Daniel Shewalem
Danakil Depression
The Danakil Depression is an otherworldly geological wonder nestled in the northeastern part of Ethiopia. It is one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth, characterized by vast salt flats, vibrant sulfur springs, and colorful mineral deposits.
This surreal landscape is adorned with active volcanoes, lava lakes, and acid pools, creating an eerie and mesmerizing atmosphere. The Danakil Depression offers intrepid adventurers a chance to witness nature's raw power and beauty, with its alien-like terrain providing a captivating experience like no other.
Option one -> 2 Nights and 3 Days
Day 1 - Mekelle - Erta Ale
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In the morning, we drive to the Southern part of the Danakil Depression, Erta Ale. En route, we meet the local people until our Guide finishes the paperwork with the village admin. Afterward, we drive to the campsite where we leave our cars and start trekking (1.5h) to the top of Erta Ale Mountain. We spend a fantastic night time watching & taking pictures of one of the permanently active Lava Lakes on Earth, Erta Ale Volcano.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack and Dinner
Overnight - Outside/inside local huts made up of lava rocks
Day 3 - HamadEla - Dallol - Mekelle
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In the morning after breakfast, we start our round journey through the Depression to explore the thermo active springs, unearthly colors, several mineral patterns & acidic fluids of the Dallol Volcano, Salt Mountains (Canyons), the colorful Salt Lake of Sulfur, and the Camel Caravans & Local Salt Mining (if available). Afterwards, drive back to Mekelle where we will arrive at around 4:30 pm.
Meal plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight - Parrot Guest House Mekelle
Day 2 - Erta Ale - Lake Asale - HamadEla
Early in the morning at 5:30 am, we will have a 2nd chance of watching the lava lake during the sunrise (if interested). We trek (1.25h) back to the bottom, have breakfast and drive to HamadEla. If time permits, we drive to Afdera to swim in Lake Afrera and take a bath in natural hot spring water. After lunch, drive to HamadEla a base camp near Dallol. After a short relaxation, we continue driving to the wide white salt lake/desert, to meet Caravans (if available) heading back from the local salt mining area to the highlands and to spend the evening admiring the spectacular view of the sunset reflection on the Lake Asale/Karum.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack & Dinner
Overnight - Outside under the stars at HamadEla
Option two -> 1 Nights and 2 Days
Day 1 - Mekelle - Lake Asale - HamadEla
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The tour departs at 10 am; we pick you up from the airport/hotel/any place in Mekelle, take a short brief about the tour, and meet the group (if your tour is with the group) in MFT (Magma Flow Tours) office. Afterward, start driving heading to the Northern part of the Danakil Depression. After a short relaxation in HamadEla a base camp near Dallol, we continue driving to the wide white salt lake/desert, to meet Caravans (if available) heading back from the local salt mining area to the highlands and to spend the evening admiring the spectacular view of the sunset reflection on the Lake Asale/Karum.
Overnight - outside under the stars in HamadEla
Day 2 - HamadEla - Dallol - Mekelle
In the morning after breakfast, we start our round journey through the Depression to explore the thermo active springs, unearthly colors, several mineral patterns & acidic fluids of the Dallol Volcano, Salt Mountains (Canyons), the colorful Salt Lake of Sulfur, and the Camel Caravans & Local Salt Mining (if available). Afterward, drive back to Mekelle.
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Daniel Shewalem
Lalibela Tour
P O Box 169, Lalibela, Ethiopia
(+251) 911 054 296