5-Day Erta Ale & Danakil Depression Tour From Addis Ababa
Description
Sign-up for this tour featuring mountains, volcanoes, natural sulphur springs, highlighted by the Danakil Depression, one of the oldest lava lakes in the world and the lowest land in Africa, sitting below 125 mbsl. Admire the stunning, eye-catching colours of the sulphur springs, visit the various landscapes formed by volcanic activity, and more in this 5-day tour to the hottest place on Earth!
Highlights
- Watch the dramatic action of the boiling lava
- Enjoy hiking to the Erta Ale Volcanic hills
- Drive to Hamed Ela and visit Camel Caravan
- Spend a night at the rim of the volcano
Itinerary Expand All Collapse All
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Day 1: Arrive at Addis Ababa International Airport expand_more
After arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide and drive to your hotel.
After check-in, go sightseeing in Addis, which includes visiting the National Archeological Museum of Addis Ababa, where the fossil remains of the oldest hominid – Lucy (3.25 mil years old), is sheltered at, Merkato – the largest open-air market in Africa.
Finally, drive to Mt. Entoto (3,200 meters) to have a panoramic view of Addis.
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Day 2: Fly to Mekele & Drive to Hamed Ela expand_more
After early morning breakfast, drive to the airport for your domestic flight to Mekele town, and on arrival, you will be welcomed by your driver.
Proceed to Hamed Ela with your stop at Berahaile for processing your travel permit.
After the permit processing, proceed to Hamed Ela.
After arrival and pitching tents, walk to the viewpoint to take photos of the camel caravan that will be carrying the salt bar to Mekele town and other places.
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Day 3: Excursion to Dallol expand_more
After early morning breakfast, drive to visit Dallol, which is 20 km north of Hamed Ela.
Dallol is the x-phosphate escarpment. The main attraction of this place is the multi colour of sulphur hot springs , the strange wavy rock formation covered with yellow, red and orange deposits that look rather like deliberately dyed.
On the way back to the camp, stop to visit the lake Assale salt extraction site where the locals are excavating salt bars.
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Day 4: Drive to Erta Ale - the oldest active volcano lava expand_more
After early breakfast, drive to Erta Ale which is one of the oldest active volcanoes in the world, with a 30 km base diameter and a 1km2 caldera at its summit. It contains the world's only permanent lava lake that measures 100m X 60m. Scientists think the lava lake has a continuous link with a shallow magma chamber that flows that supplies it with magma.
After arriving by the base camp, the rest will be trekked or ride on camelback. The trekking will take between 3:00 - 4:00hours.
After arrival, you will be staying the whole night.
After seeing the morning activities of the magma, you will be descending to the base camp, and after arrival, you will serve food.
Drive back to the village of El-dodom or Hamed Ela, depending on the time of arrival to the base camp.
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Day 5: Drive to Mekele & Fly to Addis Ababa expand_more
After breakfast, drive back to Mekele and then proceed for your flight to Addis Ababa.
In the evening, you will be served as a guest at one of the best traditional restaurants of Addis to see the folkloric dancers of the Ethiopian people and to taste the variety of meals of Ethiopian people.
What's Included
Room with double occupancy
All Entrance fees
All Meal throughout the route except BB in Addis Ababa
An accompanied English-speaking Ethiopia guide throughout the trip
Local guide & village chiefs at each place where it is a mandatory
Scout during the trek
Camping gear for the camping and cooking equipment
Cook and cook assistance for the camping
Camel for the trekking to Erta Ale
Transfer in/out service with minibus or coaster bus
All government tax
What's Excluded
International air ticket & embarkation fee
Domestic flight for ADD-MEK-ADD
Telephone, laundry, any payable alcohol drinks
Permits to take picture or video
Tips and any other personal interest, which is not specified in the itinerary
Know before you go
This tour plan can be combined with the historic part of the town of Harar.
It can be organized for individual travellers, groups, or families.
Meeting Point
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.Price Details
Adult | |
1 To 2 | USD 1899 Per Person |
This is a group tour |