Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression; 4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 1 Ahmedela

Fly to Mekele and drive to Ahmedela via Berhale. On the way you can see camel caravans from the salt flats.

Overnight in Ahmedela (camp)

Meals (B, L, D)

Day 2 Erta Ale

 Drive to Dodoma and trek to Erta Ale volcano (3 hours) to spend the night next to the dramatic boiling lava of this unique place.

Overnight at Erta Ale (camping)

Meals (B, L, D)

Day 3 Ahmedela

Walk around Erta Ale wells and craters early in the morning and return to Ahmedela for overnight (camp).

Overnight Ahmedela

Meals (B, L, D)

Day 4 Addis Ababa

Drive to Ragab to observe mine workers cutting salt bricks from the lake to be transported in camel caravans. Continue driving to Dallol (116 meters below sea level), the deepest part of the depression, and return to Mekele through Ahmedela. In the evening, travel to Addis Ababa for a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant with local dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s ethnic groups. Transfer to the airport for departure.

Meals (B, L, D)

….End of tour

 

Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression; 6 Days / 5 Nights

 

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 01   Addis Ababa – Mekele

Optional morning visit to Ethnographic and National Museums in Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, fly to Mekele on Ethiopian Airlines.  

Overnight at Axum hotel, Mekele     

Meals (B.L.D)

Day 02   Mekele – Ahmedela

Meet support vehicles and drive to Ahmedela via Berhaile. Make camp, and see camel caravans passing against a backdrop of dramatic sunsets.

Overnight Camping 

Meals (B, L, D)

Day 03   Lake Asale and Dalol Excursion

Visit Lake Asale and watch the salt workers as they cut bricks of salt from the lake bed. The bricks are then sold on the market and loaded on camel caravans for transport to the highlands. Proceed to Dalol and view the dramatic and colorful geological formations caused by the hot springs rich in sulfur, potash, and salt.

Overnight Camping

Meals  (B, L, D)

Day 04 Trek to Erta Alle

Drive to Dodom. Trek 15 kilometers to the Erta Alle volcano lake, 613 meters above sea level. Arrive at Erta Alle around midnight and walk to see the spectacular volcanic eruption. Set up camp and rest.

Overnight Camping

Meals (B, L, D) 

Day 05   Return to Mekele

Return trek to Dodom. Drive to Mekele.

 Overnight Hotel

Meals (B, L, D)

Day 06   Mekele – Addis Ababa

Fly to Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines.  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