Awash National Park
Fabulous railway hotel near National Park around the Awash river.
Gewane – Afar Region
Desolate desert flanking the Awash River.
Semera
Modern government centre for the Afar region.
Assaita
The end-of-the-world, where the Awash River runs into the desert.
Dichioto/Eli Dar Salt Lake
Disappointing salt lake and nondescript truckers village.
Danakil
One of the world’s hottest places, but full of natural wonders.
Lake Afrera
A salt lake, salt works, and corrugated-iron village.
Dodom
Spring board for Erta Ale volcano, in desolate landscape.
Erta Ale
Spectacular night visit to a lava-spewing volcano.
Hamed Ela and Lake Asale
A small village depends on salt winning from the lake.
Dallol
Technicolor spectacle of sulphur springs and pools in a grey desert.
Berhale
Pleasant village at the edge of the Rift Escarpment.
Dire Dawa
Big city with a pleasant small-town atmosphere, and the promise of rock paintings.
Harar
The old, walled city of Harar is attractive by day, but scary at night.
Jijiga
Dusty town without much attraction, except as springboard for Somaliland.
Wajaale
A most efficient border crossing between Ethiopia and Somaliland.