Overview
This three day tour starts and finishes in Mekele. You will explore the hostile beauty of the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. You will meet the local Afar people as they harvest salt blocks which they load and transport by camel caravans to trade in Mekele, a tradition that they’ve practiced for thousands of years. You’ll climb Erta Ale, an active volcano, and peer down into the glowing lava pool at night. On the way back to Mekele you’ll cool down and float effortlessly in the refreshing salty waters of Lake Afdera.
Highlights:
• Dallol colorful mineral deposits and salt lake beds
• Salt mining and camel caravans by local Afar tribe people
• Trekking and camping on Erta Ale volcano
Northeastern Ethiopia
Itinerary
Day 01 – After an early breakfast in Mekele drive to Lake Asale, a salty lake, and visit the Afar salt workers and the merchants loading salt onto camels to sell it in Mekele. Then head to Dallol in the Danakil Depression, which is listed as the hottest and most geologically active places on Earth with an average temperature of 40-50 ℃ (104-122 F). Overnight camping.
Day 02 – Excursion to Dallol. After an early breakfast drive to Dallol to see the sun rise over the amazingly colorful landscape. Then drive to Erta Ale volcano. Here we will arrange with the local Afar for camels to transport your luggage and water. You will start hiking to the Erta Ale volcano rim (613 meters above sea level), which is 15km away, at dusk and see the glowing lava pool below the rim in the caldera. The lava pool is so colorful and spectacular at night. We will camp nearby on the crater rim. Night camping.
Day 03 – Drive back to Mekele. In the early morning we will have time to see the volcano again before breakfast then walk to the vehicles waiting nearby for the drive back to Mekele. On the way visit and relax on Lake Afdera, another beautiful salt lake.
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Cancellations are allowed if notified earlier than 48 hours prior to trip start
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers
- Dress code is casual
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
