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Danakil Depression: Ertaale and Dallol

Trip Overview

Title: Danakil Depression: Ertaale and Dallol
Duration: 10 days
Code: SLET – 003
Transport: Drive

Danakil Depression: Ertaale and Dallol, Asabolo, Melabidey, Mekelle, Lalibela

The part of the world, which is called the Danakil Depression, is one of the remotest, lowest and unique land formations of the world in the Great Rift Valley system. Still it is part of the earth which is unstable and pulling each other to the opposite side. In this adventure you will explore Erta Alle, absolutely unique Lava Lake erupting 24 hours and Dallol, the lowest part of Danakil Depression (116 below sea level) extremely hottest and inhospitable place but enjoyable and extraordinary colorful landscape. It is famous for its fascinating fumaroles, amazing rock formations, crystal and mineral deposits. The final part of your adventure takes you to Lake Asale, famous salt mining lake and visits to salt workers when cutting, shaping and loading. Besides, salt merchants along with their endless Camel Caravans will be visited.

Trip Details

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis Ababa
On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Ambassador Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight Hotel

Day 2: Drive to Semera
After breakfast drive towards the East to Semera, the capital of the Afar Region, on the way enjoys the beautiful Ethiopian rift valley landscape. At Semera you will collect the permit paper to visit the region from the regional tourist office. The Tourist office will provide you local Afar guide and two rangers/ police men that accompany you for the trip. Overnight Local hotel / camping

Day 3: Drive to Afdera
We drive further to the east to Afdera. Here one more old man, who is important for our trip, will accompany you. Overnight Local hotel / camping

Day 4: Drive to Dodom and continue to Erta Alle
Drive from Afdera to Dodom. At Dodum we will hire mules to transport your luggage and camping gear and then you will start walk to the Erta Ale Volcanic hills (613 meters above sea level) which is 15kms one way. You arrive at Erta Ale around mid night and walk to see the volcanic eruption. The eruption is so colorful and spectacular. At night we will camp nearby the eruption, on the crater rim above the active lava lake. At Night Shooting a good pictures of the Volcano. Overnight resting around Erta Ale

Day 5: Dodom
This day you walk back the 15 kms and meet the vehicles and drive to Dodum for overnight camping.

Day 6: Ahmedela
Drive to Ahmedela along unmarked sandy tracks. Ahmedela is the base to explore the salt mines, salt workers and camel caravans. Overnight Camping at Ahmedela

Day 7: Excursion to Dallol, visit the Dallol area, salt mining and camel caravans.
After early breakfast drive to the Lake Asale, salty Lake and visit the salt workers and the merchant. Here you will observe salt cutting, shaping and then loading to the endless Camel Caravans. Then after proceed to Dalol and enjoy the spectacular view of the small hills, colorful hot spring in several places. These hot springs are composed of different minerals along with sulfurs and potash and create spectacular colors. Finally drive back to Ahmedela for an overnight stay, camping.

Day 8: Berahile
Drive up to Berahile, the town/village of miners’. Evening walk to see camel herders arriving and departing from Berahile. Overnight camping outside the town.

Day 9: Drive to Mekele
Drive from Berhaile to Mekele- the capital of Tigray region on the way visit the Afar village over the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley system to the western highland. Overnight Mekele Axum Hotel

Day 10: Fly to Addis Ababa
After breakfast you will check in to Mekele Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Evening we will have a fare well dinner in one of the Ethiopian restaurants for cultural dinner and dances from the different ethnic groups. Then after transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Trip Photos

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