 16 — Abourma and Tadjourah [Sunday, March 7, 2027]
We visit the prehistoric Abourma rock paintings with a local guide before continuing to Tadjourah.
Known as Djibouti’s White City, Tadjourah has a long trading history and a beautiful setting on the Gulf of Tadjoura.
Overnight: Gadileh Resort Hotel or similar, Tadjourah. Single room.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Djiboutian Females Take Part in an Ceremonial Dance, Tadjourah, CC0
Day 17 — Sable Blanc, Ghoubet and Djibouti Airport [Monday, March 8, 2027]
Our final day begins at Sable Blanc, with time to relax beside the Gulf of Tadjoura and, conditions permitting, swim or snorkel.
After lunch, we return toward Djibouti City. The tour concludes with an included transfer to Djibouti Airport.
Participants should book a sufficiently late departure or arrange an additional hotel night independently.
No overnight included.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Afar Woman Prepares to Dance in Dikhil, Djibouti, CC0
Important Notes
The Addis Ababa–Semera flight departs early on February 20. Participants must arrive in Addis by February 19 and arrange their own hotel and airport transfer.
The Mogadishu–Djibouti flight is not included, although the departure and arrival transfers are covered.
The Danakil Depression and Djibouti involve rough roads, remote areas and basic camps. Somaliland and Mogadishu plans may change due to security conditions or local restrictions.
Guests joining Module 2 separately may meet the group in Harar on the morning of February 26 for the overland journey or at the Hargeisa hotel that evening. Travel to either meeting point is not included.
Visas: Guests are responsible for their visas, with basic guidance and supporting documents provided by NomadMania. Indicative costs are US$62 for Ethiopia, US$60 for Somaliland, US$64 for Somalia and US$64 for Djibouti—approximately US$250 in total. Fees vary by nationality and may include processing charges.
Men pray at a mosque in Mogadishu, Somalia, CC0
Inclusions
- Addis Ababa–Semera flight (Module 1)
- Hargeisa–Mogadishu flight (Module 2)
- All listed accommodation
- Private single rooms at all included hotels
- Basic or shared accommodation during four camping nights
- 28 meals according to the complete itinerary
- All listed ground transportation and airport transfers
- English-speaking tour leadership and local guides
- Required security escorts
- Entrance fees, permits, permission letters and government taxes
Exclusions
- International flights to Addis Ababa and from Djibouti
- Mogadishu–Djibouti flight on March 4
- Addis Ababa hotel and airport transfer before February 20
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Meals not specifically listed
- Alcohol, tips, laundry and personal expenses
- Optional activities and anything not listed as included
Freshly Caught Tuna Fish are Lined up for Sale Inside Mogadishu’s Fish Market, CC0
Prices
| Module 1 — Danakil Depression and Harar | February 20–26 | €1,795 |
| Module 2 — Somaliland and Mogadishu | February 26–March 4 | €1,995 |
| Module 3 — Djibouti Complete | March 4–8 | €1,445 |
| Complete 17-day Horn of Africa Expedition | February 20–March 8 | €4,845 |
The complete-tour price includes a €390 discount compared with purchasing all three modules separately.
There is no single supplement for any included hotel night, as they are all single by default. Camping accommodation remains basic and shared.
Secure your spot in the tour with the deposit! Click the link below:
Horn of Africa Expedition 2027 [Deposit Payment]
For any questions regarding this tour please feel free to reach out
Or contact us directly at pedro@nomadmania.com
🇪🇹 🇸🇴 🇩🇯 See you in Addis! 🙂
