Afar Danakil Depression

Afar Danakil Depression

Bubbling volcano light up the night sky sulphurous mounds of yellow contort in to other worldly shapes, and mirages of camels cross lakes of salt. Laying 100m and more below sea level , the Danakil Depression is about the hottest and most inhospitable place on Planet Earth. In fact it’s so surreal that it doesn’t feel like part of planet earth at all . If you want Genuine, raw adventure few corners of the globe can Mach this overwhelming wilderness. But come prepared because with temperatures frequently saying hello to 50 Degrees and appalling roads visiting this region is more an expedition than a tour.

Itinerary

Day 1: ADDIS ABEBA TO MEKELE ( flight)- ERTA ALE

Stop At: Erta Ale, Active volicano Afar, mekele, 6611 Ethiopia
After arrival you will be transferred to your land cruiser car and go to Erta Ale. Erta ale volcano is the large basaltic shield volcano in The Erta Ale volcanic range in the central Northern Danakil Depression (NE Ethiopia) . It is famed for its persistent lava lake which has been active during most of the past decades since it was first discovered in the 1960s . Erta Ale is 613 meters tall with a lava lake one of only five in the world at the summit. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake present since the early years of the twentieth century. Tonight you will enjoy watching the volcano in near distance. Overnight camping around the volcano.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping in ERTA -ALE Afar

Day 2: ERTA ALE - AFDERA - ABALA

Stop At: Erta Ale, 01.275 Mekelle, 1049 Ethiopia
Lake Afdera is the second largest lake with salt water in the Afar region. The Beach along lake Afdera ( Giulietti Lake) is surrounded by foam of salt transported and accumulated by the wind. You will have a short swim in the Emerald Colored Lake which seems appropriate and feels like Swimming in the Dead sea. The depressing Afdera town is located along the shores of lake Giulietti and bases it’s economy on the extraction of salt from the water of the lake . After having an enjoyable time on the salty lake you will drive to Abala. Overnight camping at Abala .
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Abala

Day 3: ABALA - DALOL

Stop At: Dalol, Dallol, 135 Ethiopia
Excursion to Dallol ( 116 meter below sea level & one of the lowest places in the world) colorful salts mining visit lake Assale , follow up camel’s caravans and walk with the Afar and people from the highlands . The traditional way of extracting salt bar which once used as local currency, packing on the camel is done here. You will see how they prepare their traditional bread ‘ how they travel , communicate and more. It is another unique experience. Overnight Camping at Dallol

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Dallol

Day 4: Dalol to Mekele

Stop At: Emperor Yohannes IV Palace, Zesilasea Square, Mek'ele Ethiopia
Today Drive to Mekele via the town of Berhale in the river bed Ascend all the way to the Tigrian highlands with the camel caravans and stop for photo over the Depression. Overnight stay at Mekele Hotel
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.