Itinerary

1. Day 1: Samara – Ahmed Ela – Dallol Salt Plains

   • Morning flight to Samara, then drive to Ahmed Ela, the last village before Dallol (approx. 430 km, 8 hours).
   • Drop luggage at the campsite and continue to the salt plains of Dallol.
   • Enjoy a swim in the natural salt ponds and admire the stunning sunset over the salt flats.
   • Dinner prepared by the cook and overnight in open-air traditional beds under the stars.
   • Altitude: 80m below sea level.

2. Day 2: Dallol – Lake Asale – Erta Ale Volcano

   • Early morning visit to Dallol and Lake Asale, located 136m below sea level, one of the lowest points in Africa.
   • Marvel at the vibrant sulfuric ponds, geysers, and fumaroles creating surreal red, yellow, and orange landscapes.
   • Afternoon drive (approx. 155 km, 6 hours) to Erta Ale, one of the world’s few active lava lakes.
   • At sunset, begin a 20-minute hike to the crater rim, witness the mesmerizing lava activity, and explore the basalt lava field.
   • Dinner by the cook and overnight on mattresses near the crater, stargazing in the open air.
   • Altitude: 613m above sea level.

3. Day 3: Erta Ale – Lake Afdera – Semera

   • Early breakfast, then drive toward Lake Afdera (approx. 75 km, 2 hours).
   • Visit the bright green volcanic lake surrounded by black basalt mountains.
   • Experience floating in Lake Afdera, similar to the Dead Sea, and see modern salt extraction processes.
   • Optional bath in the hot springs nearby.
   • Continue to Semera (approx. 250 km, 5 hours).
   • Lunch at Afdera, dinner in Semera, and overnight stay in Semera.