Danakil Depression 4 days Tour

5.0
(5 reviews)

4 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Explore the Danakil Depression including ErtaAle and Tigray mountain churches " Abune Yemata Guh and Mariam Korkor. Join our 4-day tour combining the Danakil Depression with the ancient rock-hewn churches of the Tigray Mountains. This journey offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and historical exploration, creating a unique and unforgettable experience in Ethiopia.

What's Included

Lunch (Optional[4])
Lunch
Dinner (Optional[3])
Dinner
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast (Optional[2])
Breakfast
Domestic flights

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We always provide airport pickups for clients arriving at Semera airport. Additionally, for clients already in Semera, we offer pickups from their specified location upon request.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Semera - Erta'ale

    3 stops
  • 1
    Semera

    At 8:00 AM, our guide and driver will pick you up from Semera Airport and take you for a short coffee and juice break in town. Semera serves as the capital of the Afar Regional State. Shortly after the coffee break, you will embark on a leisurely drive to Afdera.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Lake Afrera

    Afdera serves as a prominent hub for salt production and distribution. It is situated at an impressive depth of -102 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest points in the Danakil Depression. After enjoying lunch in this town, we will glimpse the nearby salt lake before indulging in a swim and float in its saline waters. Following this refreshing experience, we will proceed to visit the renowned Erta Ale volcano.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Erta Ale

    From Lake Afdera we will continue with a relaxed and leisurely drive to Erta Ale Volcano. You will arrive at the base camp around 6:00 p.m. From there, you will embark on a 30-minute hike to the rim of the Erta Ale volcano. After ample time exploring Erta Ale, one of the few active lava lakes in the world, we will set up camp near the rim to capture stunning sunrise photos.

    12 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Ert Ale - Hamedela

    3 stops
  • 4

    Starting at 8:30 AM, you will depart from the base camp at Erta Ale. Along the way, you will see the magnificent and majestic Borele Ale Stratovolcano Mountain ranges in the distance and take a lunch break in the wilderness, surrounded by volcanic formations and sandy desert. it is 90km drive but 5 hours long.

    5 hours Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Ahmed Ela

    By 4:00 PM, you will arrive in Hamedela, a small town founded by salt miners. and once we unload the camping gear and our cook in this village we will continue to Lake Asale Salt flats.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Lake Karum

    You will experience a stunning sunset at Lake Asale (Lake Karum), where the serene waters and unique salt flats create a breathtaking and unforgettable view. Witness the magnificent scene of camel caravans transporting salt to Ahmedela town, where they will spend the night before continuing to Mekele. At Lake Asale, our tour will host a small party, and shortly before sunset, we will drive back to Ahmedela for dinner and camping.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Hamedela - Dallol - Mekele

    6 stops
  • 7
    Dallol Depression ዳሎል መታሕት

    Dallol is one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, situated 130 meters below sea level. It is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and vibrant mineral deposits.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 8
    Salt Canyon

    The salt canyons west of Mount Dallol are characterized by bizarre towers and pinnacles, creating a unique and surreal landscape.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 9
    Black Water Spring

    Bubbling springs of hypersaline water dot the landscape near Dallol, their striking black color likely attributed to dissolved potassium salts.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 10
    Gaet'ale Pond

    This saline pond is characterized by its turquoise color, a result of the minerals dissolved in the water. The pond's high temperature and salinity create a challenging environment for life, yet it supports extremophiles adapted to such harsh conditions.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 11
    Assa Ale

    Assa Ale is a vast salt flat situated 130 meters below sea level. Here, you'll witness timeless camel caravans crossing the desert to transport salt bricks made from Lake Asale. You will explore the Lake Asale salt flats and observe traditional salt excavation methods, offering a firsthand glimpse into the enduring practices of the local communities in this remarkable landscape.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 12
    Mek'ele

    After a day of breathtaking natural wonders and cultural encounters, we'll drive back to Mekele. You will arrive in Mekele around 4:30 PM and you will be transferred to a hotel of your choice.

    4 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Mek'ele - Hawzen / Tigray Mountains / - Mekele

    2 stops
  • 13
    Abune Yemata Guh Church

    Abuna Yemata Guh is an extraordinary church located in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Known for its dramatic location and remarkable history, it’s one of the most unique and adventurous destinations for travelers interested in history, religion, and trekking.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 14
    Mariam Korkor Monastery

    Mariam Korkor is another remarkable rock-hewn church located in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. It is part of a group of ancient churches carved into the mountains of the Gheralta range, known for their historical significance and stunning landscapes. Mariam Korkor, along with Daniel Korkor, is among the most famous of the Gheralta churches. These churches are known for their impressive architecture, beautiful frescoes, and the adventurous hikes required to reach them. Mariam Korkor dates back to the 6th or 7th century and is named after the Virgin Mary. Late Afternoon we will drive back to Mekele airport at 6pm you will arrive at the airport.

    3 hours Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Supplied by Great Ethiopian Tours

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Extreme Sports
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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 5 5 reviews
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