Our years of experience and extensive network of local partners can help you build your dream trip from the endless possibilities of Ethiopia. We’ll talk through your ideas, give you some suggestions, set it all up and advise on travel, kit and preparation, so that you get the Ethiopian adventure you’ve always wanted.
Danakil Depression Tours
Transportation
Flight and Drive
Duration
5 Days/ 4 Nights
Accommodation
Lodges and Camping
The Danakil Depression formed from the continental drift of the African and Asian tectonic plates. As the plates drifted apart at a rate of 1-2 cm per year, they leave behind a geological depression, known as the Danakil Depression (or Afar Depression). The Danakil Depression sits at the triple junction between three tectonic plates. The Afar Depression spans Djibouti, Eritrea, and the Afar region of Ethiopia. The Northern part of this depression is the Danakil Depression, which sits more than 100m below sea level and contains some of the world’s most extraterrestrial landscapes. Dalloll, Characterized by bright, multi-colored springs, fissures, and geysers, and with average annual temperatures of 35°C (95°F), Dallol is one of the most visually compelling and geologically fascinating destinations on Earth. Beyond its fascinating geology, the Danakil holds the keys to some of biology’s most profound questions. In 1974, researchers found the remains of ‘Lucy’ in the Danakil Depression, an early ancestor of modern humans dating back 3.2 million years (now on display at the National Museum in Addis Ababa). The acidic springs of the Dallol Crater have attracted scientists in the search for extremophile microbes as they seek to understand the origins of life on Earth, as well as the possibilities for early-stage life on Mars.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1.
Arrival and Domestic Flight to Semera
Upon Arrival at Bole international Airport, you will be directly connected to your domestic flight to Semera. Then, you will be picked up by our representative and start your trip to the Afar region to visit the famous volcano with bubbling lava and have the possibility of experiencing the nomadic Afar tribe living in the desert. The Danakil Depression ‘begins’ here. It is one of the most spectacular regions of the world! The drive will be on a paved road, with a few stops for coffee with the locals and lunch prepared by your cook.The landscape will become drier and deserted. You will reach the village Afdera afternoon, have a stop to explore and have a coffee with the locals. Then continue the journey to Lake Afdera and the campsite. As the sun is setting, go for a swim, floating on the surface of the salt lake and enjoying the nearby hot springs, experiencing an incredible view. Overnight camping at Afdera.
Day 2.
Dallol
After a delicious early breakfast, you will drive to Dallol ('a colorful place') via Asebo ('the salt desert'), where the Afar people mine salt, cut it into rectangular pieces and load it onto camels. The caravans start from here. Dallol Depression is officially listed as the hottest place on earth, with an average temperature of 34-35 °C. Much of this vast and practically unpopulated region lies below sea level, dipping to a frazzled nadir of -116m at Dallol, near Lake Asale, the lowest spot on the African continent and one of the driest and most tectonically active areas on the planet. Continue driving ahead to Dallol and stroll through the different landscapes formed by volcanic activity. This is a yellow moon-like kingdom of spectacular creations. Overnight camping at Dallol
Day 3.
Proceed to Erta Ale
After breakfast, it is a 70 km drive on sandy ground and over cold lava rocks. On the way you will see the salt miners, the local Afar people. They pump saltwater over the surface and let it evaporate to create a salt crust. Lunch will be served in Dodom village. Here you have to show permission to climb Erta Ale ('the smoking mountain'), get the needed camels for transporting the goods and more scouts. Dinner will be served at 5-ish since you have to start trekking up to the volcano around 6-7 pm. Dodom is approximately 8.5km away from Erta Ale and this stretch will take about 3 hours to walk. Camels transport all the camping materials and some food to the rim of the volcano, where you will spend the night watching the dramatic actions of the boiling lava. Overnight camping at Erta Ale
Day 4.
Erta Ale to Semera
Today we leave the Afar region and drive towards Semera. You will reach Semera late afternoon, check in to your hotel and spend the night. Overnight stay at Kuriftu Lodge or similar, Semera.
Day 5.
Fly Back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Semera Airport and take a domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Then, the tour ends with a drop off at Bole International Airport.
