ERT’ALE

The Mountain that smokes, in Afar Language, is a basaltic shield volcano known for persistent lava lake activity, the only permanent lava on the earth, since the early 20th century. It is one of the most fascinating and physically demanding natural attractions in Ethiopia. It comprises of two pit craters with the larger one being inactive. The smaller one is 140 meters in diameter, 60 to 90 meters deep and with an active fire lake.  Erta ale offers one of the breathtaking adventures in the middle of the desert. The best time to visit the Erta Ale is at dawn and in the evening, this is to avoid excessive heat and also to see the red, unique fascinating lava that looks like a scene of biblical destruction on one of its pits also known as the ‘gateway to hell’. An aerial view casts a breathtaking, spectacular sight and although touring the volcanoes is deemed a physically challenging excursion; the rewards are unforgettable experiences. Since every tour brings forth varying physical demands, we have supple programs to suit the groups’ interests, physical capabilities, the changing weather and other unforeseen external factors. The other sites in afar include the following

  • The Middle Awash – site of many fossil hominid discoveries such as Ardi, Lucy and Gona as well as site of the world’s oldest stone tools.
  • Lake Abbe – the central meeting place for three pieces of Earth’s crust (the spreading ridges from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden emerging and meeting the East African Rift.
  • Desert Flora and Fauna – for study tour to the narrow green belt where Awash River flows and in the depression desert scrubland for some drought-resistant plants such as dragon trees, Shrubs and grasses. Wildlife includes many herbivores such as Grevy’s Zebra, Soemmering’s Gazelle, Oryx Beisa and the African Wild Ass – with a visit to the Mille-Sardo Wildlife Reserve.
  • Salt Mining Areas – the Afar Depression is covered by salt, and salt mining is still a major source of income for many Afar people.

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