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Home5 Day Tour Of Danakil Depression, New Erta Ale Volcano And Lake Afdera
Description
Visit one of the hottest regions of the world, the Danakil Depression to view unusual geological formations, vibrant landscape and beautiful sulfur springs. Make your way through changing landscapes of solidified lava, rock and palm-lined oasis trees during this tour. Hike up to the Erta Ale volcano and watch the dramatic action of the boiling lava, along with a splendid sunrise in the morning. Visit the famed saltwater lakes and mines of this region.
Highlights
- Witness spectacular natural formations and sulfur lakes at the Danakil Depression
- Hike up to the new Erta Ale Volcano
- Visit salt water lakes and mines and see the salt mining process
Itinerary Expand All Collapse All
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Day 1: Addis Ababa to Mekelle expand_more
Pick up from Addis Ababa and travel to the city of Mekele for an overnight stay.
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Day 2: Berhale and Danakil Depression Tour expand_more
Drive to Hamad Ela via Berhale, where the Danakil Depression is said to ‘begin’. This part of northeastern Ethiopia is one of the world's hottest and most inhospitable places but is nonetheless spectacular, full of scenic landscapes and sulfur springs.
The Danakil depression has several points lying more than 100 meters below sea level.
Pass through a small town of Berhale where the camel caravans stop before they proceed to the northern highlands. Witness many salt mines en route, and locals coming out of the Danakil with their salt loaded camels.
Reach Hamedela after a 3-4 hour long drive and camp there for the night.
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Day 2: Askoma Visit and New Erta Ale Hike expand_more
Have early breakfast at 6:30 am and travel to Askoma, which is at the base of the new Erta Ale volcano. On this 6 hour-long journey, pass through changing landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand and the occasional palm-lined oasis.
Embark on a 9 Km Trek from Askoma to the new Erta Ale Erta, an active basaltic shield volcano.
Eat early dinner at around 5 Pm
Continue to hike up the new Erta Ale and reach the rim of the volcano which is one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia.
Spend your night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Camels will transport all your camping materials and necessities along with food and water to the volcano top.
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Day 4: Lake Afdera and Hamad Ela Tour expand_more
Go for early morning sunrise walks around pits and craters.
Leave for Askoma base camp at 7 am to have some delicious breakfast and relax.
Drive to Lake Afdera, a saltwater lake located more than 100 meters below sea level. It is one of the deepest depressions on the planet and creates a picturesque landscape. The Afar people obtain the salt by evaporating the lake water. (This lake might not be accessible to visit during summer time)
Continue to Hamad Ela village and do overnight camp stay there.
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Day 5: Ragad Salt Mine and Dallol Tour expand_more
Begin your morning by driving to Ragad, the place where the salts are mined. Observe the process of breaking the salt from the ground, being cut into rectangular pieces and then loaded onto camels.
Travel to Dallol and visit different landscapes formed here by volcanic activity. This is one of the lowest places in the world. Observe colourful salts mining activities and visit Lake Assal.
Drive to Hamad Ela and head back to Mekele from there.
What's Included
English-speaking Ethiopian guide
All Entrance fees and licenses as per the program.
Accommodation and all meals throughout the tour.
Bottles of water for the trip.
Surface Transport expense. Drive a Land-cruiser including fuel expense and drivers allowance.
Cooking, camping equipment,
Scout and police service in Afar Region as per the program.
Camel and camel tires in Afar Region as per the program.
Minimum of 2 cars per trip with local security.
What's Excluded
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Know before you go
For the duration of the trip, we are responsible for all meals, water, entrance fees, accommodation, security, and transportation.
No camel caravan on July, August, and early September
Meeting Point
Mekelle, Ethiopia
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 50% of the tour price.Price Details
| Adult | |
| 1 To 1 | USD 250 Per Person |
This is a private tour | |