Dallol & Erta Ale - 6 days

Dallol and Erta Ale Volcano are naturals wonders in northeastern part of Ethiopia.

Day 1

Arrive in Addis Ababa (the capital city of Ethiopia) and embark on sightseeing including the Trinity Cathedral, the National and Ethnographic museums and the Merkato (the largest open-air market in Africa). Stop for lunch at Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant for your introduction to enjera (the Ethiopian staple food). Overnight hotel.

The National Museum in Addis Ababa houses the famous 3.2 million old fossil of Lucy

Day 2

Fly to Mekele and in the remaining part of the day explore the city including the former palace of Emperor Yohannes IV of Ethiopia (r.1872-89). Overnight hotel.

Day 3

In the morning drive to Erta Ale volcano. Located in the Ethiopian Rift Valley in northeast Ethiopia, the Erta Ale volcano is the oldest semi-permanent lava lake in the world. Travelling to Erta Ale involves driving on rough road, hiking for 3 hours and staying in a basic camping ground.

Day 4

Drive out of Erta Ale. On your way to Dallol you stop at the village of Abala for overnight in a small simple guest house where you will have access to cold shower.

Day 5

Drive to Hamdella and stay in tents (close to Dallol and the salt mines).

Day 13

Visit Dallol and the salt mines. With 116 meters below sea level, Dallol is one of the lowest places on earth. Minerals transported from the interior of the earth to the surface by hot springs and the process of oxidization create constantly changing dream-like colorful landscape. In the afternoon drive to Mekele and fly to Addis. Overnight hotel.