Tour overview
This adventurous trip focuses on the arid north – east of the country which counts amongst its treasures the fascinating Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth. The trip starts in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia and center for the African continent. You will first visit the city’s top attractions. Then the flight takes you to Mekele, a capital city for Tigray Region and center to start a trip to explore the famous Denakil Depression. You will undertake a memorable trek to the top of the active volcano Erta Ale before discovering the alien salt landscapes of Dallol.The Danakil Depression lies between the Danakil Alps (east) and the Ethiopian Plateau (west), which were once joined until the rifting process tore them apart. The land surface is slowly sinking, and Danakil Depression will someday fill with water as a new ocean or great lake is born. But for now, the region is full of other interesting liquids.
The Danakil Depression is one of the lowest areas below sea level and is also the hottest point on Earth as far as the year-round average temperatures are considered.Known by the Afar as the “smoking mountain” and “the gateway to hell,” Erta Ale is a 2,011-foot-high constantly active basaltic shield volcano. It is one of only a handful of continuously active volcanos in the world, and a member of an even more exclusive group: volcanos with lava lakes. While there are only five known volcanos with lava lakes globally, Erta Ale often has two active lava lakes – making it a unique site. Erta Ale was discovered in 1906, making it the longest-known lava lake.Dallol has some of the most colorful landscapes on Earth. The hot magma below heats groundwater flowing in from the surrounding highlands. This hot water moves up toward the surface and through the evaporite deposits, dissolving salt, potash, and other soluble minerals. Dallol is extremely unwelcoming to inhabitation. However, a number of people have still ventured into the region for work, due to the high deposits of table salt in the area.
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Abeba Ethiopia & City Tour
Welcome to Ethiopia! Arrive at Addis Abeba Bole International Airport. Here you will be greeted by your tour guide or driver from Memento Ethiopia Tours. Then you will be transferred to hotel. If your arrival is early morning, after a leisurely morning rest and relax you will spend the afternoon on a site seeing of Addis Abeba. Established by Emperor Menelik II 1887 Addis Abeba or ‘New flower’ in Amharic, is relatively young city full of contrasts. This city tour includes, The National Museum which houses the country’s historic treasures & the famous ‘Lucy”, The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Ethiopian main cathedral and home to the remains of the last emperor: Drive up to Mount Entoto to have a panoramic view of the city and end the tour with Merkato, one of the largest open air markets in Africa.
Overnight: Addis Abeba.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Mekele & Travel to Denakil Depression & Erta Ale Active Volcano
Early this morning you will transfer to Addis Ababa airport for 1 hour flight to Mekele, a city which is center to explore the famous Denakil Depression. Today you will start discovering the Denakil depression. The depression is located in the afar region of north-east Ethiopia. It is a geological depression caused by the afar triple junction: a place where three tectonic plates on earth as well as one of the lowest places on the planet (around120 meters below sea level) join. In the morning drive (with 4x4 vehicles) to Dodom the base camp to start a 3-4 hours trekking up to the Erta Ale Volcano. You will drive through changing landscapes of solidified lava lake, rocks, sand and occasional palm lined oasis. After a short break and when the sun set start climbing up around 6pm. The Erta Ale Volcano is one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural site anywhere in Ethiopia. Spent the night on the mountain watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava.
Overnight: Top of Erta Ale Volcano.
Accommodation: Local Hut or Tent.
Day 3: Drive from Erta Ale Volcano to Dallol Depression
Rise up early this morning and walk around the volcano one more time and make morning pictures. Then walk down to the base camp. Following breakfast and short break start drive via the dessert to the village of HamadEla, a center to explore the Dallol Depression. Arrive in HamadEla late in the afternoon and visit the Camel Caravans and the beautiful sunset.
Overnight: HamadEla.
Accommodation: Local House or Tent.
Day 4: Explore Dallol Depression & Return to Mekele
Your main destination of the day is the Dallol Depression. In the morning drive to Ragad (Asebo) the place where the afar people mining salt. See the activity of breaking the salt from the ground and how they cut it into rectangular shape and loading it on camels. Continue further to the famous depression and explore the different landscapes formed by volcanic activity. Visit Lake Assale, Salt Canon and Camel Caravans. In the afternoon drive back to Mekele and transfer to hotel and relax.
Overnight: Mekele
Accommodation: Hotel.
Please Note: This 3 days and 2 night trip to Denakil depression might start first from HamadEla & finish with Erta Ale.)
Day 5: Flight Back to Addis Abeba & Return Home
Transfer to the airport to catch a fight that takes you back to Addis Abeba. Arrive in Addis in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel to rest and get settled before your night flight or you can do last minute shopping. In the evening enjoy final farewell dinner at a well-known local Ethiopian restaurant with cultural danses. Later this evening you will be transferred to Addis Abeba Bole International Airport for your return flight back home. Your vacation ends here.
