Ethiopia Volcano Safari

Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Safari Information
  • Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
  • Duration; 4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Lodging; Lodges
  • Group Size; Minimum 1
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
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 From

From US$ 1000.00 pp sharing

Rates Information

The Above Rates should be used as a guideline only.

  • Rates are based on four people per safari
  • All rates are subject to availability
  • Rates may vary according to season
  • Lodging may change depending on your budget
  • All rates may change without notice
  • Single supplement may apply
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
Rates Exclude
  • All costs outside of the Danakil Depression including transport to/from Mekele, accommodation, meals, etc
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Camera and/or photo fees
  • Items of a personal nature
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