The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, lowest, and driest places on the planet. In the northernmost pocket of Ethiopia, it is home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes and neon acid springs. The remoteness of the Danakil combined with its extreme climate and striking visuals make it among the most remarkable destinations on the planet.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
MEKELE – ERTALE
After compiling all logistics, we start early drive to Dodem (at the base of Erta Ale).Dodem is about 9.5km from Erta Ale and it takes about 3 hrs trekking. Early dinner around 17:00 and trek up to Erta Ale at 20:00 hours. Camels transport all the camping materials and some food (sleeping materials like light mattresses and mat and water) to the rim of the volcano, where we spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava.
OVERNIGHT CAMPING AT ERTALE’S RIM.
Day 2 :
ERTALE – AB’ALA
Waking up early before sunrise and visit north crater descend from Erta Ale at around 6:00am. You will reach latest at 09:30 am at the camp, after breakfast time to relax. Return back to Ab’ala by dusk.
OVERNIGHT CAMPING AT AB’ALA
Day 3 :
AB’ALA – DALLOL – MEKELE
Morning tour drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the localities are mining salt and you will have the chance to look at the daily activity of breaking the salt from the ground. Drive ahead to Dallol and visit the difference landscape formed by volcanic activity; Dallol + Lake Assale + salt canon, camel caravans, follow up camel caravans and drive back to Hamedela for lunch and proceed to Mekele airport.
