5-Day Danakil Depression Adventure from Addis Ababa with Erta Ale

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the mesmerizing Erta Ale volcano and witness its boiling lava
• 02 Trek through changing landscapes of solidified lava, rock, and sand
• 03 Experience the unique sensation of camping on the volcano's rim
• 04 Visit the vibrant salt mines of Ragad and witness local salt-mining traditions
• 05 Discover the stunning Dallol region with its colourful volcanic landscapes

Embark on a thrilling 5-day adventure to the Danakil Depression from Addis Ababa. Trek through changing landscapes of solidified lava, rock, and sand to reach the base of the awe-inspiring Erta Ale volcano, where you will witness the dramatic action of boiling lava. Explore the vibrant salt mines of Ragad and the colourful volcanic landscapes of Dallol, and see camel caravans crossing the Afar Depression. The journey also includes sunset at the shallow salt lake Assale before returning to Addis Ababa with memories of an extraordinary adventure.

Trek through changing landscapes of solidified lava, rock, and sand to reach the base of the awe-inspiring Erta Ale volcano, where you will witness the dramatic action of boiling lava.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Mekele, Danakil Depression, Erta Ale, Dallol

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Fly from Addis Ababa to Mekelle

• Fly from Addis Ababa to Mekelle. Overnight in Mekelle.

2

Day 02

Mekelle to Erta Ale Volcano

• We drive from Mekelle to Dodom. We start early and drive to Dodom, which is located at the base of Erta Ale. We embark on the journey after an early breakfast, possibly at 07:30. The road conditions are challenging, and the 70 km distance may take around 5 hours.
• Along the way, we pass through a changing landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. As we pass small hamlets scattered in this desert land, Dodom is approximately 9.5 km from Erta Ale and takes about 3 hours of trekking.
• We have an early dinner around 17:00 and then trek to Erta Ale at 20:00. Camels transport camping materials, sleeping materials, water, and food to the volcano's rim. We spend the night there, witnessing the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Overnight camping on the mountain.

3

Day 03

Erta Ale to Hamad Ela

• We wake up early at Erta Ale and head back to Dodom. After breakfast, we have some time to relax before driving to Hamad Ela, covering a distance of 100 km.
• Along the way, we enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of palm trees. Hamad Ela is a village with a population of around 500 people. Here, we can witness the sunset and explore the very shallow salt lake, Assale. Overnight camping at Hamad Ela.

4

Day 04

Hamad Ela, Dallol and Return to Mekelle

• We drive to Ragad (Asebo) in the morning, where the locals mine salt. The Afar Depression, covering 1,200 km2 (460 sq mi), is abundant in salt.
• We observe the activity of breaking salt from the ground, where local people cut rectangular pieces and load them onto camels.
• We then proceed to Dallol and explore the unique landscape formed by volcanic activity, including Dallol, Lake Assale, and the salt canyons.
• We also have the opportunity to follow camel caravans. Afterwards, we drive back to Hamad Ela for lunch and continue our journey to Mekelle.

5

Day 05

Fly Back to Addis Ababa from Mekelle

• Today, there are no activities as our trip comes to an end. Once we arrive in Addis, you are free to go.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Domestic flight
• Meals and overland transport
• Local Ethiopia tour guide

What's Not Included

• Alcoholic beverages

What to bring

• Sun cream, sunglasses, hats, and lightweight, comfortable shoes.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tour start

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.