7 Days – The Land of Origin: Danakil Depression
Tour Overview
Erta Ale volcano is a large basaltic shield volcano located in the Erta Ale volcanic range in the central northern Danakil Depression (NE Ethiopia). It is renowned for its persistent lava lake, which has been active for most of the past few decades since its discovery in the 1960s. Though Erta Ale stands at only 613 meters high, it features gentle slopes typical of shield volcanoes and has a large base measuring 40 km in diameter. The summit is truncated by a complex, elongated caldera that measures 1700 x 600 meters, containing extensive lava flows and several pit craters. Notably, the active north and south craters currently house the lava lake. Erta Ale is one of the main attractions in the Danakil and has become a popular tour destination in recent years. However, a deadly attack on January 4, 2012, against tourists and scientists camped on the crater rim, which resulted in several fatalities, highlights the area’s political instability and potential for terrorist activity. Visitors should be aware of these risks.
Things to Do
- Beautiful Scenes Over Amhara Land: Enjoy breathtaking vistas across the Amhara region.
- owest Point on the African Continent: Visit Dallol, which lies 116 meters below sea level.
- Wildlife, Bird Watching, and Waterfalls: Experience diverse wildlife and stunning natural waterfalls.
- Salt Lake: Explore the salt lake where Afar nomads extract salt.
- Sof Omar Caves: Discover the fascinating caves known for their impressive formations.
- Active Volcano: Witness the unique features of an active volcano.
- Bright Green Lake: Visit a wonderfully vibrant green lake set against
Itinerary
Depart early from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive to observe the park's diverse birdlife and wildlife, including oryx, baboons, greater and lesser kudu, warthogs, gazelles, and colobus monkeys. With luck, you may spot leopards, lions, and other big cats. The stunning landscapes overlook the Awash Gorge. Overnight in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).
Today, drive from Awash National Park to Afdera. Lake Afdera is a vibrant green lake set against black basalt mountains, creating a stunning backdrop. Here, you can observe modern salt extraction, a traditional activity of the Afar nomads that has persisted for centuries. This salt is a primary supply for Addis Ababa. Nearby, you can relax in a hot spring. Overnight at Afdera (camping).
From Afdera, continue to Erta Ale via Kursuwad. The Erta Ale volcano has been in continuous eruption for over 40 years. As the sun sets, begin the 3-hour hike to the crater rim of Erta Ale, which can be done on foot or by camel. At the summit, descend into the caldera and approach the crater's edge to witness the permanent lava lake inside the volcano, the only one of its kind in the world. Camp overnight on the rim of the volcano caldera.
Start early to witness the sunrise over the horizon, taking a final look at the lava lake before descending from the volcano. After breakfast, continue driving to Hamed Ila for an overnight stay (camping).
After breakfast, depart for Dallol, which lies 116 meters below sea level, making it the lowest point on the African continent. Marvel at the stunning landscape, where the ground displays vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange due to hot water, acids, and minerals. Continue to Lake Asale, where Afar nomads extract salt. You will have the opportunity to witness their labor-intensive process of removing salt, with hundreds of camels resting nearby before their long trek back to Mekele. After the visit, return to Mekele, enjoying your last views of the desert and the camel caravans on the horizon. Overnight in Mekele (hotel).
Drive to Kombolcha via Woldia. Stop for a rest in Hayk, where you can enjoy views of the stunning lake, visit a local monastery (open to men only), and appreciate the local birdlife. Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).
Return to Addis Ababa via Debre Birhan. Along the way, pass the Mezezo Escarpment, where you may spot endemic Gelada baboons. If today is Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market, including the interesting camel market.
The program can be customized upon request
Explore Tours
Erta Ale volcano is a large basaltic shield volcano located in the Erta Ale volcanic range in the central northern Danakil Depression (NE Ethiopia). It is renowned for its persistent lava lake, which has been active for most of the past few decades since its discovery in the 1960s. Though Erta Ale stands at only 613 meters high, it features gentle slopes typical of shield volcanoes and has a large base measuring 40 km in diameter. The summit is truncated by a complex, elongated caldera that measures 1700 x 600 meters, containing extensive lava flows and several pit craters. Notably, the active north and south craters currently house the lava lake. Erta Ale is one of the main attractions in the Danakil and has become a popular tour destination in recent years. However, a deadly attack on January 4, 2012, against tourists and scientists camped on the crater rim, which resulted in several fatalities, highlights the area’s political instability and potential for terrorist activity. Visitors should be aware of these risks.
Things to Do
- Beautiful Scenes Over Amhara Land: Enjoy breathtaking vistas across the Amhara region.
- owest Point on the African Continent: Visit Dallol, which lies 116 meters below sea level.
- Wildlife, Bird Watching, and Waterfalls: Experience diverse wildlife and stunning natural waterfalls.
- Salt Lake: Explore the salt lake where Afar nomads extract salt.
- Sof Omar Caves: Discover the fascinating caves known for their impressive formations.
- Active Volcano: Witness the unique features of an active volcano.
- Bright Green Lake: Visit a wonderfully vibrant green lake set against
Included/Exclude
Tour Plan
Depart early from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive to observe the park's diverse birdlife and wildlife, including oryx, baboons, greater and lesser kudu, warthogs, gazelles, and colobus monkeys. With luck, you may spot leopards, lions, and other big cats. The stunning landscapes overlook the Awash Gorge. Overnight in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).
Today, drive from Awash National Park to Afdera. Lake Afdera is a vibrant green lake set against black basalt mountains, creating a stunning backdrop. Here, you can observe modern salt extraction, a traditional activity of the Afar nomads that has persisted for centuries. This salt is a primary supply for Addis Ababa. Nearby, you can relax in a hot spring. Overnight at Afdera (camping).
From Afdera, continue to Erta Ale via Kursuwad. The Erta Ale volcano has been in continuous eruption for over 40 years. As the sun sets, begin the 3-hour hike to the crater rim of Erta Ale, which can be done on foot or by camel. At the summit, descend into the caldera and approach the crater's edge to witness the permanent lava lake inside the volcano, the only one of its kind in the world. Camp overnight on the rim of the volcano caldera.
Start early to witness the sunrise over the horizon, taking a final look at the lava lake before descending from the volcano. After breakfast, continue driving to Hamed Ila for an overnight stay (camping).
After breakfast, depart for Dallol, which lies 116 meters below sea level, making it the lowest point on the African continent. Marvel at the stunning landscape, where the ground displays vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange due to hot water, acids, and minerals. Continue to Lake Asale, where Afar nomads extract salt. You will have the opportunity to witness their labor-intensive process of removing salt, with hundreds of camels resting nearby before their long trek back to Mekele. After the visit, return to Mekele, enjoying your last views of the desert and the camel caravans on the horizon. Overnight in Mekele (hotel).
Drive to Kombolcha via Woldia. Stop for a rest in Hayk, where you can enjoy views of the stunning lake, visit a local monastery (open to men only), and appreciate the local birdlife. Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).
Return to Addis Ababa via Debre Birhan. Along the way, pass the Mezezo Escarpment, where you may spot endemic Gelada baboons. If today is Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market, including the interesting camel market.
The program can be customized upon request
