Arrival Bole International Airport
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours will meet all clients arriving at the airport regardless of arrival time. For morning flight arrivals you may begin your tour after checking into your hotel. For afternoon or evening arrivals, you may begin your tour the following day.
Day 02: Fly Addis Mekele & drive Mekele – Hamed Ela
The Danakil Depression can be said to ‘begin’ here. The site is spectacular, full of eye-catching colors, as in the sculpture springs. The desert has several points lying more than 100 meters (328 ft.) below sea level. You will pass through a small town of Berhale where the camel caravans stop before they proceed to the northern highlands. En route you will come across a group of caravans heading to the salt mines while the others coming out of the Danakil with their salt loaded camels.
Overnight camping at Hamed Ela.
Meals (B, L, D)
Day 03:: Excursion Hamed Ela – Dallol – Hamed Ela
Today you will visit the Dallol area where you can see salt mining and camel caravans.
After an early breakfast, you will be driven to saline Lake Asale where you will visit salt workers and a local merchant. Here you will observe salt cutting and shaping, followed by loading the salt blocks on to the camel caravans for transport. Later, you will proceed to Dallol and enjoy gorgeous views of the unusual landscape en route. The spectacular colors of the hot springs were created by sulfur and other mineral compounds. Finally drive back to your campsite at Hamed Ela for your overnight Accommodations.
Overnight Camping at Hamed Ela.
Meals (B, L, D)
Day 04:: Drive Hamed Ela – Dodom – Erta Ale
This day will take you to explore Erta Ale. The Erta Ale Volcanic hills are 613 meters above sea level and are home to the most active volcano in Ethiopia. Walking up to the volcano will commence after sunset so we can enjoy cooler temperatures. You will be expected to arrive at the crater around midnight where you can see volcanic lake. Nighttime is best for viewing the bubbling lava lake and photographic opportunities are incredible. After watching the eruption, you will camp nearby on the crater rim.
Overnight Camping at Erta – ale
Meals (B, L, D)
Day 05:: Drive Erta ale – Mekele
In the morning, after your breakfast you will drive to Mekele. After your arrival, check into your hotel.
Overnight at Axum Hotel.
Meals (B, L, D)
Day 6: Fly Mekele – Addis Ababa and Addis Ababa City Tour
Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Addis. After your arrival, you will have a city tour of Addis. Begin with the National Museum that houses the 3.4 million years old fossils of ‘Lucy’ (perhaps our earliest ancestor) is among other interesting archeological findings and then visit the Trinity Cathedral, the largest and most revered of all the churches, which was built in 1941, To wrap up, drive through the largest open-air market in Africa, Mercato. Evening, enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.
Meals (B, L, D)
…. End of Tour