2-Day Danakil Depression Tour from Mekele with Dallol and Salt Mines

• Here begins the Danakil Depression, one of the most inhospitable regions in the world, yet nonetheless spectacular and full of eye-catching colours, especially in the sulfur springs. The desert has several points lying more than 100 meters (328 ft) below sea level.

• Pass through the small town of Berhale, where camel caravans stop before proceeding to the northern highlands. En route, see many long camel caravans coming to the salt mine and others leaving the Danakil with their camels loaded with salt. Continue on a 3-4 hour drive to Camp Hamed Ela.

• Reach Hamad Ela, a village with a total population of about 500 people.

Enjoy sunset at Dallol.

Overnight camping at Hamed Ela.

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

• Observe the activity of breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels.

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

• Take an excursion to Dallol, 116 meters below sea level and one of the lowest places in the world, to see the colourful salt mines, visit Lake Assal, follow camel caravans, and walk with the Afar people.

• Drive back to Hamedela and proceed to Mekele.