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Ethiopia · Desert Adventure
The journey
Famously known as "Hell on Earth," the Danakil Desert in Africa has baking temperatures, wastelands of salt, and a brutal landscape. But for the Afar people, this is home, and you are invited to explore this unusual wonder of nature. Admire the stunning, eye-catching colours of the sulfur springs, discover the various landscapes formed by volcanic activity, and experience the hottest place on Earth on this 4-day tour.
Erta Ale contains the world's only permanent lava lake.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
The Danakil Depression is said to "begin" here. It is one of the most inhospitable regions in the world, but it is nonetheless spectacular.
Drive to Afdera via the small village of Eribt. Afdera is one of the towns in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, named after the saline Lake Afdera.
Enjoy swimming in the salt lake and the nearby hot spring.
Camp near the lake.
Visit the salt miners - local people who pump saltwater and evaporate it - near the lake.
Start the drive to Dodom, at the base of Erta Ale. Dodom is about 8.5 km from Erta Ale, and the trek takes about 3 hours.
Have an early dinner around 5:00 pm and trek up to Erta Ale at 8:00 pm. Camels transport all the camping materials, including food, light mattresses, and water, to the rim of the volcano, where you will spend the night watching the dramatic 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 km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale contains the world's only permanent lava lake.
Overnight on top of the mountain.
Wake up early for sunrise and visit the north crater.
Descend from Erta Ale around 7:00 am and return to camp by 9:30 am at the latest.
After breakfast, take some time to relax.
At 10:30 am, drive to Hamad Ela, 100 km away, with a picnic lunch on the way in the shade of a palm tree.
Reach Hamad Ela at 4:30 pm, a village with a total population of about 500 people.
Overnight camping at Hamed Ela.
Drive to Ragad (Acebo), the place where locals mine salt.
About 1,200 sq. km (460 sq mi) of the Afar Depression is covered in salt. Watch the process of breaking the salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels.
Drive ahead to Dallol and see the contrasting landscape formed by volcanic activity. Also see Lake Assal, the Salt Canon, and camel caravans on the way.
Drive back to Hamed Ela and continue on to Mekele.
Where this trip takes you
Erta Ale lava lake, Lake Afdera salt lake, Dallol sulfur springs
The route
The fine print
Toyota latest 2014 model with an experienced driver
All entrance fees and licenses as per the program
Accommodation and all meals throughout the tour
Non-alcoholic beverages with meals and water bottles (5 litres per person per day for the trip)
Surface transport expenses with four-wheel drive Land Cruiser, including fuel expenses and driver's allowance
Local English-speaking guide for the Afar Region
Scout and police service in the Afar Region
Camel and camel tires in the Afar Region
Experienced cook
Government taxes - VAT
Alcohol
Beverages
Logistics
Your 4 days finish where they began, in Mekele.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
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