Day 1: Mekele
Danakil Depression - In the morning, you’ll be collected from either the airport or your hotel in Mekele. We’ll then travel by paved road to the area surrounding Erta Ale volcano. A brief snack will precede our on-foot journey. The hike to the peak is a brief 1-hour trek. Camels will carry our supplies and provisions to the edge of the crater, where we’ll camp overnight, enjoying the breathtaking view of the active, incandescent lava. Erta Ale stands at 613 meters, spans roughly 30 kilometers in diameter, and features a caldera at its summit that extends over approximately 1 square kilometer. It boasts the distinction of being the world’s sole constant lava lake.
Day 2: Erta Ale Volcano
Danakil Depression - Morning:
With the lava lake illuminated by the morning sun, we begin our descent to our vehicles and proceed to Lake Afrera. There, we’ll witness the indigenous salt extraction methods and take the opportunity to rejuvenate in the natural hot springs.
Afternoon:
Our journey takes us to Hamed Ela campsite, where we’ll rest for the night.
Day 3: Hamed Ela
Danakil Depression - Morning:
We embark early to discover the surreal surroundings of Dallol and Lake Assal. Dallol, at 116 meters below sea level, ranks among the lowest and most torrid zones on the planet. The Dallol volcano, concealed beneath layers of salt, reveals itself through uniquely shaped salt domes, numerous steaming gas vents (fumaroles), and vibrantly hued acid lakes.
Afternoon:
We bid farewell to the desert and commence our return journey, arriving at the highlands near Wukro by the afternoon. A final drive of ninety minutes brings us back to Mekele. Depending on your subsequent arrangements, we can transport you to either the airport or your hotel.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Tipes
- Alcoholic drinks
The Danakil Depression is the northern part of the Afar Triangle or Afar Depression in Ethiopia, a geological depression that has resulted from the divergence of three tectonic plates in the Horn of Africa.
A geological depression caused by the continental drift of three tectonic plates, the Danakil Depression is one of Earth’s most unusual environments. Renowned as the ‘hottest place on the planet and home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes, and colorful acidic springs – it’s a wonderful, alien environment.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.