Mekele: 3-Days Danakil Depression Tour & "Velcano".

Explore the Erta Ale Volcano and Danakil Depression on a 3-day tour from Mekele. Witness the dramatic activity of the boiling lava and explore the surreal landscapes of Dallol.
Day 1: Mekele to Semera to Erta Ale

Begin your adventure with an early morning drive from Mekele to Semera. Upon arrival, continue towards Erta Ale, a shield volcano known as the “smoky mountain” in the Afar language. Stop at Afdera town to relax and, if conditions allow, visit the mythical Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera), a saltwater lake located more than 100 meters below sea level. The surrounding picturesque landscape and the salt flats, where the Afar people harvest salt by evaporating the lake water, make it a fascinating visit. Enjoy lunch in Afdera town.

Afterward, continue driving to Erta Ale. Following approximately 1.5 hours of driving, begin a 25-minute trek to reach the rim of the volcano, where you will spend the evening witnessing the dramatic activity of the boiling lava. After sunset, spend the night atop the mountain and later return to the base camp for dinner.

Day 2: Erta Ale Volcano to Hamed Ela

Start the day with a trek to enjoy the sunrise from the volcano. Visit the northern crater, corresponding to the main pit crater of Erta Ale.
Descend from Erta Ale around 9:00 AM, returning to Dodom after breakfast. From there, continue driving to Hamed Ela, where you will camp for the night. After breakfast, drive towards Dallol, an area known for its colorful mineral landscapes, Lake Assale, flat salt lakes, and salt canyons. This day primarily involves driving, with scenic stops along the way for sightseeing and photography. In the late afternoon, watch the sunset before returning to the village for overnight camping at Hamed Ela Camp.

Day 3: Sightseeing Danakil Depression and Drive to Mekelle

Wake up early at around 5:30 AM to catch the sunrise over the flat salt lake of Dallol. After breakfast, continue driving to explore the incredible landscapes of the Danakil Depression, including Dallol and Lake Assale.

Dallol is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders on Earth, located approximately 116 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest and hottest places on the planet. It is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes shaped by intense volcanic activity, where vibrant colors such as yellow, green, and white are created by the high concentration of minerals like sulfur, iron, and salt. Walking through Dallol feels like stepping onto another planet, with colorful hot springs, acidic ponds, salt formations, and steaming vents surrounding you.

Nearby, visit Lake Assale, a vast saltwater lake where dazzling salt flats stretch endlessly across the horizon. You will also have the opportunity to meet the local Afar people and share a coffee with them, offering an authentic cultural experience.

In the afternoon, drive back to Hamed Ela and proceed towards Mekelle, where you will spend the night at the Mekelle Libanos hotel.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.