Day 1: Mek’ele → Hamedila → Dalol
● Arrival in Mek’ele:
Arrive in Mek’ele from Addis Ababa. After landing at Mek’ele Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and the tour team.
● Drive from Mek’ele to Hamedila:
Start your journey toward Hamedila, a small settlement at the edge of the Danakil Depression. The drive will take about 4-5 hours, with the landscape gradually transitioning from the Tigray Highlands to the dry, flat desert plains of the Afar Region.
● Visit the Salt Flats at Sunset:
Once you reach Hamedila, you’ll be taken to the Salt Flats, where you can witness a beautiful sunset over the vast, white expanse of salt. This location offers a surreal and picturesque setting, with the setting sun casting colorful reflections on the salt.
● Camping in Hamedila:
After the sunset, you’ll camp overnight in Hamedila, with all camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, etc.) provided.
● Dinner at the Camp:
Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner, prepared by your chef. After dinner, you’ll have the chance to relax under the stars and reflect on your adventure.
Day 2: Dalol → Erta Ale
● Early Morning Visit to Dalol:
After breakfast, head out early to visit Dalol, a region known for its colorful sulfur springs, salt formations, and acid pools. Dalol is one of the hottest places on Earth, and its landscape looks like something from another planet, with vivid yellows, reds, and greens created by sulfur deposits and other minerals.
● Explore the Sulfur Springs and Salt Canyons:
Dalol’s unique geothermal activity and hot springs make it one of the most fascinating locations in the world. You’ll explore the sulfuric hot springs, salt canyons, and vibrant salt flats that make the area so distinctive.
● Drive to Erta Ale:
After visiting Dalol, you will continue your journey to Erta Ale, one of the few active volcanoes in the world. The drive from Dalol to Erta Ale is 3-4 hours, with the terrain becoming increasingly more rugged as you get closer to the volcano.
● Hike to the Crater of Erta Ale:
Once you arrive at the base of Erta Ale, you’ll begin your hike to the summit of the volcano, which typically takes about 30 minutes. The hike is challenging due to the heat and the desert landscape, but reaching the top and witnessing the active lava lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
● Camping Near the Lava Lake:
At the summit, you’ll set up camp near the lava lake of Erta Ale, where you can watch the molten lava bubble and flow, creating an eerie, mesmerizing glow at night.
● Dinner at the Erta Ale Camp:
Enjoy a hot meal prepared by your chef, and take in the extraordinary experience of being so close to an active volcano. The glow from the lava adds to the dramatic atmosphere of the evening.
Day 3: Erta Ale → Afdera → Mek’ele
● Early Morning Visit to Erta Ale:
Wake up early to witness the lava lake at its most active in the cool morning hours. It’s a great time to see the lava more clearly, and the early light is perfect for photos. After exploring the crater, you’ll have a light breakfast at the campsite.
● Descent from the Summit:
After spending time near the crater and taking in the sights, you’ll begin the descent from the volcano summit. The hike down will take around 2-3 hours, and once you’re at the base, you can rest before continuing the journey.
● Drive to Afdera:
After descending from Erta Ale, you will begin the drive towards Afdera, a small town known for the Afdera Lake, a saltwater lake in the heart of the Danakil Depression. The drive to Afdera takes about 3–4 hours.
● Swimming at Afdera Lake:
Once in Afdera, you’ll have the chance to swim in the saltwater lake. The lake’s high salinity allows you to float effortlessly, and it’s a refreshing stop on your way back to Mek’ele.
● Drive from Afdera to Mek’ele:
After your swim and a short rest, you’ll begin your return journey to Mek’ele. The drive from Afdera to Mek’ele will take approximately 3–4 hours, giving you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the last stretches of the Danakil landscape.
● Arrival in Mek’ele:
You will arrive in Mek’ele in the late afternoon or early evening. The tour concludes with the return to Mek’ele, where you can rest or explore the city before your return flight to Addis Ababa or your next destination.
Tour Includes:
● Transportation:
○ All ground transportation within the Danakil Depression, including 4x4 vehicles for the rugged terrain.
● Accommodation & Camping Equipment:
○ All camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats) is provided for the overnight stays in Hamedila and near Erta Ale.
● Meals:
○ All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included. These meals will be freshly prepared by your onboard chef with local and regional Ethiopian dishes.
● Guides & Scouts:
○ The tour includes an experienced local guide who will lead you through the Danakil Depression. You will also be accompanied by an armed scout for safety reasons, as required by local regulations.
Tour Excludes:
● Alcoholic Drinks & Souvenirs:
Alcoholic beverages and souvenirs are not included in the tour price. You may purchase them separately during the tour.
● Flights:
International and Domestic flights to and from Addis Ababa are not included. You will need to book these separately.
● Tips & Travel Insurance:
Tips for the guides, drivers, and other staff are not included. It’s also recommended to arrange your own travel insurance before the trip.
● Visa & International Flights:
Travelers are responsible for securing their Ethiopian visa. International flights to and from Addis Ababa are not part of the tour package.
Important Information:
● Climate:
The Danakil Depression is extremely hot, and temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F) during the day. Bring light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
● Health & Safety:
The Danakil Depression is a remote and rugged region, so it’s essential to be in good health for this tour. The hike to Erta Ale can be physically demanding, especially in the heat, so be prepared for this challenge.
● What to Bring:
○ Comfortable, light clothing (with something warm for the evenings near Erta Ale)
○ Sturdy hiking shoes for the trek to Erta Ale
○ Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
○ A camera for the stunning landscapes
○ A refillable water bottle
○ Personal hygiene products and a first aid kit
Why Choose This Tour?
● Active Volcano:
Witness one of the world’s most active lava lakes at Erta Ale, which offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
● Scenic Drive:
The journey via Afdera adds a scenic aspect to the trip, with the chance to swim in Afdera Lake, which is an exciting and unique experience.
● Incredible Landscapes:
The Danakil Depression is known for its dramatic salt flats, vibrant sulfur springs, and bizarre, otherworldly scenery.
● Cultural Insight:
Interact with the Afar people, one of the most resilient communities on Earth, who thrive in one of the harshest environments.
This 3 Days 2 Nights Danakil Tour is a thrilling adventure, taking you through Dalol, Erta Ale, and Mek’ele.
