Denakil/Dallol depression has a reputation as one of the earth’s most inhospitable but interesting and outstanding place.
Located in the northeastern part of the country in Ethiopian Great Rift Valley roof with several points of below sea level; the Denakil/Dallol depression has a reputation as one of the earth’s most inhospitable but interesting and outstanding place. Temperature can hit 50c, and with its underling continental crust pulled thin, as part of the rift valley system and it’s peppered with countless colorful sulphurous springs and an astonishing quarter of Africa’s active volcanoes.
Major Adventure Activities in Ethiopia
– Hiking in the Simien mountains- Dsicover Danakil Depression- The Omo Valley- Camping and Wildlife
Danakil and Ertaale
Ethiopia\’s Danakil Desert is home to one of planet earth\’s most extreme environments and has been dubbed the \’cruellest place on Earth\’.With violent volcanoes, blistering air temperatures, gases and land masses being ripped apart by enormous planetary forces, it\’s an unlikely tourism hotspot but that\’s exactly what it\’s becoming.
In the Afar region, the huge Arabian tectonic plate is pulling away from a new rift dividing the African Plate in two. The colossal divide – which sees massive shelves under the surface of the Earth gradually separate – is causing two new \’incipient\’ plates to form, which scientists now call the Somali Plate and the Nubian Plate.
The results are tremors and volcanic activity as gaps appear along the rift – allowing lava deep inside the planet to spew to the surface.
And one bout of sightseeing includes the incredible Erta Ale volcano. As a continually erupting volcano it casts a spectacular image across the sky.Looking like a scene of biblical destruction one of its pits known as the \’gateway to hell\’
Another destination allows sightseers to take in a massive sulphuric lake. Nicknamed Yellow Lake by Africans – because of the striking colour – the phenomenon is caused by high sulphur in the volcanically active region.And nearby are incredible salt plains. With little life there – because the salt kills vegetation – it make Danakil seem even more extra-terrestrial.
Day 1 - Arrive In Addis Ababa And Transfer To Hotel And Visit The City's Highlights
Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. After clearing immigration and customs formalities, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Known as Ethiopia’s “new flower,” Addis Ababa is the gateway to this amazing adventure.
Addis Ababa is Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Addis Ababa is located 2,500m above sea level in the Entoto mountain chain, where it enjoys an excellent year-round climate, with an average temperature of 25°C. It is a vibrant, developing city that is a pleasure to explore on foot, with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa.
Depending on the time of your arrival, it may be possible to fit in an afternoon guided tour of the city, taking in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the National Museum, and the market. Overnight Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel
Day 2 - Drive To Semera, The Capital Of The Afar Region, On The Way Visit The Ethiopian Rift Valley
Semera -Afar peopler
Drive through the Rift valley system and along the way visit the beautiful Afar people and their villages, Camel Caravan along the way to Semera. We continue to drive through the Rift Valley into the Afar triangle, slowly loosing elevation. The landscape changes from savannah to steppe and half-desert, interrupted by oases from the Awash River Semera is an overgrown Afar ’ s people settlement, and also served as the administrative capital of the Afar region. In Semera you will collect the permit paper to visit the region from the regional tourist office. Overnight Local hotel
Day 3 - Drive To Afdera, Visit The Salt Lake And Excursion To The Salines
Afdera- Salt Lake and salt extraction
Drive to Afdera, visit the salt lake and the salines and excursion to the working area at the salines. Lake Afdera, a highly saline body of water and lies at an altitude of 103 meters below sea level and listed as the lowest lying in the world. Here you will visit the salt extraction of the Afar people from the lake. Overnight Camping
Day 4 - Drive Though The Flat Salt And Lava Desert To The Afar Village Of Dodom
Afdera to Dodom Village
Drive from Afdera to Dodom. At Dodum we will hire mules to transport your luggage and camping gear and then you will start walk to the Erta Ale Volcanic hills (613 meters above sea level) which is 15kms one way. You arrive at Erta Ale around mid night and walk to see the volcanic eruption. The eruption is so colorful and spectacular. At night we will camp nearby the eruption, on the crater rim above the active lava lake. Overnight Camping
Day 5 - Drive To Hamedela To Explore The Salt Mines And Camel Caravans.
Salt mines and camel caravans
Half a day visit of the Erta Ale Lava Lake throughout the day witnessing different Lava activities from varies intrusions. Get acquainted with the smoke and the changing environment around the rim of the Lava Lake. Afternoon drive to Hamed Ela and explore the different sites of Dallol region that includes the geysers and fissures of the Potash, Salt and Sulfur solutions coming out continuously and actively. Also the salt Deposit and doom is among the attraction with its age dating Camel caravan from Dallol to Mekele. Overnight Camping
Day 6 -Visit Dallol And The Salty Lake And Beautiful Landscape
Dallol
After breakfast visit the salty Lake and visit the salt workers and the merchant, then head to Dallol, which straddles the Eritrean border to the east of the Tigraian Highlands and is officially listed as the hottest and active place on the earth surface with an average temperature of 40 ‐ 45 degrees Celsius. Most of this vast and unpopulated region lies below sea level at 116 Meters. Afternoon drive to Afdera for overnight. Overnight Camping
Day 7- In The Morning drive to Semera and Transfer To Airport To Fly To Addis
Addis Ababa-Departure
On arrival in Addis, check into your hotel. This will either be on day room basis or overnight depending on your international flight times.This evening, we will arrange for a farewell dinner in a restaurant with Ethiopian music and dance, or in a good city centre restaurant.
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