Danakil Depression

Embark on a 3-day adventure to the Danakil Depression, one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions in Ethiopia. See the Erta Ale volcano, the mythical Lake Giulietti, and the salt flats where the Afar people obtain salt by evaporating the water of the lake. Day 1: Addis Ababa to Erta Ale Start your day with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera. Drive to Erta Ale, which means "smoky mountain" in the Afar language. Erta Ale is an active volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km square caldera at its summit. It contains the world’s only permanent lava lake. After a short break, trek up to Ertale. Vehicles will transport all the camping materials and food to the rim of the volcano, where you will spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Day 2: Erta Ale to Hamedela Wake up early to see the sunrise at the northern pit crater. Walk 5 minutes to the southern and central pits. The main pit crater is 200 m deep and 350 m across, and the smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. Descend from Erta Ale around 9 am and leave back to Dodom after an early breakfast. Reach the camp by 10:30 and relax. Drive to reach the mythical Lake Giulietti, a saltwater lake located more than 100 meters below sea level, in one of the deepest depressions of the planet. Visit the salt flats where the Afar people obtain salt by evaporating the water of the lake. Continue to Erbiti and proceed to Abaala/ Hamed ela. Spend the night at Hamedela. Day 3: Hamedela to Semera Drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the localities are mining salt. Watch the activity of workers breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it on camels. Drive ahead to Dallol and visit the different landscape formed by volcanic activity, Dallol, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Excursion to Dallol, one of the lowest places in the world, and see the colorful salts mining. Visit Lake Assal, follow up camel caravans. Drive to Mekelle. Fly back to Addis Ababa.

Explore the Danakil Depression begins in Semara city the capital of the Afar region which is accessible by air from Addis Ababa from Semera, you are driven to Lake Afdera, which is a salt rock at the centre of the Danakil Depression At Afdera you will enjoy hot springs and then head to Dodom village at the base of Erta Ale, from where you travel to the rim of the volcano on the back of a camel. With all your sleeping materials ready to doze off when you are tired, you will spend the night being awed by the lava bubbling underneath. On the second day of your visit, you will be driven to Hamad Ela village where you will see caravans of camels plus the picturesque sunset from Assale Salt Lake. Heading to Dallol district, you will enjoy some of the most visually fascinating scenes of the area including the Dallol Sulphur Lake as well as colourful hot springs On the third day of your excursion you will head back to Lake Afdera and then Semera city, once again enjoying the unique scenes of the area

Day 1: Semera - Afdera - Erta Ale Your guide and driver will pick you up from Semera Airport and drive you to the Erta Ale Base Camp. Along the way, we will stop for a lunch break in the town of Afdera, which is known for its proximity to the Salt Lake, where you can swim and float. Afterward, we will continue with a relaxed and leisurely drive to the Erta Ale Base Camp. You will spend the night camping near the Erta Ale volcano. Day 2: Erta Ale - Lake Asale Starting at 8:30 AM, you will depart from the base camp in ErtaAle. By 4:00 PM, you will arrive in Hamedela. From there, you will proceed to Lake Asale salt flats to enjoy a breathtaking sunset and observe splendid camel caravans transporting salt from lake Asale. Overnight camping will be in Hamedela. Day 3: Dallol - Semera On this day, you will visit the colorful Dallol mountain, observe camel caravans, explore the Lake Asale salt flats, witness traditional salt excavating methods, see sulfuric acid ponds, and have the opportunity to swim in the Salt Lake. Finally, we will drive back to Semera, arriving at the airport at 4:00 P.M.

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. 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).

