Over geological time, the northern part of the Great Rift Valley has formed a triangular basin between the Danakil dessert and the Afar plain that today holds some of the most astounding terrain in the horn of Africa. In the Danakil depression the topography sinks as low as 125m (410ft) below sea level. And within this inverted world of rock and heat, rise volcanic peaks to as high as 2500m (6200ft).

While temperature can reach 50°C, the Danakil depression is not exactly a breezy tour, rather an inhospitable environment for every living creature, including human beings. Nonetheless the Afar region is home to the Afar people, who have survived centuries by adopting a nomadic existence and local economy based on salt trading in the highlands to endure this extreme and hostile environment. 

Itinerary #1

Danakil Depression by Surface

Duration 11 Nights/12 Days

Tour Code: EAET 909 A/#1

Day 1: Arrival to Addis Ababa. Overnight Hotel

Day 2: Drive to Awash National Park to se large game and various birds. Overnight in National Park Lodge

Day 3: Drive to Semera and explore the Afar village and its Culture. Overnight Camping

Day 4: Drive to Lake Afdera. Overnight Camping

Day 5: Drive to Dodom and start trek to Erta Ale. Overnight Camping

Day 6: Drive to Waydodo. Overnight Camping

Day 7: Drive to Ahmed Ela. Overnight Camping

Day 8: Drive to Lake Asel and to Dallol and back to Ahmed Ela. Overnight Camping

Day 9: Drive to Mekele through the town of Berahile. Overnight Hotel

Day 10: Drive to Kombolcha, en route you visit Hayeke Stiphanose Monastery. Overnight Hotel

Day 11: Drive to Addis Ababa (time permitting visit Senbet Market). Overnight Hotel

Day 12: Full day city Tour of Addis Ababa, in evening, farewell dinner party and departure.

Itinerary #2

Danakil Depression by Air &Surface

Duration 5 Nights/6 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa. Overnight Hotel

Day 2: Fly Addis to Mekele and proceed to Hamedela. Overnight Camping

Day 3: Drive to Erta Ale-After you pass several small hamlets scattered here and there in this desert land. Dodom is about 17km from Erta Ale and it takes about 3 hrs trekking. Overnight Camping

Day 4: Drive Erta Ale to Hamedela. Overnight Camping

Day 5: After excursion to Dallol and Lake Asel, back to Mekele. Overnight Hotel

Day 6: Fly back to Addis, evening farewell dinner party and departure.