Drive and Flight
Hotels and Lodge
5 Days/ 4 Nights
2-12 Group Size
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About the Tour
The trip starts in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia and center for the African continent. Then the flight takes you to Semera, and center to start a trip to explore the famous Denakil Depression aster the war in the tigray region. You will undertake a memorable trek to the top of the active volcano Erta Ale before discovering the alien salt landscapes of Dallol. The Danakil Depression lies between the Danakil Alps (east) and the Ethiopian Plateau (west), which were once joined until the rifting process tore them apart. The land surface is slowly sinking, and Danakil Depression will someday fill with water as a new ocean or great lake is born. But for now, the region is full of other interesting liquids. The Danakil Depression is one of the lowest areas below sea level and is also the hottest point on Earth as far as the year-round average temperatures are considered.Known by the Afar as the “smoking mountain” and “the gateway to hell,” Erta Ale is a 2,011-foot-high constantly active basaltic shield volcano. It is one of only a handful of continuously active volcanos in the world, and a member of an even more exclusive group: volcanos with lava lakes. While there are only five known volcanos with lava lakes globally, Erta Ale often has two active lava lakes – making it a unique site. Erta Ale was discovered in 1906, making it the longest-known lava lake. Dallol has some of the most colorful landscapes on Earth. The hot magma below heats groundwater flowing in from the surrounding highlands. This hot water moves up toward the surface and through the evaporite deposits, dissolving salt, potash, and other soluble minerals.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Domestic Flight to Semera
Upon Arrival at Bole international Airport, you will be directly connected to your domestic flight to Semera. Then, you will be picked up by our representative and start your trip to the Afar region to visit the famous volcano with bubbling lava and have the possibility of experiencing the nomadic Afar tribe living in the desert. The Danakil Depression ‘begins’ here. It is one of the most spectacular regions of the world! The drive will be on a paved road, with a few stops for coffee with the locals and lunch prepared by your cook.The landscape will become drier and deserted. You will reach the village Afdera afternoon, have a stop to explore and have a coffee with the locals. Then continue the journey to Lake Afdera and the campsite. As the sun is setting, go for a swim, floating on the surface of the salt lake and enjoying the nearby hot springs, experiencing an incredible view.
Overnight: Camping at Afdera.
Day 2: Dallol
After a delicious early breakfast, you will drive to Dallol ('a colorful place') via Asebo ('the salt desert'), where the Afar people mine salt, cut it into rectangular pieces and load it onto camels. The caravans start from here. Dallol Depression is officially listed as the hottest place on earth, with an average temperature of 34-35 °C. Much of this vast and practically unpopulated region lies below sea level, dipping to a frazzled nadir of -116m at Dallol, near Lake Asale, the lowest spot on the African continent and one of the driest and most tectonically active areas on the planet. Continue driving ahead to Dallol and stroll through the different landscapes formed by volcanic activity. This is a yellow moon-like kingdom of spectacular creations.
Overnight: Camping at Dallol
Day 3: Proceed to Erta Ale
After breakfast, it is a 70 km drive on sandy ground and over cold lava rocks. On the way you will see the salt miners, the local Afar people. They pump saltwater over the surface and let it evaporate to create a salt crust. Lunch will be served in Dodom village. Here you have to show permission to climb Erta Ale ('the smoking mountain'), get the needed camels for transporting the goods and more scouts. Dinner will be served at 5-ish since you have to start trekking up to the volcano around 6-7 pm. Dodom is approximately 8.5km away from Erta Ale and this stretch will take about 3 hours to walk. Camels transport all the camping materials and some food to the rim of the volcano, where you will spend the night watching the dramatic actions of the boiling lava.
Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale
Day 4: Erta Ale to Semera
Today we leave the Afar region and drive towards Semera. You will reach Semera late afternoon, check in to your hotel and spend the night.
Overnight: Kuriftu Lodge or similar, Semera.
Day 5: Fly Back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Semera Airport and take a domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Then, the tour ends with a drop off at Bole International Airport.