Itinerary

1. Day 1: Mekele to Hamed Ela

   • Drive to Hamed Ela via Berhale. The Danakil Depression, which starts here, is one of the most inhospitable regions of the world but is nonetheless spectacular, full of eye-catching colors, as in the sulphur springs. You pass through a small town of Berhale where the camel caravans stop before they proceed to the northern highlands. (3-4 hrs drive)

   Overnight camp at Hamed Ela.

2. Day 2: Hamed Ela to Erta Ale

   • We start early, at 06:30 AM after breakfast, and drive to Dodom, which is at the base of Erta Ale. The 80 km distance may take about 6 hours to pass through changing landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand and the occasional palm lined oasis. You pass through several small hamlets scattered here and there in this desert land before reaching Dodom.

   • You will trek from Dodom to Erta Ale, the world's only permanent lava lake, which takes about 3 hrs. Have early dinner at 5 PM.

   • Upon reaching the volcano's rim, spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava.

3. Day 3: Walk around pits and craters

   • Early morning walk around the pits and craters. The main pit-crater, 200 m deep and 350 m across, is sub-circular and three-storied. The smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. 

   • By 7 AM, head back to Dodom for breakfast.  After reaching, relax for some time before driving to Hamad Ela.

   Overnight camp at Hamed Ela.

4. Day 4: Hamed Ela to Mekele

   • In the morning, drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where locals mine salt. 

   • Drive ahead to Dallol and visit the different landscapes formed by volcanic activity. 

   • Visit Lake Assal, followed by camel caravans and walk with the Afar people. 

   • Drive back to Hamed Ela and proceed to Mekele. End of the tour.