Day 1: Semera - Afdera - Erta Ale At 8:00 AM, our guide and driver will pick you up from Semera Airport and drive you to the Erta Ale Base Camp. Along the way, we will take a lunch break in the town of Afdera, known for its proximity to the Salt Lake where you can swim and float. Afterward, we will continue with a relaxed and leisurely drive to the Erta Ale Base Camp. Overnight camping will be near Erta Ale Volcano. Day 2: Erta Ale - Lake Asale Starting at 8:30 AM, you will depart from the base camp in Erta Ale. By 4:00 PM, you will arrive in Hamedela. From there, you will proceed to Lake Asale salt flats to enjoy a breathtaking sunset and observe splendid camel caravans transporting salt from Lake Asale. Overnight camping will be in Hamedela. Day 3: Dallol - Semera or drive to Mekele On this day, you will visit the colorful Dallol mountain, observe camel caravans, explore the Lake Asale salt flats, witness traditional salt excavating methods, see sulfuric acid ponds, and have the opportunity to swim in Salt Lake. Finally, we will drive back to Semera airport arriving at 4:00 PM. This concludes the tour.

Day 1 – Addis Ababa On arrival at Bole Int Airport, the Aman Ethiopia Tours team will meet you & transfer you to your hotel then later start Exploring Addis Ababa. Visit the various museums, including the National Museum where you’ll discover ‘Lucy’, the fossilized skeleton of an ancient human ancestor dating back 3.2 million years who changed our understanding of human evolution. Heading to the Mercato market, the largest open-air market in Africa, and experience a traditional coffee ceremony. Discover what Haile Selassie and Sylvia Pankhurst have in common at the copper-domed Holy Trinity Cathedral. See why the European Council on Tourism and Trade named Ethiopia its number-one place to visit in 2015.

Day 1.Starting 9:00 Am from Semera or Mekele Airport Drive to the place where you'll witness the extraordinary volcanic landscapes that are unlike any other part of Ethiopia.our journey will take us through the Danakil Depression,where the temperature gradually rises as we venture further.Along the way,we'll have a lunch break at the charming Afar village of Afdera,known for its impressive salt lake. Here,you'll get a taste of the desert people's lifestyle & savor delicious local cuisine. Continuing our drive to Hamed Ela,Upon reaching Dalol,we'll take a short break to relax at the camp & perhaps enjoy some tea or coffee. Next,we'll drive to the mythical Lake a saltwater lake located more than 100 meters below sea level.This stunning location is one of the deepest depressions on the planet & offers picturesque salt flats where the Afar people extract salt by evaporating the lake's water.You'll have the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset,swim in the floating salt lake & admire the vibrant red salt mountains.Our drivers will even add to the fun with music,dancing & jumping around. Afterward,we'll return to the camp, where our talented chefs will serve a delicious dinner with tea & coffee.You'll have the chance to sleep under the stars on comfortable wooden beds with mattresses & sheets,creating a truly unforgettable experience. Day 2.we'll start early Our journey will then take us to Dallol,being 116 meters below sea level,is one of the lowest places in the world & its colorful salts mining & the mesmerizing view of Lake Assal during sunrise & sunset are truly captivating,the sulfure springs,the lowest point on Earth & also explore the salt mountains,Sulfer lake & hot springs,Afterward,we'll drive back to the camp for breakfast before heading to Erta Ale, a shield volcano with a massive caldera & the world's only permanent lava lake.This natural wonder reaches a height of 613 meters has a lava lake,one of only five in the world,at its summit. You'll have the chance to trek up to the volcano cone & witness the dramatic action of boiling lava.As the day comes to an end,we'll trek back down to the camp & enjoy a hearty dinner around 8:00 pm.stay over night Eartale outside enjoying the beauty full stars on the rocky camping site on the flower mattress & bed sheet or blanket will provided. Day 3.we'll wake up early to catch the sunrise at the northern pit crater & then take a short walk to explore the southern & central pits.These pits offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient geological structures, with the main pit-crater being 200 meters deep & 350 meters across. The smaller southern pit is 65 meters wide & approximately 100 meters deep.After descending back to the camp,we'll have some time to relax & have your last desert breakfst before packing up our camping gears.We'll then drive back.The last day ends between 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM,allowing you to catch a flight to Addis Ababa at 5:30 PM from either Mekele or Semera tours.simien@gmail.com

