3-Day Danakil Depression Adventure from Mekele with Erta Ale

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Danakil's diverse landscapes from Mekele to Hamed Ela
• 02 Marvel at Dallol's surreal geological wonders with local guides
• 03 Camp by the captivating salt lake Assale and enjoy a unique sunset
• 04 Experience Erta Ale's crater and lava activity before sunset
• 05 Witness a stunning sunrise over Erta Ale
• 06 Swim in Lake Afdera's salt lake and observe local salt mining

Embark on a thrilling 3-day adventure through Ethiopia's Danakil Depression from Mekele, passing through Berahle to Hamed Ela and the salt lake Assale. Explore the surreal geological wonders of Dallol, from sulfur and oil lakes to salt mining areas worked by camel caravans, before continuing to the remarkable Erta Ale volcano. Witness the sunrise over Erta Ale, then travel to Lake Afdera to swim in the salt lake, enjoy the hot springs, and observe local salt mining.

Early in the morning, at 5:00 am, you will see the striking activity of the volcano at sunrise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Mekele to Hamed Ela via Berahle

• We will be waiting for you at Mekele Airport at 9:00 am, and the trip will depart from there to Hameela via Berhale. Berahle is a small town in the Afar region with a population of about 10,000 people.
• We will stop for lunch to finalize the permit and take the scout and police. Danakil has harsh conditions, rocky terrain, and uncomfortable places that are unpleasant and not hospitable. However, it also has enchanting nature and different colours, with mineral-rich elements, saltwater springs, and bubbling oil lakes. There are different places at different altitudes below sea level, lying more than 100 meters below sea level.
• After lunch in Berahle, you will proceed to Hamed Ela, where you will see outstanding landscapes and experience the local people's culture and beautiful way of life.
• You will enjoy the sunset at the salt lake Assale (-120 below sea level) and camp there.

2

Day 02

Dallol Exploration and Erta Ale Volcano

• In the early morning, there will be a drive to Dalol, only 20 km from the campsite.
• You will drive to each site, with less than a 20-minute walk to the Dallol mountain, which has many different water springs: the sulfur lake, oil lake, salt mining area with camel caravans, salt mountains, and more.
• You will look at all the sites and watch how the salt is dug from the ground and loaded onto camels in the mining area. You will visit each place following the guides and with the local people who know the place very well.
• Then, you will return to the campsite at HemedEla for lunch. After lunch, you will proceed to the miracle volcano Erta Ale. This involves crossing the desert for 90 km. It used to be one of the worst roads on earth, but an asphalt road was made this year, reducing the drive to only two hours. This road takes you to the bottom of the mountain, reducing the journey from more than three hours to about 30 minutes. This allows you to see and take photos of the crater and the lava before sunset, and you can visit the lava activity at night.
• You will sleep 200 m from the volcano (the top of the mountain is 613 m above sea level).
• You will spend the night on top of the mountain in prepared small huts.

3

Day 03

Sunrise at Erta Ale and Return via Afdera

• Early in the morning, at 5:00 am, you will see the striking activity of the volcano at sunrise.
• You will walk 30 minutes back to where the cars are parked.
• You will pass scattered small desert trees and igneous rock from the volcano's many years of eruption.
• After an hour's drive, you will reach Lake Afdera. Here, you can swim in the salt lake and wash in the hot springs around the lake. You can also see locals working in the salt mines.
• Then you drive 3 hours to Mekelle to catch your flight to Addis.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Domestic flights, assuming you fly Ethiopian Airlines internationally
• Van with an English-speaking driver/guide throughout towns and cities
• In Danakil, Erta Ale, and the south, 4x4 vehicles are used
• Fuel and instructor expenses
• Entrance fees to all sites
• Local guides in all locations
• Airport/hotel transfers
• In Danakil and Erta Ale, where accommodations are outdoors, camping equipment
• Unlimited bottled water
• Meals provided:
  • First day - Lunch and dinner
  • Second day - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Third day - Breakfast and lunch

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Laundry
• Medical and personal insurance

What to bring

• Trekking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sun protection cream
• Hat

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Mekelle, Ethiopia

Tour start

FGFJ+75H, Mekele, Ethiopia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.