Itinerary

1. Day 1: Mekele to Hamed Ela via Berhale

   • Here begins the Danakil Depression. It is one of the most inhospitable regions of the world but is nonetheless spectacular, full of eye-catching colours, as 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 the camel caravan stop before they proceed to the northern highlands. Enroute see many long camel caravans coming to the salt mine and others going out of the Danakil with their salt loaded camels. A 3-4 hrs drive to Camp Hamed Ela. 

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

   Sunset at Dallol.

   Overnight camping at Hamed Ela.

2. Day 2: Morning Drive to Ragad (Asebo)

   • Morning Drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the localities are mining salt. 

   • Look at the activity of breaking the salt from the ground, cutting into rectangular pieces and loading on camels. 

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

   • Excursion to Dallol (116 meters below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world) colourful salt mines, visit Lake Assal, follow up camel caravans and walk with the Afar people. 

   • Drive back to Hamedela and proceed to Mekele.