4-Day Visiting Danakil Depression

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Addis Ababa to Mekelle – Drive to Ahmed Ela

Addis Ababa to Mekelle – Drive to Ahmed Ela, flight from Addis Ababa to Mekelle (~1 hour). You'll arrive at Mekelle Airport and meet your local tour guide. You will have a game drive and a walking safari.
You'll begin the drive to Ahmed Ela village (~6-7 hours), the starting point for Danakil Depression explorations.
Midday: You'll stop for lunch at a small town en route, usually Berhale. You'll observe the transition from highlands to the arid desert landscape.
You'll arrive in Ahmed Ela and check into a campsite or guesthouse.
You'll explore the surroundings and watch camel caravans transporting salt from the salt pans.
Overnight stay: Ahmed Ela campsite or simple accommodation.
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Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Salt Flats and Dallol Volcano

Salt Flats and Dallol Volcano
Morning
5:30 AM: You'll have an early breakfast to beat the desert heat.
6:00 AM: You'll visit the vast salt flats where workers cut and transport salt blocks.
You'll learn about the traditional salt extraction process and observe camel caravans.
Midday

12:30 PM: You'll have lunch at the Ahmed Ela campsite.
Afternoon
2:00 PM: You'll drive to Dallol, the lowest point in the Danakil Depression (~130m below sea level).
You'll explore Dallol’s colorful landscapes, featuring neon sulfur pools, salt formations, and volcanic chimneys.
You'll marvel at the alien-like environment and take photos of this surreal landscape.
Evening
6:30 PM: You'll return to Ahmed Ela for dinner.
Overnight stay: Ahmed Ela campsite or basic accommodation.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Erta Ale Volcano Adventure

Morning
6:00 AM: You'll depart Ahmed Ela after breakfast and drive to Dodom village (~5 hours).
Dodom is the base camp for trekking to Erta Ale Volcano.

Midday
12:30 PM: Lunch at Dodom and a brief rest before starting the trek.

Afternoon
3:30 PM: You'll begin the trek to Erta Ale Volcano (~3-4 hours, moderate).
You'll hike through rocky terrain with your guide and camel caravan carrying supplies.
You'll arrive at the summit in time to see the volcanic crater’s glowing lava lake.

Evening
6:30 PM: You'll enjoy watching the mesmerizing lava lake after sunset.
Overnight camping on the rim of the volcano (basic facilities).

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Erta Ale – Return to Mekelle

Morning
5:30 AM: You'll have an early descent from the volcano (~3-4 hours).
9:00 AM: You'll arrive at Dodom for breakfast.
10:00 AM: You'll drive back to Mekelle (~6 hours).

Midday
12:30 PM: You'll stop for lunch en route.

Afternoon
4:00 PM: You'll arrive in Mekelle and transfer to the airport.
5:30 PM: Flight back to Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.