Ethiopia · Geological Wonders

3-Day Erta Ale and Danakil Tour from Mekelle with Afdera

3 Days Round trip from Mekele Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Descend into the rift valley, admiring stunning landscapes
02 Immerse yourself in the local community's lifestyle and culture
03 Experience a breathtaking sunset on the mesmerizing salt plain
04 Trek to Erta Ale and camp near the smoking mountain
05 Refresh yourself with a swim in Afdera's salt lake and natural spring

Embark on a 3-day tour to Hamed Ela, Erta Ale, and Afdera to see one of the most alien places on earth. Hike up Erta Ale and experience its dramatic landscape and volcano, then explore the sulfurous hot springs, acid pools, steaming fissures, and salt mountains of the Danakil Depression, a place that resembles a science fiction movie. The journey also includes time on the salt plains and a refreshing swim in Afdera's salt lake and natural spring.

Embark on a 3-day tour to Hamed Ela, Erta Ale, and Afdera to see one of the most alien places on earth.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Mekele, Afdera, Erta Ale, Dallol

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Mekelle to Hamed Ela via the Rift Valley

En route, see the beautiful landscape while descending into the rift valley.
Have a lunch break in the town of Berhale, one of the Afar towns.
Take the opportunity to see the lifestyle of the local community.
After lunch, drive to the small village of Hamed Ela, situated 7 kilometers from the salt plain and 90 meters below sea level, where you will camp for the night.
Enjoy a sunset program on the beautiful salt plain and watch the caravan camels returning from the salt plain to the highlands of Tigray.

Overnight in Hamadella, camping.

Day 02

Dallol Exploration and Trek to Erta Ale

Wake up early in the morning to go to the colourful place of Dallol.
Visit the salt mountain, the yellow pond (mineral spring), and the traditional salt mining of the Arho people and the Afar community.
Drive straight to Erta Ale, the smoking mountain, with a stop for lunch.
After reaching the base camp, make the final preparations and have dinner.
Start the trek to see the volcano.
Camp 200 meters away from the volcano and stay overnight.

Day 03

Afdera Salt Lake and Return to Mekelle

Drive to Afdera town, known for its massive salt production.
Enjoy a swimming program in the salt lake of Afdera and feel refreshed by the natural spring on the lake's side.
Have lunch served in one of the local hotels.
After lunch, drive back to Mekelle for the night.