Danakil Depression Tours – 9 Days

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our representatives and transferred to Harmony Hotel. After a relaxing morning and lunch at the hotel, begin your city exploration:

• National Museum: See the famous 3.2-million-year-old hominid “Lucy”

• Ethnological Museum: Housed in Haile Selassie’s former palace

• Holy Trinity Cathedral: A resting place for emperors and patriots

• Entoto Mountain: Panoramic city views at 3,200 meters altitude
  Overnight: Harmony Hotel (L, D)

• Revisit the National Museum for deeper insight into Ethiopia’s archaeological heritage

• Visit St. George Cathedral, built in 1896 to commemorate the Battle of Adwa

• Tour Holy Trinity Cathedral, the largest Orthodox cathedral in Ethiopia

• Experience Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa
  Overnight: Hotel of your choice (B, L, D)

Fly to Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region. Upon arrival, meet your overland team and explore:

• Emperor Yohannes IV’s Castle

• Martyrs’ Memorial Museum, honoring those who fought against the Derg regime
  Overnight: Axum/Abraha Castle Hotel, Mekelle (B, L, D)

Drive to Hamed Ela via Berhale. At Berhale, register and acquire permits with the local administration, police, and guides. Enter the Danakil Depression, characterized by salt flats, active volcanoes, and extreme heat. Visit:

• Lake Assale for traditional salt extraction

• Observe camel caravans transporting salt
  Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela (B, L, D)

Excursion to Dallol (116m below sea level):

• Witness colorful hydrothermal deposits, sulfur springs, and salt formations

• Visit Lake Assale

• Walk with Afar tribespeople and camel caravans

• Learn traditional salt extraction techniques used for centuries
  Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela (B, L, D)

Drive to Kusrewad, where camels are loaded for the volcano trek. Meet local militia and guides. In the late afternoon:

• Begin a 3-hour trek to Erta Ale Volcano (613m)

• View the molten lava lake, one of only five in the world
  Overnight: Camping on the summit of Erta Ale (B, L, D)

Descend from the volcano in the early morning. After breakfast at base camp:

• Drive back through Kusrewad and Berhale

• Return to Hamed Ela for rest
  Overnight: Camping at Berhale or Hamed Ela (B, L, D)

Drive back to Mekelle, ascending into the Tigray highlands. Stop for photos and admire the stark contrast between the depression and highland terrains.
Overnight: Hotel in Mekelle (B, L, D)

Transfer to Mekelle Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Depending on your departure time:

• Free time for shopping or relaxation

• Farewell transfer to Bole International Airport for your flight home