4-Day Tour Danakil Depression from Mekelle

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Addis Ababa to Mekelle – Drive to Ahmed Ela

Addis Ababa to Mekelle – Drive to Ahmed Ela
Morning 6:00 AM: Early flight from Addis Ababa to Mekelle (~1 hour).
7:30 AM: Arrive at Mekelle Airport and meet your local tour guide.
8:30 AM: Begin the scenic drive to Ahmed Ela village (~6-7 hours), the starting point for Danakil Depression explorations.
Midday
12:30 PM: Stop for lunch at a small town en route, usually Berhale.
Observe the transition from highlands to the arid desert landscape.
Afternoon
3:30 PM: Arrive in Ahmed Ela and check into a basic campsite or guesthouse.
Explore the surroundings and watch camel caravans transporting salt from the salt pans.
Evening 6:30 PM: Dinner under the stars at the campsite.
Overnight: Ahmed Ela campsite or simple accommodation.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Salt Flats and Dallol Volcano

Salt Flats and Dallol Volcano
Morning
5:30 AM: Early breakfast to beat the desert heat.
6:00 AM: Visit the vast salt flats where workers cut and transport salt blocks.
Learn about the traditional salt extraction process and observe camel caravans.
Midday

12:30 PM: Lunch at the Ahmed Ela campsite.
Afternoon
2:00 PM: Drive to Dallol, the lowest point in the Danakil Depression (~130m below sea level).
Explore Dallol’s colorful landscapes, featuring neon sulfur pools, salt formations, and volcanic chimneys.
Marvel at the alien-like environment and take photos of this surreal landscape.
Evening
6:30 PM: Return to Ahmed Ela for dinner.
Overnight: Ahmed Ela campsite or basic accommodation.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Erta Ale Volcano Adventure

Erta Ale Volcano Adventure
Morning

6:00 AM: Depart Ahmed Ela after breakfast and drive to Dodom village (~5 hours).
Dodom is the base camp for trekking to Erta Ale Volcano.
Midday

12:30 PM: Lunch at Dodom and brief rest before starting the trek.
Afternoon

3:30 PM: Begin the trek to Erta Ale Volcano (~3-4 hours, moderate).
Hike through rocky terrain with your guide and camel caravan carrying supplies.
Arrive at the summit in time to see the volcanic crater’s glowing lava lake.
Evening

6:30 PM: Watch the mesmerizing lava lake after sunset.
Overnight camping on the rim of the volcano (basic facilities).

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Descend Erta Ale – Return to Mekelle

Descend Erta Ale – Return to Mekelle
Morning 5:30 AM: Early descent from the volcano (~3-4 hours).
9:00 AM: Arrive at Dodom for breakfast.
10:00 AM: Drive back to Mekelle (~6 hours).
Midday 12:30 PM: Stop for lunch en route.
Afternoon 4:00 PM: Arrive in Mekelle and transfer to the airport.
5:30 PM: Flight back to Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.