A geological depression caused by the continental drift of three tectonic plates, the Danakil Depression is one of Earth's most unusual environments. Renowned as the 'hottest place on the planet' and home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes, and colorful acidic springs, it's a wonderful, alien environment. It is also one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, with temperatures that can exceed 50°C (122°F) and an elevation that goes below sea level. It sits around 125m below sea level and is at the junction of three of the Earth's lithosphere plates (Arabian, Nubian and Somalian). The surreal colors come from the sulphur, potash, and other minerals that saturate the Dallol hydrothermal field. Thousands of years ago, the larger Danakil Desert was part of the Red Sea. But volcanic eruptions formed rock barriers and created an inland sea that eventually evaporated in the intense heat. With more than 30 active and dormant volcanoes, the Danakil Depression is one of the most unique geological regions on earth. As incredibly inhospitable as the depression is, it has been home to the Afar people for centuries, a nomadic tribe who live a basic life moving around the Danakil with their small herds of cattle, goats, and camels.
About me! I am the founder of a leading high-end, full-service DMC in Addis Ababa covering the Horn of Africa. For over 11 years, I have been crafting experiential travel for my clients. I am able to establish a destination management company with dynamic and expert staff. The long pause in the travel industry in our region helped us focus on certain tours such as community-based tourism, birdwatching, wildlife tours, trekking, and walking city tours. Now, we are fine-tuning our greatest and most responsible tourism services.
Details about the accommodation: Accommodation on a Double room basis; Extra $22 for single occupancy in Addis Ababa and the rest nights are camping(3 nights) with which local beds in Hamedela, and mattresses in Erta Ale and Abala. This gives you the best local accommodation with a meal experience and a camping life. Accommodation in the Danakil is as basic as it gets. Once you leave Semera, you're heading for one of the most remote and inhospitable environments on the planet, where 5* (or even 1*) hotels are a fantasy. It's rough and ready, and that's all part of the fun camping with the best star view, sunrise, Sunset, and lava movement experience You will also get the best chef throughout the trip. Do you have a question about the trip? Let me know in the Q&A section on this trip!
What's included?
Demostic flights if fly with ET INT
All Accommodation fees
All Entrance fees
Professional Guide through the Tour
scouts and local leaders
Government tax associated with the trip.
Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations. Learn More
I am the founder of a leading high end, full service DMC in Addis Ababa covering the Horn of Africa.
You can chat with Molla once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1
Addis Ababa
Day 1-2
Detailed itinerary Day 1: Arrivals at Addis Ababa airport, Met by our staff transfer to Hotel After breakfast, drive to visit the National Museum, where you see the famous fossil Lucy, who is 3.2 million years old; visit the Ethnographic Museum, visit Entoto St. Mary Museum, St.Trinity Cathedral church, and Merkato market, the largest open-air market in Africa. SIGHTSEEING The National Museum of Ethiopia Holy Trinity Cathedral Ethnographic Museum of Ethiopia Merkato Open Air Market Overnight Stay at Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel or Similar, Addis Ababa.
2
Semera
Day 2-3
Day 02: Fly Addis Ababa - Semera, Drive to Lake Afdera then Erta Ale After a short flight to Semera, Drive to lake Afdera. Lake Afdera is a hypersaline endorheic lake situated at 112 m below sea-level in the Danakil Depression. The Danakil Depression is located in the northern part of the Ethiopian Afar and features an advanced stage of continental rifting. After lunch, drive to Dodom(Askoma) where the car parks, Trek from Askoma to the new Erta Ale which takes about 3 hrs. It is a 9 km trek from Askoma to Erta Ale.New Erta Ale ranks as one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. New Erta Ale is part of the world’s only permanent lava lake and you will spend an unforgettable night on the top of the mountain. The magma flow moved 3.5 kms south from old Erta Ale to the New eruption point Now there are 2 small volcanic cones like 3-4m in diameter that spit lava that the situation is changing each day. Highlights: Lake Afdera Hiking for 3-4 hours(8km) Erta Ale magma flow Overnight camping at the dom, Erta Ale
3
Dallol
Day 3-4
We start the early morning walk down to Askoma, shortly after breakfast, drive to Hamedela (150 meters) at the base of the new Erta Ale. The 80 km distance may take about 6 hrs passing through a changing landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand and the occasional palm lined oasis. You pass several small hamlets scattered here and there in this desert land, Highlights Camel caravan(near Hamedela) except friday(Jumma or holyday) Sunset of lake asaele. Overnight camping at Hamedela, Hamedela.
4
Abala
Day 4-5
Driving to Ragad (Asebo), Early morning drive to Dalol, The place where the salts are mined. Observe the breaking of the salt from the ground, cutting into rectangular pieces and loading on camels. You drive ahead to Dallol (-130 m) and visit the different landscape formed by volcanic activity, Dallol + Lake Assal (-130 m) + camel caravans (No camel caravan in July, August, early September and Friday muslim holiday). Excursion to Dallol (116 metre below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world) , colourful salts mining, visit Lake Assal, follow up camel caravans and walk with the Afar people.drive back to Abala via Berhale (639 meters above sea level). Highlights: Asabo salt mining Colour lake or Dallol Salt mountain Potash lake Berhale salt composition Camel caravan except friday(Jumma or holyday) Overnight Camping at Abala, Abala
5
Semera
Day 5
Drive to Semera and fly to Addis Ababa - Home Early morning you will rise with the sun with time to walk around town Abala and drive to . The main pit-crater 613 meters above sea level, 200 m deep and 350 m across, is sub-circular and three storied. You will reach the latest at 10:30 am at the camp and after some time to relax you will drive to Semera to fly Semera-Addis and fly home. Highlights: Lake Afdera
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel & Camping & Bed & Breakfast & Other
5 days trip
Addis Ababa, Semera & 3 more
Transportation
Plane, Car
What's excluded?
Video recording fee;
Tips for Service Providers;
Alcoholic Expenses;
what is NOT included on the “Include"
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Ethiopia
Extreme geological wonder 
Demostic flights if fly with ET INT 
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15 Countries
3 Trips Completed
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Have A Question?
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