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                 » Danakil Depression - AN EXITING TRIP TO THE DANAKIL AND ARTA-ALE VOLCANO  
             

The Danakil (or Dallol) Depression, which straddles the Eritrean boarder to the east of the Tigrian highlands, is officially listed as the hottest place on earth with an average temperature of 35 below sea level dipping at Dallol to -116m, the lowest land in Africa. One of the driest and most tectonically active areas on the planet, the Danakil is an areas of singular geological fascination a strange lunar landscape studded with active volcanoes, malodorous sulphur- caked hot springs, solidified black Lava flows, and vast salt- encrusted basins. More than 30 active or dormant volcanoes roughly one quarter of the African total as listed by the Smithsonian institute Global volcanism program. The most regularly visited volcanic range the Danakil is Ert Ale (sometimes spelt Ertale or Irta’ale) which is the most remarkable active volcano in Africa having hosted a permanent Lava lake for longer than 120 years, and which has been in a state of continuous eruption since 1967. The Danakil’s climatic inhospitality is mirrored by the reputation of its nomadic Afar inhabitants the Danakil remains a challenging travel destination: day time temperatures often reach above 500C. The best time to visit is the relatively cool season between November and March.

 
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, overnight in an Addis Ababa hotel. An optional city tour.
Day 2: Drive to Awash National Park. Overnight in Awash National Park camping or Genet Hotel in Awash.
Day 3: Drive to Asaita, Lunch at Mile en route. Arrive at basic hotel by about 4 p.m. Nice journey through the landscape of the Rift Valley, A chance to see wildlife and birdlife on the way.
Day 4: Continue on the Afdera. Camping overnight in the desert area of the Afar region.
Day 5: Travel on rough road relatively unexplored route to a campsite from which we trek or ride camels to the volcano. Set up main campsite with vehicle support.
Day 6: Early start towards the site of the volcano with all necessary food and water for camping overnight.
Day 7: Time to explore the area around the volcano at the group’s discretion.
Day 8: Return to main campsite
Day 9: Drive to Ahamedlea camp. Three- Four hour hard walk to the salt mining area.
Day 10: Early morning start to walk to the site of the cutting of the block of salt that will be transported by camel to Mekele. Return to Ahamedela camp the same day.
Day 11: Early morning drive to the Dallol Depression, the lowest point in Africa, Return to Ahamedela, camping overnight.
Alternative A:- on foot
It is a further 3 days walk to arrive in Berahile. A wonderful trek accompanying the salt caravan, following the river bed from Ahamedela all the way up to Berahile another 5 days walking takes you up to Mekele. There is spectacular scenery as far as the escarpment at Desae, where a car could meet the group cutting short the trip to Mekele by three days. This avoids the rather monotonous scenery through the rural out skirts of Mekele. The Trip can take either 19 Days or 16 Day to Mekele depending on the options chosen by the group. From Mekele a day is needed to fly to Addis Ababa and then a further day to fly Home. Even shorter is alternative B using 4x4 wheel vehicles all the way back to Mekele.
Alternative B:- By Vehicle
Day 11: Early morning drive to the Dallol Depression, the Lowest point on earth return to Ahamedela camp and continue driving on up to Berahile. Camp overnight at Berahile.
Day 12: Drive to Mekele to arrive at Lunchtime. Overnight in comfortable hotel.
Day 13: Fly to Addis Ababa, stay overnight in a hotel
Day 14: Transfer to Airport and fly home
Our Aim is your satisfaction, joy and happiness. So our itinerary is flexible based on your desire and time you have, for more detail don’t hesitate to contact us.

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