Day 01: Mekelle – Danakil depression (Erta Ale)
Of your tour into the Danakil depression (Erta Ale volcano), the famous volcano with its bubbling lava lake and the rare possibility of experiencing the nomadic tribe living in this desert. The Afar people know to be survivors and warriors in the hottest and one of the lowest places on earth!
On this day you we drive from Mekelle to Lake Afdera. The Danakil Depression can be said to ‘begin’ here. It is one of the most spectacular and also absolutely inhospitable regions of the world. To clarify, today it’s a 4 hours’ drive on an asphalt road (220km), with a few stops to have coffee with the locals and lunch prepared by our own cook.
The landscape starts to become more drier and less inhabited where only few people to be seen on the way. We reach the local village Afdera, a 15 min walk from the Lake Afdera. Then you will have a stop there to explore it and yet another coffee or coke with the inhabitants.
After that, continue to the ending point of today trip to Lake Afdera, where is also our campsite. While the sun is setting you will go for a swiming, floating on the surface of the salty-lake and enjoy the nearby hot springs and experience an incredible view. At the end, you will have dinner and a campfire before falling asleep right underneath the stars.
Day 02: Mekelle – Danakil depression (Erta Ale)
Today’s aim is to drive to the base camp of Erta Ale volcano. After a breakfast at the lake, visit the salt miners local Afar people. They pump salt water over the surface and let it evaporate to create a salt crust. Then, start a 100 km drive on sandy ground and over cold lava rocks. On the way you will have lunch in Dodom village, surrounded by many local people. Here we also have to show our permission to climb ERTA ALE (‘the smoking mountain’),
On drive passing through different landscapes of solidified lava rocks and sand dune. Passing several small hamlets scattered here and there in this deserted land, you will arrive at Erta Ale camping site. Then, at dusk start hiking to the top of Erta Ale volcano, where we spend few hours watching the flowing-lava gifs, this is to say actions of the boiling lava. Erta Ale contains one of the world’s active lava lake with 613 meters above sea level. Besides, it is notable for being the longest existing lava lake present since the early years of the Twentieth century. Then after, you will descend back to basic camp to have a dinner and spend the night under stars or in shack.
Overnight camping.
Day 03: Erta Ale – Hamad Ela
On this day in the early morning, return back the top of the crater to visit the volcanic activities for the second time during sun rise. After that, descend once again from the top of the crater starting 7:00 am down to camp site for breakfast. Subsequently, after breakfast start driving to Hamad Ela for about 5 hours and have your picnic lunch on the way under shed of palm tree. Then after, start visiting Hamad Ela village know for its total population of about 500 people to see the life style of the local Afar people. Finaly, proceed to Salt Lake Asale a huge salty lake where you will swim in a natural pool Salt Lake. Meanwhile, have a wine/beer while enjoying sunset reflections of the salty ground.
Overnight camping in Hamed Ela.
Day 03: Hamad Ela- Dallol- Mekelle
Waking up early morning, set off to dallol which is known for its various acidic colors with fumaroles, small spitting acid springs, and lakes. At the same time, dallol is also considered the hottest place on earth. Due to its incredible colors, you feel like you are in Mars. Visiting different terrestrial places formed by volcanic activity like salt mountain and the oily lakes creates a different experience of your trip. Finally, drive back to Hamad Ela for lunch and proceed to Mekelle. End of the tour!
N.B: If you are looking to have a day trip or three days tour to the Danakil depression, that too is possible with us!!
Price includes
4WD land cruisers with ac and 4 clients in one car
All fuel expenses and drivers allowances
All needed Entrance fees and licenses
Accommodation and all meals throughout the tour
Local guide service for the Afar region -Cooking, camping equipment
Experienced cook throughout the whole tour
Local guide service for the Afar region -Cooking, camping equipment
Experienced cook throughout the whole tour
Price doesn’t include
Tips for guides
souvenirs from the Afar people
personal insurance
What do you need?
Light (walking in the night)
Small backpack for the trek to the top of the volcano
Closed, comfortable shoes (trekking shoes)
Sun protection like sun cream, hat
Jacket for the night on the volcano
Sleeping bag, pillow or blanket (can also be provided by the agency)
