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Ethiopia · Geological Wonders
The journey
Visit the hottest and lowest place on earth on this 3-day journey through Ethiopia's Danakil Depression. Hike to Erta Ale to see the world's only permanent lava lake, witness a magnificent sunrise, and explore the colourful landscapes of Dallol. Along the way, discover salt canyons, sulfuric acid yellow and black ponds, salt lakes, camel caravans, and the traditional salt excavation methods of the Afar and Tigraians.
Hike to Erta Ale to see the world's only permanent lava lake, witness a magnificent sunrise, and explore the colourful landscapes of Dallol.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Drive to Erta Ale for 5 hours.
Go on a 3-hour hike to Erta Ale. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale contains the world's only permanent lava lake at about 613 meters and is one of only five in the world.
On this day, you will sleep at a place that is below sea level in altitude.
Overnight stay at a camp.
Early in the morning, witness a magnificent sunrise.
Have lunch at Afdera and then drive to Aballa.
Overnight stay at Aballa.
Early in the morning at 5:00 am, prepare for the excursion to Dallol at 6:00 am.
After breakfast, visit the colourful landscape formed by the 1906 eruption of Mount Dallol, along with the salt canyons, sulfuric acid yellow ponds, sulfuric acid black ponds, traditional salt excavation areas, camel caravans, and the salt lake. You will also see the traditional salt excavation methods of the Afar and Tigraians.
At noon, after lunch at Berhale, drive back to Mekelle and fly back to Addis Ababa.
Where this trip takes you
Erta Ale lava lake, Dallol colourful landscape, Danakil Depression salt canyons
The route
The fine print
English-speaking Ethiopian tour guide
Entrance fee
Car and driver allowance
Government tax
Accommodation
Meals (full board)
Camping and cooking equipment
Domestic flight
Scout and police service
Alcoholic drinks
International flights
Any camera or videography expenses
Erta Ale is 613 meters (2,011 ft.) high, with one or sometimes two active lava lakes at the summit, which occasionally overflow on the south side of the volcano.
Logistics
Your 3 days finish where they began, in Addis Ababa.
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