Mekele to Erta Ale

Erta Ale - Begin the day with a drive to Erta Ale, which translates to “smoky mountain” in the Afar language. Erta Ale is one of Ethiopia’s most captivating and physically demanding natural wonders. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km square caldera at its peak. Erta Ale is home to the world’s only permanent lava lake. Standing at 613 meters, it features a lava lake, one of only five globally, at its summit. It is renowned for having the longest-existing lava lake, present since the early 20th century. (The activity may not be as intense as before, and the flank eruption activity is slowing down.)
The journey begins at 9:00 AM, driving to Dodom (at the base of Erta Ale). This route is considered one of the roughest in the world. The 80 km distance may take approximately 6 hours, traversing landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. After passing several small hamlets scattered across this barren land, you will arrive at the Dodom campsite, located about 17 km from Erta Ale.
Dinner is served around 5:00 PM. After a brief rest, embark on a 30-minute trek to Erta Ale. Camels will transport all camping gear and some food (including sleeping materials like light mattresses, mats, and water) to the volcano’s rim, where the night will be spent observing the dramatic boiling lava.

Visit Danakil Depression

Erta Ale - Witness the early morning sunrise at the northern pit crater, then walk 5 minutes to the southern and central pits, which may correspond to an ancient pit or a simple collapse structure. The main pit-crater is 200 m deep and 350 m across, sub-circular, and three-storied. The smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. Descend from Erta Ale around 9 AM and return to Dodom after an early breakfast, ideally by 7:00 AM.
Arrive at the camp by 10:30 AM at the latest, where relaxation awaits. As soon as possible, drive to the mythical Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera) (optional, may not be accessible during summer), a saltwater lake over 100 meters below sea level, in one of the planet’s deepest depressions. The scenic landscape makes it worthwhile to visit the salt flats where the Afar people harvest salt by evaporating the lake’s water. Continue to Erbiti and proceed to Abaala/Hamed Ela.

Danakil to Mekele

Erta Ale - Begin the morning tour with a drive to Ragad (Asebo), where locals mine salt. Observe workers breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels. Continue driving to Dallol to explore the diverse landscapes formed by volcanic activity, including Dallol, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Take an excursion to Dallol (116 meters below sea level, one of the world’s lowest places) to see colorful salt mining, visit Lake Assal, follow camel caravans (no camel caravans in July, August, and early September), and walk with the Afar people. Drive back to Hamedela and proceed to Mekele.
End of Danakil tour

• Scout and police service
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
• Complimentary bottles of water for the trip
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All fees and taxes covered
• Camel rides and camel care equipment
• Experienced local guide service

• Services which are not mentioned on the inclusion

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.