DANAKIL LAND OF EXTREMES

Mekele/Erta Ale
On the volcano’s edge

The Danakil Depression is one of the deepest terrestrial places in the world and is located about 120 meters below sea level. This fantastic expanse with surreal landscapes extends between the Red Sea and east of the Ethiopian highlands. The numerous seismic and volcanic activities of the Rift have contributed to the formation of this unique space in the world. This hostile region is inhabited by the fearless and intrepid Afars who haul their salt caravans across these inhospitable lands. The first day of this extraordinary expedition will take you to the edges of the basaltic slopes of the fabulous Erta Ale volcano.
Bivouac at the edge of Erta Ale volcano

Erta Ale/Ahmed Ela
Ascent of the giant

The Erta Ale volcano, barely reaching 613m in height, is famous for its persistent lava lake. The caldera at the summit is known to house one, or sometimes two long-lasting lava lakes that have been active since at least 1906. Recent fissure eruptions have occurred on the northern flank of Erta Ale. To fully appreciate and witness the captivating and unparalleled spectacle of the volcano’s natural power, it is necessary to wake up very early to begin the ascent in order to reach the summit at the first light of dawn.
We will then take you to Ahmed Ela, a crucial stop on the Salt Route where you will spend the night.

Bivouac at Ahmed Ela

Afar, salt caravan

Here, you can see camel caravans crossing the desert at sunset, tirelessly transporting their precious cargo; there, salt miners extract salt bricks from the bare earth all day long, fearlessly, in extreme temperatures. For centuries, these caravaneers, all from the Afar community, have traversed one of the most hostile regions in the world to bring back salt, a commodity so common that we no longer pay attention to its vital importance. Many myths have been built around the Afars who face one of the most demanding and extreme climates on the planet.

Bivouac at Ahmed Ela

Ahmed Ela / Dallol Mekele
An explosion of colors

For the last day, for which you will wake up very early again, we allow ourselves some familiarity. “Today, you’re going to feast your eyes.” The Dallol landscape is so fantastic and colorful that painter Van Gogh seems to have lost his palette here. We invite you to a landing on another planet. You will find boiling sulfuric fields of all colors on their beds of salt. These wonderful and shimmering formations betray the permanent action of potash, iron, magnesium, iodine and sulfuric acid. You will then wander through long salt canyons with extraordinary shapes arranged in a labyrinth that testifies to immemorial geological activities. After this otherworldly journey, having explored this valley of wonders, we will return to the Tigray mountains to go back to the bustling capital of Mekele.
Night at the Axoum Hotel