Erta Ale

Erta Ale - Our day begins with a drive to Erta Ale, which translates to ‘smoky mountain’ in the Afar language. Erta Ale is one of Ethiopia’s most captivating and physically demanding natural wonders. This shield volcano has a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km square caldera at its peak. It boasts the world’s only permanent lava lake, standing at 613 meters with one of the globe’s five lava lakes at its summit. This lava lake has been continuously active since the early 20th century, making it the longest-lasting of its kind. (Note: The activity may have decreased, and the flank eruption has slowed down.)
We set off at 9:00 AM, driving to Dodom, located at the base of Erta Ale. The journey covers 80 km and may take around 6 hours, traversing a rugged landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. After passing through several small, scattered hamlets, we arrive at the Dodom campsite, about 17 km from Erta Ale.
Dinner is served at 5:00 PM. After a brief rest, we embark on a 30-minute trek up to Erta Ale. Camels will carry all camping gear and some food (including light mattresses, mats, and water) to the volcano’s rim, where we will spend the night observing the mesmerizing activity of the boiling lava. Overnight, we stay atop the mountain, at the volcano’s edge.

Lake Afrera

Lake Afrera - At sunrise, we explore the northern pit crater, followed by a 5-minute walk to the southern and central pits, which may either be ancient pits or simple collapse structures. The main pit crater is 200 m deep and 350 m across, sub-circular, and three-tiered. The smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. We descend from Erta Ale around 9:00 AM and head back to Dodom after an early breakfast, ideally at 7:00 AM.
We aim to reach the camp by 10:30 AM for some relaxation. As soon as possible, we drive to the legendary Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera), a saltwater lake over 100 meters below sea level, situated in one of the planet’s deepest depressions. The scenic landscape makes it worthwhile to visit the salt flats where the Afar people harvest salt by evaporating the lake water. We then continue to Erbiti and proceed to Abaala/Hamed Ela.

Danakil to Mekele

Erta Ale - In the morning, we drive to Ragad (Asebo), where locals mine salt. Observe workers extracting salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular blocks, and loading it onto camels. We then drive to Dallol to witness the unique landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, including Dallol, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Our excursion to Dallol, one of the world’s lowest points at 116 meters below sea level, features colorful salt formations, a visit to Lake Assal, and a chance to follow camel caravans (Note: No camel caravans in July, August, and early September) and walk with the Afar people. We then drive back to Hamedela and continue to Mekele.

• Scout and police service
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Bottles of water for the trip
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• All fees and/or taxes
• Local guide service

• Any alcoholic beverage
• Services which are not mentioned on inclusion

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.