This itinerary offers the opportunity to visit the “classic” highlights of the Danakil Desert and, following the steps of early-day explorers, we cross the depression from South to North – the best way to really enjoy a thorough perspective of the whole region, so rich in extraordinary natural and cultural attractions.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa and city tour – overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Dessie and visit of a market – overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Drive to Semera and visit of a market – overnight in hotel
Day 4: Visit of Asayta and its weekly market – overnight in mobile tented camp near a lake rich in geo-thermal activity.
Day 5: Transfer to the base of Erta Ale volcano – overnight in mobile tented camp
Day 6: Trek up to the caldera and hikes around – overnight in mobile camp
Day 7: Trek down the volcano and transfer to the village of Ahmed Ela – overnight in mobile camp.
Day 8: Visit of the multi-coloured hill of Dallol and of the salt extraction works then transfer to an Afar village – overnight in mobile tented camp.
Day 9: Encounter with the salt caravans, then transfer to Mekellé for the late afternoon flight to Addis Abeba; in the evening international flight out.
Add two days of trekking or relaxation in Tigray, to discover its rock-hewn churches, its beautiful panoramas and its friendly people (overnight in a beautiful lodge or in a mobile tent, host of the local community)
Add the visit of Djibouti – warm sea and beautiful volcanoes
Add an extension to the holy Muslim city of Harar and to Awash National Parc
