Ethiopia · Geological Wonders

2-Day Danakil Geological Tour from Mekele with Dallol and Afar Life

2 Days Round trip from Mekele Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Marvel at the eye-catching sulphur springs in Dallol
02 Visit Lake Assal and its dramatic volcanic landscape
03 See long camel caravans transporting salt across the Danakil
04 Meet the Afar people in one of Ethiopia's most inhospitable regions

Embark on a 2-day journey into one of Ethiopia's most inhospitable regions. Visit a salt mining site, witness the eye-catching colours of the sulphur springs in Dallol, and observe the volcanic landscape at Lake Assal. Along the way, see camel caravans crossing the Danakil and meet the Afar people for a glimpse of local life in this extraordinary desert environment.

Observe the activity of breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Mekele, Danakil Depression, Dallol

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Mekele to Hamed Ela via Berhale

Start your journey from the small town of Berhale, where the camel caravans stop before proceeding to the northern highlands.
Along the way, you may see many long camel caravans carrying salt from the Danakil.
Drive on to reach Hamed Ela, a village from where you can enjoy the sunset at Dallol.

Stay overnight camping at Hamed Ela.

Day 02

Dallol, Ragad and Lake Assal Excursion

Go on a morning drive to Ragad (Asebo), where salt mining takes place.
Observe the activity of breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels.
Proceed to Dallol and visit the extreme landscape formed by volcanic activity, including Dallol, Lake Assal, and camel caravans.
Enjoy an excursion to Dallol, 116 meters below sea level and one of the lowest places in the world, known for its colourful salt mining.
Visit Lake Assal and follow the camel caravans to meet the Afar people.
Drive back to Hamed Ela and continue on to Mekele.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mekele 3 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Latest-model Toyota vehicle with an experienced English-speaking Ethiopian driver throughout the tour
All entrance fees and licenses as per the program
Accommodation and all meals throughout the tour
Surface transport in a four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser, including fuel expenses and driver's allowance
Cooking and camping equipment
Non-alcoholic beverages with meals as per the program, plus plenty of 1.5-litre bottled water for the trip
Local Ethiopian guide service
Scout
Government taxes (VAT)