Itinerary

1. Day 1: Addis Ababa – Semera – Hamed Ela

   • Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera.

   • Begin the journey with a drive from Semera to Hamed Ela via the town of Berhale.

   • Observe camel caravans traveling across the desert and visit traditional salt mining fields where Afar locals extract salt slabs.

   • Arrive at Hamed Ela and settle in for the evening.

   • Spend the night under the stars with basic camping facilities in the desert.

2. Day 2: Hamed Ela – Dallol – Lake Assale – Hamed Ela

   • Depart early for a drive to Dallol, one of the most geologically active and colorful areas on Earth.

   • Explore the surreal landscapes of sulfur springs, vibrant acid pools, and salt canyons.

   • Visit the salt workers harvesting salt in extreme heat and gain insight into their traditional techniques.

   • Continue to the stunning salt flats of Lake Assale, a vast white landscape beneath the blazing sun.

   • Return to Hamed Ela for dinner and overnight desert camping.

3. Day 3: Hamed Ela – Erta Ale Volcano – Addis Ababa

   • Drive towards the base of Erta Ale volcano, a remote shield volcano known for its persistent lava lake.

   • Begin an evening trek to the summit of Erta Ale, a hike that usually takes 3 to 4 hours.

   • Reach the crater and witness the dramatic, glowing lava lake under the night sky.

   • Camp near the crater rim and descend early in the morning.

   • Drive back to Semera and take a return flight to Addis Ababa, arriving around 6:00 PM.