Mekele to Dodom via Abaala and Trek to Erta Ale
Start early and drive to Dodom, at the base of Erta Ale, after an early breakfast at 06:30. This is possibly the worst road in the world. The 80 km journey may take about 6 hours, passing through changing landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases.
After passing several small hamlets scattered across this desert land, arrive at Dodom, about 17 km from Erta Ale. From here, the trek takes about 3 hours.
Have an early dinner around 17:00, then begin the trek up to Erta Ale at 20:00. Camels transport all the camping materials and some food, including sleeping materials such as light mattresses, mats, and water, to the rim of the volcano.
Spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Erta Ale ranks as one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 sq km caldera at its summit. Erta Ale contains the world's only permanent lava lake.
Overnight at the rim of the volcano. Erta Ale stands at 613 meters and has a lava lake at the summit, one of only five in the world. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century.
