Itinerary

1. Day 1: Addis Ababa to Mekelle

   • Pick up from Addis Ababa and travel to the city of Mekele for an overnight stay. 

2. Day 2: Berhale and Danakil Depression Tour

   • Drive to Hamad Ela via Berhale, where the Danakil Depression is said to ‘begin’. This part of northeastern Ethiopia is one of the world's hottest and most inhospitable places but is nonetheless spectacular, full of scenic landscapes and sulfur springs. 

   • The Danakil depression has several points lying more than 100 meters below sea level. 

   • Pass through a small town of Berhale where the camel caravans stop before they proceed to the northern highlands. Witness many salt mines en route, and locals coming out of the Danakil with their salt loaded camels.

   • Reach Hamedela after a 3-4 hour long drive and camp there for the night.

3. Day 2: Askoma Visit and New Erta Ale Hike

   • Have early breakfast at 6:30 am and travel to Askoma, which is at the base of the new Erta Ale volcano. On this 6 hour-long journey, pass through changing landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand and the occasional palm-lined oasis. 

   • Embark on a 9 Km Trek from Askoma to the new Erta Ale Erta, an active basaltic shield volcano. 

   • Eat early dinner at around 5 Pm

   • Continue to hike up the new Erta Ale and reach the rim of the volcano which is one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia.

   • Spend your night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Camels will transport all your camping materials and necessities along with food and water to the volcano top.

4. Day 4: Lake Afdera and Hamad Ela Tour

   • Go for early morning sunrise walks around pits and craters. 

   • Leave for Askoma base camp at 7 am to have some delicious breakfast and relax.

   • Drive to Lake Afdera, a saltwater lake located more than 100 meters below sea level. It is one of the deepest depressions on the planet and creates a picturesque landscape. The Afar people obtain the salt by evaporating the lake water. (This lake might not be accessible to visit during summer time)

   • Continue to Hamad Ela village and do overnight camp stay there.

5. Day 5: Ragad Salt Mine and Dallol Tour

   • Begin your morning by driving to Ragad, the place where the salts are mined. Observe the process of breaking the salt from the ground, being cut into rectangular pieces and then loaded onto camels.

   • Travel to Dallol and visit different landscapes formed here by volcanic activity. This is one of the lowest places in the world. Observe colourful salts mining activities and visit Lake Assal.

   • Drive to Hamad Ela and head back to Mekele from there.