Tour overview

Bubbling volcanoes light up the night sky, sulfurous mounds of yellow contort into other-worldly shapes, and mirages of camels’ cross lakes of salt. Lying 100m and more below sea level, the Danakil Depression is about the hottest and most inhospitable place on earth. In fact, it’s so surreal that it doesn’t feel like part of the earth at all. If you want genuine, raw adventure, few corners of the globe can match this overwhelming wilderness. But come prepared because with temperatures frequently saying hello to
50°C and appalling ‘roads’, visiting this region is more an expedition than a tour.

Day 1

Drive from Mekele to Hamed Ila via Berehale, where you will pick up police scouts, road guides, and permits for the Afar region. From Berehale, proceed driving to Hamed Ila. Today you will most certainly see the large camel caravans along the way, carrying salt from the salt lake to Mekele for sale. Overnight camping in Hamed Ila.

Day 2

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. At the end of the day, return to Hamed Ila for overnight camping.

Day 3

From Hamed Ila, return to Mekele via Berehale.