Danakil Depression
Volcanic landscapes and hotsprings

The Danakil Depression is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and special places in Africa. It is spectacular, full of striking colors, such as in the sulfur springs. The desert has a number of points that are more than 100 meters below sea level. The Danakil desert is one of the most inhospitable areas of the world, one of the hottest places on earth, with poorly accessible roads. There is an active volcano here and the mineral region of Dallol is absolutely worth paying a visit.

Dallol: the mineral region

Visit Dallol, the mineral region. This is the most beautiful and impressive part in Danakil Desert. The route leads through a small town of Berhale where the camel caravans stop before they head into the northern highlands. You drive to Dallol and experience the difference in landscape that is formed by volcanic activity. Dallol lies 116 meters below sea level and is one of the lowest places on earth. The colours that you see around the sulphur springs are impressive and unlike anywhere else on earth. You will pass Ragad (Åsebø), where salt is mined. Watch salt being extracted from the ground then be cut into rectangular pieces and loaded on camels. Admire Assaleer, an impressive salt flat. Follow the camel caravans of the Afar people...

The Erta Ale Volcano

You can also climb the active volcano Erta Ale. For this trip, you first reach the basecamp at the foot of the Erta Ale. From there you make a trek in the evening over the flanks of the mountain, up to the crater. You spend the night at the edge of the volcano and watch the activity of the lava. Erta Ale is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30km and 1 km2 caldera at the top. Erta Ale contains the world's only permanent lava. Unfortunately there is not much to see at the moment. Early in the morning you get up at sunrise to walk around wells and craters. You leave early for Dodom for breakfast. From there you go back or continue further. It is possible to combine visits to Dallol and Erta Ale, however the route depends on your number of days.

Our trips

Trips to Dallol always start in Mekele. The trips from Mekele to Dallol can be done in different ways, as well as the trips to Erta Ale. We offer 2-day trips from Mekele to Dallol where you will visit the Danakil Depression. Alternatively, 3-day and 4-day trips to the Danakil Depression are also possible. The 3-day and 4-day trips would be done in combination with the Erta Ale volcano.