Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Afdera Village

Early morning, your divers will pick you up in Mekele and you will proceed driving into the Danakil Depression.
Today’s journey will be mostly by asphalt road to Afdera via Abala town, where the local Afar regional police will accompany the trip.
Continue to Afdera.
Overnight camping/sleeping under the stars in Afdera village (very basic accommodations).

Day 2: Volcano

In the morning, visit Lake Afdera, a salt lake nearly 100 km2.
Here you can see the modern way of salt mining, as this place provides most of the salt for Ethiopia.
You can swim in the lake as well as the nearby hot spring.
After the visit, depart from Afdera to Erta Ale via Kursuwad.
The Erta Ale volcano has been in a constant state of eruption for over 40 years.
As the sun goes down you will start the 3-hour hike up to the crater rim of the Erta Ale volcano.
The hike may be done by camel or on foot.
At the top you will descend into the caldera and proceed to the crater’s edge.
Here you will see the permanent lava lake inside the volcano (the only permanent lava lake in the world).
Overnight on the rim of the volcano caldera in a crude hut.

Day 3: Hamed Ila Village

Today is an early morning start to witness the sun rise over the horizon.
You will have your last look at the volcano’s lake of lava before descending from the volcano.
After breakfast, return driving to Hamed Ila through the arid desert land of the Afar people.
In Hamed Ila you will see the life of the local Afar people.
You will also see the camel caravans on their way in and out from the salt lakes.
Overnight camping/sleeping under the stars in Hamed Ila village (very basic accommodations).

Day 4: Safari Ends

After breakfast, depart for Dallol, which at 116m below sea level is the lowest point on the African continent.
Admire the stunning landscape, the ground many shades of red, yellow and orange from the hot water, acids and minerals spurting up from the ground.
Continue to Lake Asale, which is the salt lake from which the Afar nomads extract salt.
You will witness (and even try) their laborious task of removing salt from the ground as hundreds of camels relax before the long trek back to Mekele.
After the visit, proceed back to Mekele, with your last views of this desert and the camel caravans dotting the horizon.

Rates Include

Minimum two (2) 4WD vehicles including driver, driver’s allowance (food and accommodation), fuel, insurance and governmental taxes
English-speaking guide
Permits to travel in Afar region
Local Afar road leaders, armed scouts, and security, as needed
All food and water while camping in the Danakil Depression
All cooking and camping materials, including cook to prepare food for entire expedition team
All other costs associated with travel in the Danakil Depression

Fasilides Bath

Now after our amazing visit to the Fasil Ghebbi Royal Enclosure we have driven a short distance away to the famous Fasilides Bath. The bath (swimming pool) is only filled once a year and plays a huge role in the spiritual lives of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians in the celebration of Epiphany on 19th January every year.

Axum Stelae Field

This amazing Stelae field is around 1700 years old and is found on the opposite side of the road from the St. Mary of Zion Church and around 2 minutes drive from the centre of town. These Stelae are believed to be the grave stones of past Aksumite Kings.

The Town Of Axum

Getting to and from The Town Of Axumis best done via aircraft from any of the surrounding tourist destinations including Addis Ababa. The town is too far North for one to travel realistically here by vehicle from Addis Ababa. From Addis Ababa, by road will take you at least 2 full days whereas a flight is only about 80 minutes.

Blue Nile Falls

The height of the falls is around the 40-metre mark and in full flood, they can span almost 700 metres. In full flood, I reckon these falls could compete with many of the more famous water falls in Africa. For those interested in birding, bring your big lenses with. The birdlife is simply amazing along the banks of this river.

Lake Tana

Lake Tana is Ethiopia's largest lake and covers some 3673 square kilometres whilst being 85 Km long and 66 km at its widest but is rather shallow at a maximum depth of only 15 metres. The lake is also reported to be the source of the Blue Nile River which drains out of the lake near Bahir Dar.

Yemrehanna Kristos

About a 90-minute drive from the town of Lalibela and driving through totally magnificent scenery one finds a church that is built inside a cave. Yemrehanna Kristos dates back to 1100 to 1200 AD period in Ethiopia's history; some say this church predates even the rock hewn churches of Lalibela itself.

Debre Birhan Selassie Church

Located in the heart of Gondar, is one of Ethiopia most beautiful churches, the famed Debre Birhan Selassie. As one enters the compound one first notices the stone wall surrounding the church grounds, again it is a good idea to walk the wall and take in those 12 amazing rock towers.

Ethiopia Volcano Safari