3 Day Danakil Depression Tour
Get ready to dive into a journey unlike any other with our 3-Day Danakil Depression Tour Itinerary. A high-octane adventure across some of Earth’s….
Itinerary Details
Tour Timeline
- 01
Mekelle – Erta Ale Volcano
We drive from Mekelle to – the Danakil depression Erta Ale volcano. Leave after an early breakfast possible at 09:00am drive to Erta Ale. This is may be one of the roughest roads in the world. The 247 km distance may take about 5 hours passing through changing landscape of solidified lava rock and sand After passing several small hamlets scattered here and there in this deserted land, you will arrive to Erta Ale camping site. 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 dramatic action of the boiling lava. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake with 613 meters above sea level, one of only 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 sleeping under stars.
- 02
Erta Ale – Hamad Ela
Early Morning sun rise at the main pit crater and a second chance to watch boiling lava. Erta Ale is, 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. Descend from Erta Ale around 7:30 am and walk down to camp site for about 20 minutes. Where you will have breakfast and as soon as possible, drive about 6-7 hours to reach Hamed Ela picnic lunch on the way on shed of palm tree, reach Hamad Ela around 04:30, better village with a total population about 500 people. If time permits You will see lots of camel caravans and you will have the sun set look from the very shallow salt LAKE ASALE (lake ‘Red Mountain’) a huge salt lake-is in walking distance, where we take a deep breath and a wine or beer for sunset taking in the many reflections. Our tonight camp is in Hamed Ale.
- 03
Hamad Ela- Dallol- Mekelle
Morning tour Drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the localities are mining salt. 1,200 km2 (460 sq mi) the Afar Depression is covered by salt, and you will Look the activity of breaking the salt from the ground, local people are cutting in to rectangular pieces and loading on camels. You drive ahead to Dallol and visit the difference landscape formed by volcanic activity; Dallol + Lake Assale + salt canon, camel caravans, follow up camel caravans and Drive back to Hamad Ela for lunch and proceed to Mekelle.
- 04
Mekelle – Gheralta
Early in the morning, depart Mekelle early morning after breakfast for a 2-hour drive to the base of Abuna Yemata Guh. Climb to Abuna Yemata Guh church, one of the most remarkable Cliffside rock-hewn churches, renowned for its ancient frescoes and stunning location. After exploring the church and taking in the breathtaking views, descend carefully to the base. Transfer to Hawzen for hotel check-in and dinner.
- 05
Hawzen – Maryam Korkor – Daniel Korkor – Axum
Early morning, after breakfast and check-out, drive 30 minutes to Megab village to begin the hike. Hike up to Maryam Korkor, a large rock-hewn church known for its intricate architecture, then visit Daniel Korkor nearby, famous for its panoramic views from the summit. Then Drive to Axum.
- 06
Axum
Morning after breakfast start visiting Axum home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum. Afternoon fly back to Addis Ababa.
- 07
Addis Ababa – Lalibela
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. ‘Eighth wonder of world Heritage’ Lalibela is famous for its underground rock-hewn cathedrals. In the afternoon you will visit top attractions of Lalibela that will simply stagger you the churches.
- 08
Lalibela – Addis Ababa
After breakfast enjoys the sun rise at your hotel then later, we will be transferring you to airport for your flight to Addis Ababa and have a break in Addis Ababa. Overnight Addis Ababa.
- 09
Jinka – Bena – Turmi – Hamer Village
Early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka. Then drive from Jinka towards Turmi through the beautiful Omo Valley landscape. On the way, stop to meet the Bena people and see local children walking on stilts, a traditional practice that is both fascinating and entertaining. The stilt walking is traditionally practiced as a form of play and skill, helping children develop balance and coordination.
Continue to Turmi and, upon arrival, visit a traditional Hamer village to experience their daily life, traditional houses and culture.
Accommodation: Turmi
- 10
Karo – Hamer – Turmi
After breakfast, drive towards the Omo River to visit the Karo people, known for their distinctive body painting, traditional decorations and beautiful riverside setting.
In the afternoon, return to the Hamer area and, if the ceremony is taking place, attend the famous Hamer Bull Jumping Ceremony, an important rite of passage for young Hamer men. Later in the eventing return to Turmi for overnight.
Accommodation: Turmi
- 11
Dasenech – Local Market – Jinka – Ari
n the morning, drive to the Omo River and visit the Dasenech people, experiencing their traditional lifestyle, homes and local community.
Later, visit a colorful local market, depending on the weekly market schedule, before continuing to Jinka. In the afternoon, visit the Ari people, exploring their traditional village and learning about their daily life, farming and local culture.
Accommodation: Jinka
- 12
Mursi – Jinka – Addis Ababa
Early morning, drive into Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, known for their distinctive cultural traditions, traditional homes and clothing.
After the visit, return to Jinka Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
