The Danakil Depression tour is one of the most spectacular trips in the world. This depression has its origin in the rifting process which formed the Red Sea and the African Rift Valley. It contains the only permanently active volcano in the world, the Erta Ale.Travelling through this volcanic area means immersing yourself in another planet, walking around salt lakes and sulphur formations. If you are a real adventurer and do not mind high temperatures (50-60ºC /122-140ºF), this is your ideal destination. You will be charmed by the long camel caravans transporting salt bars to the highlands and by the proud and nomadic Afar tribe. This tour is part of a joining group since it requires a special logistics (supporting vehicle, camping and cooking material, escorting militia, etc).
Day 1 Fly to Mekele and drive to Dodom and trek to the Erta Ale volcano (3 hours) to spend the night by the dramatic boiling lava of this unique place. Overnight in Erta Ale (camping).
Day 2 Trek around the pits and craters of the Erta Ale early in the morning and proceed back to Ahmedela for overnight (camping).
Day 3 Drive to Ragab to observe the mine workers cutting bricks of salt from the lake to be transported on camel caravans for selling at the market. Continue driving to Dallol (116m below sea level), the deepest part of the depression and drive back to Mekele via Ahmedela. In the evening, Inside Ethiopia Tours offers you a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with local dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s ethnic groups. End of the tour.
Day 1 In the morning, fly to Semera. Upon arrival, meet with the crew to star the Danakil expedition. Please note that a supporting vehicle with cook, scout and militia is required to enter this area. Drive 330 km to the bottom of the Erta Ale. On the way, you will have a picnin lunch at Afedera or, if wanted, you can stop by the local restaurant to eat local food. Continue to the Erta Ale area. The trekking starts in the evening to avoid high temperatures. The camels will transport all the camping materials and some food and water to the rim of the volcano where we will spend the night. Erta Ale is a permanent lava lake volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and 1km square caldera. Overnight in Erta Ale (camping).
Day 2 In the early morning, walk by the different pits of the volcano and descent back to the parking area. After breakfast, drive to Afedera lake for lunch. You will be able to swim in the salty lakes of Afedera. In the afternoon, continue to Abala for overnight.
Day 3 Early in the morning drive to Berhale, where you will stop for lunch. Continue to Ahmedela campsite. After a break, continue driving to Dallol, the lowest area of the Depression below 116 meters sea level. Enjoy the sunset over the salty lakes and, if dared, have an unforgettable swim.
Day 4 After breakfast, drive back to Dallol, where you will be able to see the salt miners breaking the brick salts and carrying them into the camels. Enjoy the colourful sulphur formations during they daytime. If lucky, you will be able to cross the long camel caravans going to the city to distribute the salt. Drive to Berhale for lunch and proceed to Afedera for overnight.
Day 5 In the early morning, drive to Semera to fly back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, Inside Ethiopia Tours offers you a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with local dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s ethnic groups. End of the tour. In the evening, Inside Ethiopia Tours offers you a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with local dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s ethnic groups. End of the tour.
