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Danakil Depression
4 days
T2 trails / no difficulty markings
Distance: 0 - 10 km per day
250 -500 ascent per day
> Visit Lake Asale to see the sunset
> Admire some local Tigrean and Afar tribes’ villages
> Camp on the crater rim, above the active lava lake
The Danakil Depression, in the northeastern corner of Ethiopia, has the distinction of being the hottest place on earth, with recorded temperatures of 51 degrees celsius. It’s sometimes called “the gateway to Hell.” The area is a geological depression, near the Horn of Africa and is also a part of the Great Rift Valley. In this region you will find the lava lake in the Erta Ale volcano, which is one of only 4 living lava lakes in the world. Moreover, this region is well known as one of the cradles of hominids, and contains the site of Hadar, where Lucy, the fossilized specimen of Australopithecus afarensis was found. If you are looking for a unique experience, search no further. This trek will take you to one of the most incredible places on earth.
Itinerary
Day
1
Mekele and drive to Hamdela, beginning the tour to Danakil Desert
In the morning we drive 260 km via Berhale we reach Hamadella, which is called “base camp” located in the desert and only 25km away from Dallol. We have lunch on the way and stop at some places where you can enjoy a very impressive view and you meet the first camel caravans. In Berhale we stop to finalize paper process with administer. On arrival in Hamadella we proceed to Lake Asale to see the spectacular view of the sunset reflection. We spend the 1st night on local afar-beds, open air under the stars or in a wooden cottage. On the way you will also admire some local Tigrean and Afar tribes’ village and camel caravan carrying the salt bars to transport it to the nearest local town.
Lake Asale
Day
2
Hamed Ela – Dodome – Erta Ale
In the morning drive to Dodome. Here we will arrange camels to transport your luggage and water, and then you will start hiking to the Erta Ale Volcanic hills (613 meters above sea level) which is 15km one way, 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.
Erta Ale
Day
3
Erta Ale - Dodom - Hamed Ela
From here we descend around early morning in the direction Dodom, which we will reach after 2hours. Here breakfast will be served and you have some time to relax. We start our drive to Hamed Ale, our next destination is 7 hours away. Lunch is served en route, we reach Hamed Ale around 4:30pm, a bigger village with a total population about 500. Lake Asala (lake ‘Red Mountain’) a huge salt lake-is in walking distance, where we take a deep breath and a wine or beer for sunset, taking in the many reflections. Our tonight camp is in Hamed Ale.
Hamed ela
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