5-Day Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Tour with Dallol

Pick up from Addis Ababa and travel to the city of Mekele for an overnight stay.

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 it is nonetheless spectacular, with scenic landscapes and sulfur springs.

The Danakil Depression has several points lying more than 100 meters below sea level.

Pass through the small town of Berhale, where camel caravans stop before proceeding to the northern highlands. Witness many salt mines en route, as well as locals coming out of the Danakil with their camels loaded with salt.

Reach Hamedela after a 3-4 hour drive and camp there for the night.

Have an 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 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, an active basaltic shield volcano.

Eat an early dinner at around 5 pm.

Continue hiking up the new Erta Ale and reach the rim of the volcano, one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia.

Spend the 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 top of the volcano.

Go for an early morning sunrise walk around pits and craters.

Leave for Askoma base camp at 7 am to have a 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 salt by evaporating the lake water. (This lake might not be accessible to visit during summer time.)

Continue to Hamad Ela village and camp there overnight.

Begin your morning by driving to Ragad, the place where salt is mined. Observe the process of breaking the salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and then loading it onto camels.

Travel to Dallol and visit the different landscapes formed here by volcanic activity. This is one of the lowest places in the world. Observe colourful salt mining activities and visit Lake Assal.

Drive to Hamad Ela and head back to Mekele from there.