Embark on a thrilling three-day adventure through Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression. Explore the geologically stunning landscape, from salt lakes to lava lakes and volcanoes. Discover the hottest place on Earth!
Day 1: Semera – Erta Ale Volcano (320 km)
Danakil Depression - You will be picked up in the morning either at the airport or at your hotel in Mekele. Afterwards we drive on an asphalted road until we reach the vicinity of the Erta Ae volcano. We will have a small snack and then set off on foot. The trekking to the summit takes only about 1 hour. Our equipment and food will be brought to the crater rim by camels. There we spend the night with spectacular views of the dramatic spectacle of the glowing lava. Erta Ale is 613 meters high, its diameter is about 30 km and the caldera at the summit covers an area of about 1 km2. It is the only permanent lava lake in the world.
Day 2: Erta Ale Volcano – Lake Afrera – Hamed Ela
Danakil Depression - Morning:
After a spectacular sunrise over the lava lake we start our descent down to the vehicles from where we will continue to lake Afrera. Here we can not only admire the traditional way of the local salt mining but also freshen up and recover from the trekking in natural hot springs.
Afternoon:
We continue to the camp in Hamed Ela, where we will spend the night.
Day 3: Hamed Ela – Dallol
Danakil Depression - Morning:
Early in the morning we set off to explore the incredible landscape around Dallol and Lake Assal. Dallol lies 116 meters below the sea level and is therefore one of the deepest and hottest places on earth. The Dallol volcano is buried under salt for several kilometers, but shows its presence through bizarrely arched salt domes and hundreds of hot gas seeps (fumaroles) and acid lakes in all kinds of colors.
Afternoon:
It’s time for us to leave the desert. We start our return and reach the highlands near Wukro in the afternoon. After another hour and a half drive we will reach back in Mekele. Depending on your plans we may either drop you at the airport or at your reserved 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.
