4 Days Danakil Depression, Erta Ale & Dallol Expedition
Tour Highlights
- Journey into the intense, alien landscapes of the Danakil Depression.
- Experience a unique night of camping in Hamed Ela, a traditional Afar settlement.
- Trek to the rim of the Erta Ale shield volcano at night.
- Spend an unforgettable night watching the world’s only permanent lava lake.
- Descend from Erta Ale in the morning to explore surrounding pits and craters.
- Witness the traditional salt mining process at Ragad (Asebo).
- Explore Dallol (116m below sea level), known for its colorful salts and geothermal activity.
- Follow and interact with the Afar people and their massive camel caravans.
Day 1: Mekele – Hamede Ela
Drive from Mekele towards the Danakil Depression, passing through the town of Berhale. Observe the long camel caravans transporting salt. Continue and set up camp at the village of Hamedela. Overnight: Camping at Hamedela.
Day 2: Hamed Ela – Dodom – Erta Ale
Start early and drive to Dodom at the base of Erta Ale (80 km, approx. 6 hours on a challenging road). Rest and have an early dinner. Begin the 3-hour trek (15-17 Km) up to Erta Ale at 8:00 PM. Camels transport the camping gear. Spend the night at the rim, watching the dramatic action of the permanent lava lake. Overnight: Camping on the volcano rim.
Day 3: Erta Ale Exploration and Drive to Hamed Ela
Wake up with the sun to walk around the main pit-crater. Leave the rim around 7:00 AM and trek back down to Dodom for breakfast. Relax before driving back to the village of Hamed Ela. Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela.
Day 4: Dallol Excursion and Drive Back to Mekele
Morning excursion to Ragad (Asebo) to observe the traditional salt mining and cutting into rectangular pieces. Drive to Dallol (116 meters below sea level) to visit its unique landscape: colorful salt formations, the Sulfur Lake, and the vast salt flats, following the camel caravans. Drive back to Hamed Ela and proceed to Mekele.
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