OVERVIEW
Flight to Semera for the most unique trip to Danakil Depression to visit the Ert’ale active volcano and to admire the colorful sulfuric acid at Dallol and the sale lake of Lake Afdera.
Day 1 : Flight to Semera and drive to Ert’ale
After breakfast we will go to the airport, from where we will fly to the city of Semera. There we sit down in 4x4 jeeps, each at the window and along the asphalt road we will go to the foot of the volcano. We will drive through the Afar region, occasionally we will come across nomads with camels, small villages.
We make a stop for lunch on a salt lake. The concentration of salt there is no less than in the Dead Sea. While our chef prepares lunch, we take a dip in the lake, and then wash off the salt in a hot spring.
After lunch we will continue our way to the volcano. The asphalt is replaced by a dirt road. And on the horizon, we already see the breath of a volcano. By sunset we arrive at the camp and begin the ascent. Light trekking 40 minutes and we will reach the crater. And you will understand that all the tests were worth it.
You are on the edge of a volcano, above you the starry sky, and under you the lava river splashes and seethes. There are only a few such places in the world! At the camp, the chef has already worked on a delicious dinner
We will spend the night under the starry sky. Camping
Accommodation: camping in Ert’ale
Meals : Full board (lunch, dinner)
Day 2 : Drive to Hamed Ella
At dawn, those who wish, together with a guide, will be able to climb the volcano again and see it in daylight. The picture is impressive. After enjoying the view, we go downstairs for breakfast. After breakfast, we drive through lava fields to the small village of Hamad Ale in the hottest place on earth.
After lunch at the campsite, we will drive to the village, where hospitable Afar women will treat us to traditional coffee. Cheered up, we will go to Lake Assal. The picture that you see is impressive imagination. For tens of kilometers, the glass surface of one of the saltiest lakes in the world. We will see local "millionaires" in the extraction of salt. Further, our path lies in an unusual place - a city of salt. Yes! These are huge salt rocks in the middle of the lake. The only thing missing is the spaceship. Although, this place is often used in the filming of episodes of science fiction films.
We saw salt, the city of salt, and what is under the layer of salt? Right! Lake. After 7 meters of salt, an underground lake begins, and we will go to the part where the lake is very close to the surface. We will swim in the hot spring, which is located 116 meters below sea level. The day will culminate in one of the most unusual sunsets of your life. We return to the camp for dinner. We are resting and discussing the impressions of the passed day.
Accommodation : Camping in Hamad Ale village
Meals : Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 3 : Dallol and evening Semera
Early breakfast and we go to one of the most unusual places on the planet - Dallol volcano, which is famous for its alien landscapes.
After visiting the Colorful sulfuric acid, we head back to Semera. On the way we stop for lunch.
Accommodation : Kurifetu Hotel Semera /similar own arrangement
Meals : Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 4 : Fly back to Addis
Morning fly back to Addis and it will be end of the trip.
Meals : Breakfast
End of our services.
Our services include :
- Two nights camping at the volcano and Danakil with all camping gears
- One night room at Semera
- All entrance fee as per the itinerary in the Danakil
- English speaking guide all along the trip
- Local English speaking guide which is a must
- Meal as specified in the itinerary in the Danakil
- During camping meal on full board based at the Danakil with hot and soft drinks
- Professional cook during camping and all cook materials
- 4WD land cruiser for the Danakil, Volcano
- Support can for the cook, police, camping gears in the Danakil
- Afar elders and all fees in the Danakil
- All road taxes
Our services do not include :
- Any alcoholic drinks
- Any meal in Addis
- Domestic flight cost : Addis - Semera – Addis is USD 167/person if they use ET internationally. Otherwise the price will be USD 313/person.
- Any gratitude to guides, driver, porters
- Any personal expenses like telephone call, laundry. Etc
- What is not included in above.
- 2 nights camping at the volcano and Danakil with all camping gears
- 1 night room at Semera
Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the cradle of humanity, Ethiopia boasts diverse landscapes ranging from arid deserts to lush highlands, ancient historical sites, and vibrant cities.
Key Cities :
Addis Ababa :
Overview : The capital city and the political, cultural, and economic hub of Ethiopia.
Attractions : National Museum of Ethiopia (home to the famous fossil Lucy), Holy Trinity Cathedral, Entoto Hills, Merkato (one of Africa's largest open-air markets), and Addis Ababa Museum.
Activities : Enjoy traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, explore the nightlife, and visit local restaurants to taste authentic Ethiopian cuisine.
Lalibela :
Overview : Known for its rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Attractions : Eleven medieval monolithic cave churches carved into the rock, including the famous Church of St. George.
Activities : Explore the churches, attend religious ceremonies, and hike the surrounding areas.
Gondar :
Overview : Often referred to as the "Camelot of Africa," known for its castles and churches.
Attractions : Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), Debre Berhan Selassie Church, and the bath of Fasilides.
Activities : Explore the historical sites, and attend the Timkat festival if visiting in January.
Axum :
Overview : An ancient city known for its obelisks and as the reputed home of the Ark of the Covenant.
Attractions : The Obelisk of Axum, Church of St. Mary of Zion, and archaeological sites.
Activities : Explore the ruins, visit the museum, and learn about Ethiopia's ancient history.
Harar :
Overview : A historic city known for its old city walls and as a center of Islamic culture in Ethiopia.
Attractions : Harar Jugol (the old walled city), Rimbaud House, and the Hyena Man (nightly feeding of hyenas).
Activities : Wander through the old city, visit local markets, and experience the unique tradition of feeding hyenas.
Natural Attractions :
Simien Mountains National Park :
Overview : A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife.
Activities : Trekking, wildlife viewing (Gelada baboons, Walia ibex), and bird watching.
Danakil Depression :
Overview : One of the hottest and lowest places on earth, known for its volcanic activity and salt flats.
Activities : Visit the Erta Ale volcano, explore the salt flats, and witness the colorful Dallol hydrothermal fields.
Omo Valley :
Overview : Known for its diverse indigenous tribes and cultures.
Activities : Cultural tours to visit tribes like the Hamer, Mursi, and Dassanech, and participate in traditional ceremonies and markets.
Lake Tana :
Overview : The largest lake in Ethiopia, source of the Blue Nile.
Activities : Boat trips to visit the island monasteries, explore the Blue Nile Falls, and bird watching.
Culture and Cuisine :
Cuisine : Ethiopian cuisine is characterized by its use of injera (a sourdough flatbread) served with various stews (wot) and vegetables. Popular dishes include Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew), Tibs (sautéed meat), and Kitfo (minced raw beef).
Coffee : Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and the traditional coffee ceremony is an integral part of Ethiopian culture. Participating in or observing a coffee ceremony is a must-do activity.
Festivals : Major festivals include Timkat (Epiphany), Meskel (Finding of the True Cross), and Fasika (Ethiopian Orthodox Easter).
Travel Tips :
Best Time to Visit : The best time to visit Ethiopia is from October to April, during the dry season.
Language : Amharic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in urban areas.
Currency : Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Addis Ababa, but cash is preferred in rural areas.
Health and Safety : Malaria is prevalent in some areas, so take necessary precautions. It's advisable to drink bottled or boiled water.
Ethiopia offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers.
Flight to Semera for the most unique trip to Danakil Depression to visit the Ert’ale active volcano and to admire the colorful sulfuric acid at Dallol and the sale lake of Lake Afdera.