What are the best camping spots in Ethiopia?

1. The Simien Mountains

Homer once referred to the Simien Mountains as the “chess pieces of the gods,” and his words resonate with truth. These sublime mountains are an exhilarating blend of steep ravines alongside towering peaks and spires. The park boasts an incredible array of unique wildlife, featuring the Ethiopian Wolf, Gelada Monkey, and the impressive Walia Ibex, known for its majestic presence among the mountains.

Camping under the stars in the Simien Mountains offers an unforgettable experience of the park and enhances your trekking adventures. Camping invites you to explore everything the park presents, as you journey from one campsite to another. It is also the most budget-friendly way to explore the park.

In the Simien Mountains, you will discover three primary campsites waiting to be explored. Most tours begin at Sankaber campsite, perched on a cliff edge and enveloped by towering Giant Heath trees (Erica Arboreal), offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. The path leading from Buit Ras to Sankaber is quite manageable, though it does feature a few challenging inclines, and you will find yourself ascending to approximately 3200 metres.

East of Sankaber lies Geech Campsite, perched beside the stunning Geech Abyss, where vultures and other captivating birds of prey soar overhead. The Jinbar Falls stands as a remarkable feature of the Simien Mountains, just a brief stroll away from the Geech campsite.

If you venture further east, hiking from Geech along the plateau will lead you to Imet Gogo, arguably the most breathtaking viewpoint in the park. From here, you can venture down the valley into the Jimbar River and make your way to Chennek Campsite, where breathtaking scenery awaits, featuring numerous Giant Lobelia and stunning views of Mount Bwahit behind and the peak of Innatiye ahead.

Exploring the Simien Mountains
Imet Gogo viewpoint in the Simien Mountains The Bale Mountains
The Bale Mountains National Park showcases a stunning mix of diverse landscapes, featuring grassy plains, lush forests, dramatic volcanic ridges, and unique rock formations. The varied landscape offers an abundance of biological diversity, and while many guests prefer the comfort of the Bale Mountain Lodge, those seeking an authentic experience can opt to camp within the park.

The campsites of the Bale Mountains, though quite simple, offer a serene atmosphere and stunning vistas. The Webb Valley Camp is nestled close to the lush plains of the high plateau, where one can catch a glimpse of the rare Ethiopian Wolves in their natural habitat. In the area, you can encounter spotted hyenas, mountain Nyala, and black-maned lions, along with a rich variety of birdlife.

If you venture up to Mount Waaswma, you will be greeted with breathtaking vistas of the neighboring mountains and expansive plains. As you journey to Rafu Camp, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking ‘stone forest’, a stunning array of distinctive volcanic rock formations. From here, a short trek leads you to Ethiopia’s second-highest mountain, Mount Tuludimtu, where you can soak in a breathtaking view of the entire park.

For those who are just passing through for a night or two, camping at Dinsho offers a unique experience, as it is home to the Bale Mountains National Park HQ. It boasts stunning vistas, along with essential amenities, and welcoming companions like warthogs and mountain Nyala.

Discover the wonders of camping in the Bale Mountains
Camping in Ethiopia at the summit of Tulu Dimtu, Bale Mountains.
3. Gambella National Park
Gambella presents some of the most exhilarating wildlife encounters in Ethiopia. Its secluded setting protects it from the strains of urban life, and Gambella embodies an authentic wild landscape. Massive herds of wildebeest and antelope roam this land, accompanied by buffalo, hippos, giraffes, elephants, lions, and a host of other iconic African species. Accommodation here is in unique tented camps.

Sadly, there are limited access routes to Gambella, so if you are eager to explore this destination, you will need to arrange a charter flight.

A classic safari features two nights at the Gambella tented camp, nestled among a grove of trees near a bend in the park that meets the Baro river. This location serves as a perfect starting point for discovering the northern edge of the park, where one can effortlessly observe migrating animals.

Following this, you can venture to spend a few nights in fly camps located in the northwest and southwest of the park, giving you the chance to witness the remarkable wildlife that inhabits the park’s plains, rivers, and lakes. Gambella offers an exhilarating journey into the depths of Africa’s untamed wilderness.

Gambella National Park Exploring the wilderness in EthiopiaBuffalo herd roaming freely in Gambella National Park.
4. The Danakil Depression
Born from the movement of three tectonic plates, the Danakil Depression stands as one of Earth’s most extraordinary and otherworldly landscapes. Renowned as one of the most extreme environments on Earth, it boasts lava lakes and salt lakes, active volcanoes, and vibrant acidic springs that captivate the senses. Exploring this place is likely the nearest experience you will have to stepping onto an alien world.

The Danakil Depression is devoid of any facilities or infrastructure. Once you depart from Mekele, the lively capital of the Tigray region and the entrance to the Danakil Depression, you will find yourself resting beneath the vast night sky, either on slender mattresses by the rim of a volcanic crater or on rustic wooden beds in small villages dotted throughout the desert.

At Erta Ale, you’ll be experiencing a night at the improvised ‘campsite’ by the edge of the crater. The next night unfolds at Hamed Ela, a humble settlement of wooden huts, featuring simple beds crafted from bamboo frames bound together with rope – it is rudimentary, yet it serves its purpose!

The last destination on many journeys through Danakil is the vibrant market town known as Abaala. Here, the lodging consists of homestays that are simple, yet they offer running water and electricity – a welcome upgrade compared to the places we have stayed over the past two nights!

Discover the wonders of the Danakil Depression Experience camping in Ethiopia 5. Explore the Omo Valley
The Omo Valley is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, where 88 distinct communities coexist in this small corner of Ethiopia, each showcasing their unique traditions and lifestyles. The Lower Omo Valley region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its remarkable discoveries of remains that date back millions of years. This area is rich in cultural heritage, showcasing ancient and prehistoric graves, settlements, and captivating rock carvings waiting to be explored.

The Omo boasts a stunning landscape filled with lakes, forests, and mountains, inviting exploration and excitement at every turn. Nech Sar National Park boasts an impressive array of mammals, crocodiles, and the elusive Nechisar nightjar, which may be one of the rarest birds on the planet.

The infrastructure in the Omo Valley presents a stark contrast to that of the north. Most travellers will stay at charming yet unpretentious lodges. These lodges may encounter some maintenance challenges, so it is wise to adjust your expectations when exploring this region.

While most visitors remain in the lodges, for an experience that stands out, you should think about indulging in luxury camping. In the Omo, you will discover a variety of exclusive tented and fly camps, with Lale’s Camp standing out as the most notable. These camps offer unique access to some of the Omo Valley’s most secluded areas.

Discover the wonders of the Omo Valley