17-Day Ethiopia Tour Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Explore key landmarks and cultural sites. Day 2: Addis Ababa to Danakil Depression Drive to Ragad to witness salt mining activities. Visit Dallol's colorful landscapes, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Overnight in Hamadella. Day 3: Dallol to Erta Ale Drive to Erta Ale, home to the world's only permanent lava lake. Trek to Dodom, then camp near Erta Ale. Day 4: Erta Ale to Mekelle Watch the sunrise over the crater. After breakfast, descend and visit Lake Giulietti before heading to Mekelle for the night. Day 5: Mekelle to Gheralta Explore Tigray's rock-hewn churches, including Abrha We Ashibha and Abune Yemata Guh. Overnight in Hawzen. Day 6: Hawzen to Axum Visit the ruins of Yeha and Debre Damo Monastery before returning to Axum for the night. Day 7: Exploring Axum Discover Axum’s historical sites like the obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, and St. Mary of Zion Church. Overnight in Axum. Day 8: Axum to Simien Mountains National Park Drive to Sankaber, stopping at the park head office to register. Enjoy a short trek around the campsite. Overnight in Sankaber. Day 9: Trek from Sankaber to Gich Camp Hike to Gich Camp via Jinibar Falls, taking approximately 6 hours. Day 10: Trek from Gich to Chennek Trek to Chennek via Imet Gogo, observing stunning views and endemic wildlife. Overnight in Chennek. Day 11: Summit Ras Bwahit Trek to Ethiopia’s second-highest peak, Ras Bwahit (4,430m), then return to Chennek. Day 12: Morning Trek and Transfer to Gondar Explore Chennek in the morning, then transfer back to Gondar. Day 13: Historical Gondar Visit Fasilidas' Castle, Fasilidas Swimming Pool, and Debre Birhan Selassie Church. Overnight in Gondar. Day 14: Gondar to Bahir Dar Drive to Bahir Dar, then enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting historic monasteries and a local market. Day 15: Blue Nile Falls Visit the Blue Nile Falls in the morning, then return to Gondar for an overnight stay. Day 16: Gondar to Lalibela Fly to Lalibela and explore rock-hewn churches, including the Northwestern and Southeastern Clusters. Overnight in Lalibela. Day 17: Lalibela to Addis Ababa Attend early church services if applicable. After breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy sightseeing and overnight stay in the city. This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Ethiopia’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Semera – Afdera – Erta Ale Fly to Semera and drive to the Danakil Depression. Visit Lake Afdera, enjoy the natural hot springs, and swim in the salt lake. Continue to Dodom at the base of Erta Ale. Overnight camping on the mountain. Day 2: Erta Ale – HamadEla – Dallol – Afdera After breakfast, drive to HamadEla, visit a local village, and witness camel caravans. Explore the stunning volcanic landscapes of Dallol, Lake Assale, and the Salt Canyon. Overnight camping at Lake Afdera. Day 3: Dallol – Mekele – Gheralta Drive to Mekele, then continue to Abuna Yemata Guh. Hike up the Gheralta mountains to visit the rock-hewn church, known for its breathtaking views. Overnight at Vision Hotel in Hawzien. Day 4: Hawzien – Axum – Addis Ababa Drive to Axum, visit its UNESCO-listed heritage sites, including the ancient stelae and the Queen of Sheba’s legendary city. After lunch, fly back to Addis Ababa. Overnight at Metas Hotel. Day 5: Fly to Lalibela Early morning flight to Lalibela, where our guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, explore the breathtaking 11 rock-hewn churches. Overnight at Lal Hotel. Day 6: Lalibela – Addis Ababa After breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a city tour and later, a farewell dinner at Yod Abyssinian Cultural Restaurant before your departure.

Day1 Drive from Semera to the volcano it take about 4 hours and you will visit earta ale one of the most active volcano and camping out side a little far from the volcano The Trekking to the volcano is about 30 minutse so you have to bring trekking shoe , toure light and mask Day2 Earily morning you will clump to see the volcano for sun rise is very beautiful and you will have a breakfast at the base camp and continue driving to hamedella it takes 4 hours and after you will visit Dallol it is one of the most beautiful colures You will visit the salt lake Salt mountain Swimming pool Lake asa ale on sun set And comping in open air Day3 Earily morning you will visit sun rise and continue driving to one of the biggest salt lake its call lake afdera and you will swim there and after lunch you will continue driving to semera end the tour