9-DAYS DANAKIL DEPRESSION

Duration: 8 Nights/ 9 Days

Day 1: Addis Ababa-Awash

Early in the morning drive to the Eastern part of Ethiopia, we pass through Nazaret, Awash park is one of the most important in Ethiopia. The Awash River passes through a spectacular gorge. The park is home to 392 species of birds and many mammals are living there, including the Oryx, Gazelles and Antelopes. Warthogs are common sightings on this drive. Awash is the longest river in Ethiopia, one that has long been exploited for centuries and empties into Lake Abbe on the border with Djibouti.  The day is dedicated to visit the park and its surroundings. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 02: Awash –Asayita

Before heading to Assaïta a city in the region of Afar we will visit the hot springs on the way. In striking contrast to the dry climate that affects the rest of the area, the hot springs of Filwoha meaning “Hot Water” in Amharic appear like a heavenly oasis. The turquoise water of the natural swimming pools at 38° C. Overnight saty on reserved hotel

Day 3: Afar triangle

Continue to Lake Asal and Lakae Afdera, which is the salt lake from which the pastoral Afar extract salts, an important deposit, some of which reach 2km thick. These few salty lakes led to the creation of one of the most hostil environments on the planet. Overnight camping (Afdera)

Day 4: The Erta Ale Volcano

Amoderate hike after dark to reach the summit crater and observe the eruption in progress which boasts one of the world continuously active lava lakes, Located the heart of the great African Rift Valley, the Erta Ale Volcano is an exceptional site despite difficulty to access it. Indeed, it lies in the middle of an inhospitable desert: the Danakil, amid a surreal landscape of fissures, faults, and a boiling lake of lava. The Danakil Depression is hostile desert and named the cruelest place on earth. The peak of the volcano is occupied by a large oval caldera 1.8KM length, filled with many recent basaltic flows.Overnight Camping-Erta Ale

Day 5: Erta Ale Ahmedila

Departure to the Dallol volcano to visit the colorful and crystallized spot, the ghost village abandoned in the 1940’s, when the potash mine exploitation came to an end. In the afternoon, we would explore numerous and staggering canons which cut the western extreme of Dallol. Overnight Camping-Ahmedila

Day 6: Ahmedila – Dallol – Mekelle

Dallol is found in the Danakil Depression close to the Eritrean border.  Situated 100KM undersea level in the middle of desert of salt, it is one of the hottest regions on Earth. The temperature, more than 50⁰C, under tree shade. This important volcanic zone is characterized by emissions of fume roles. This hot water moves up toward the surface and through the evaporate deposits, dissolving salt, potash and other soluble minerals. As a least visited place, the site is still intact. Drive to Mekelle. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 7: Mekele

Visit the fresh and clean Mekelle the capital city of Tigriyan people yet to discover the castle of King Yohannes IV, notable land marks include the churches Enda Gabir, Enda Yesus Mekelle Bete Mengist, Mekelle Iyesus, Mekelle Maryam, Mekelle Selassie, and Mekelle Tekle Haymanot. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 8: Mekele-Kombolcha

Drive to Kombolcha on the way visit Amhara people culture, magnificent views of Haik Estifanos monastery which womens are forbidden to enter. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 9: Departure

Drive back to the capital city Addis Ababa; get a little rest at Hotel. In the evening a welfare dinner held in the magnificent Traditional Restaurant of the city and after a pleasant drop down to Airport.

• Note: The above program can be adjusted according to your time, Budget and interest.