6 Days Danakil Depression: Volcano, Salt Mines & Addis Ababa
Tour Highlights
- Explore Addis Ababa highlights, including the National Museum (Lucy) and Mount Entoto.
- Shop at Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa.
- Fly to Mekelle and journey into the dramatic Danakil Depression.
- Observe spectacular scenery changes, dropping to over 100 meters below sea level.
- Witness long camel caravans of the Afar people transporting salt.
- See the traditional salt mining process at Ragad (Asebo).
- Explore the surreal, colorful, and acidic geothermal landscape of Dallol.
- Trek to and spend the night at the rim of the Erta Ale volcano to view the permanent lava lake.
- Experience the unique overnight stay, camping on the volcano rim.
Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa & City Tour
Meet your representative at Bole International Airport (ADD) and transfer to your hotel. Visit the National Museum (Lucy) and Mount Entoto (3,200m). After lunch, visit Trinity Cathedral and explore Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Overnight: Oasis Hotel Apartment, Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Fly to Mekelle and Drive to Hamed Ela
After breakfast, fly to Mekelle. Drive to Hamed Ela (180 Km) via Berehaile, picking up mandatory personnel and permits. Observe the landscape dropping below sea level as the Danakil Depression begins. Spot long camel caravans en route to/from the salt mines. Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela.
Day 3: Excursion to Ragad (Asebo) & Dallol Depression
Day trip to Ragad (Asebo) to observe traditional salt mining. Drive to Dallol (116 meters below sea level) to explore its unique volcanic landscape: the Sulfur Lake, Salt Mountain, and colorful hot springs. See more camel caravans. Drive to Abala (150 Km) for a more moderate temperature and basic hotel accommodation. Overnight: Local hotel in Abala.
Day 4: Drive to Erta Ale Volcano
After an early breakfast, drive to Erta Ale (195 Km from Abala). Upon arrival at Dodom, rest and prepare for the 3-hour trek (17 Km) to the volcano rim. Camels will transport camping gear. After an early dinner, trek to the rim to witness the dramatic, boiling, permanent lava lake. Overnight: Camping at the rim of the volcano.
Day 5: Descend Erta Ale and Drive to Mekelle
Descend from Mount Erta Ale in the morning and return to the base camp, Dodom, for breakfast. Drive back to Mekelle (240 Km) via the towns of Habala and Erepti. Overnight: Axum Hotel, Mekelle.
Day 6: Flight Back to Addis Ababa & Departure
After breakfast, take a short flight back to Addis Ababa. Spend the late afternoon souvenir shopping. Enjoy a farewell dinner before being transferred to Bole International Airport for your return flight home.
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