12 Day North and South Tour
Explore Ethiopia’s 12-day adventure through Erta Ale, Dallol, Gheralta churches, Axum, Lalibela, and Omo Valley tribes. Discover history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
2 Day Danakil Depression
Tour Overview
Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Join us on this 2-day adventure tour to the Ethiopia Danakil Depression, one of the most spectacular and extreme places on Earth. You will witness the amazing natural wonders of this region, such as the active volcano of Erta Ale, the colorful springs of Dallol, and the Salt Lake of Asale. You will also learn about the culture and history of the Afar people, who have lived in this harsh environment for thousands of years.
Note however, this tour is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who seek a unique and unforgettable experience.
What To Expect
1
Mekelle – Abaala – Dodom
After breakfast we will pick you up from your hotel and start driving to Danakil Depression volcano, Arta Ale. The 247 km drive is one of the roughest roads in the world and takes about 5 hours passing through changing landscape of solidified lava rock and sand. On the way, we will stop at some Afar villages and see their traditional lifestyle. After passing across several small hamlets scattered here and there in the deserted, you will arrive to Erta Ale camping site.
Then, after a short break and just before the sunset we will trek for about 20 minutes to Erta Ale, where we spend few hours watching the astonishing action of the boiling lava. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake out of five in the world. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake present since the early years of the twentieth century. And you will trek back to basic camp basement to spend the night, have a dinner and sleep under stars.
2
Lake Afdera – Mekelle
We will wake up early morning and start our hike back to the main pit crater for second chance to watch boiling lava with sun rise. Erta Ale is, 65 square km wide and about 100m deep. Around 7:30 descend from the crater down to the camp site. After arrival, we will have breakfast and as soon as possible drive about 6-7 hours to Mekelle via Lake Afdera. On our stop in lake Afdera we will have picnic lunch at the Salt Lake and enjoy swimming at the Salt Lake but also there is fresh water of hot spring. Finally drive to Mekelle. End of the tour!
We hope you enjoyed reading our two days tour program to the Danakil depression volcano, called Erta Ale. However, we understand that you may have different preferences and needs, and that you may want to explore other options. That’s why we have prepared another alternative tour program for you, which offers a different and exciting experience.
What's Included
All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
All entrance fees according to the program
Accommodation while camping (or tent).
Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
Multilingual professional guide
What's Excluded
International and local flight tickets, visa and insurance
Pay the locals for photo and video
Alcoholic drinks
Any other expenses which are not mentioned
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12 Day North and South Tour
This 12-day journey immerses you in Ethiopia’s most extraordinary natural and cultural wonders: from the fiery lava lake of Erta Ale and the surreal salt worlds of Dallol to the cliff-hewn churches of Gheralta, the ancient treasures of Axum and Lalibela, and the vibrant tribal cultures of the Omo Valley.
Blending adventure, history, and authentic encounters, this experience offers an unforgettable exploration of Ethiopia’s landscapes, heritage, and diverse communities.
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