DANAKIL DESERT AND BEYOND

The Danakil Depression, part of the homeland of the Afar people in in North-Eastern Ethiopia, is a desert basin which lies in the Danakil Desert. It lies up to 100 m below sea level as a result of tectonic activity caused by plate movements, which also cause the presence of many volcanoes in the region, including Erta Ale and the Dabbahu Volcano. Daytime temperatures in the Danakil can reach upwards of 40 degrees - it has perhaps the most extreme climate in Ethiopia, if not the world.
North Expeditions can organise expeditions to the Danakil Depression from Addis Ababa or from any other city in Northern Ethiopia. The sample expedition below begins and ends in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray region and the closest major city to the Danakil.

The expedition begins in a convoy of two 4x4 vehicles, each vehicle driven by an experienced driver with whom North Expeditions have a long and reliable working relationship. During the drive, we have the opportunity to visit the nomadic way of life of the people of afar, and to encounter the salt caravans that traverse the highlands of Tigray. We overnight at Hamedelle campsite.

This will be a round trip. After an early breakfast, we drive to Dallol to visit the colourful sulphuric formations and salt deposits. We return to Hamedelle, the hottest inhabited settlement on the planet, before midday (to avoid driving in the very strong sun), and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch in Hamedelle. Overnight at Hamedelle campsite.

We start early to drive to Siroat, where we meet our expert local guides. From there we travel by 4x4 to a base camp within reach of the volcano, where we eat dinner. At nightfall, when the hot daytime temperatures have fallen, we begin the camel trek (3-4 hours) to the top of the volcano, where we camp and enjoy a picnic dinner in the moonlight.

Before sunrise (to avoid the hot daytime sun), we descend the volcano, returning the vehicle in the early morning. Drive to Hamedelle, from where we recommend a beautiful camping site next to a fresh spring beyond Hamedelle. (Accommodation at the campsite in Hamedelle is an alternative if requested)

Return from Hamedelle to Mekelle, arriving in Mekelle around mid-day to enjoy a final freshly prepared lunch.