The trip starts with a flight to Semera, where travelers meet their guide and drive to Erta Ale, stopping in Afdera for lunch. Upon arrival, they can take an optional hike to the Erta Ale crater. The next day, they watch the sunrise over the lava lake before driving to Dallol, passing through the desert and stopping in Ahmedela to see camel caravans.
On Day 3, they explore Dallol’s colorful geothermal pools and visit salt mines before heading to Afdera’s hot springs. The journey ends with a visit to the Allalobad geothermal site before flying back to Addis Ababa.
Day 1: Flight to Semera – Erta’ale
You will arrive at Semera Airport, where our guide will welcome you and give you a briefing about this tour and Ethiopia in general. We will then drive to Erta’ale. Along the way, we will stop for lunch at the town of Afdera, where we will have good views of the Erta Ale Volcano.
As we continue, we will drive through the desert until we reach the basalt rock formations created by lava flows. The ride will be slow and bumpy. Upon arrival at our accommodation, we will have dinner and overnight rest.
After dinner, you can take an optional 30-minute hike to the Erta Ale crater. The hike is mostly flat, but it is recommended to carry a walking stick and a torch.
Day 2: Drive from Erta’ale to Dallol
We will have breakfast while watching the sunrise over the lava lake. After breakfast, we will get into our car and drive to Dallol. The road is mostly bumpy and goes through the desert.
We will stop at a palm grove for lunch. In the afternoon, we will drive to Ahmedela, a small settlement where salt mined in the area is prepared for transportation to different processing towns. Here, you will see large camel herds and caravans. The sunset view at Ahmedela is something to look forward to as we end the day.
Day 3: Drive from Dallol to Afdera
After breakfast, we will drive to the salt domes of Dallol. This area has stunning geothermal pools. The mineral deposits in the region create colorful landscapes, making the place very beautiful. The geysers and sulfur pools are another exciting attraction to explore.
We will spend the morning exploring the unique terrain of Dallol. Later, we will drive toward Afdera, making a stop at the salt canyons. Here, you will see how the locals mine salt by hand and load it onto camels for transport. The salt depression in this area covers about 1,200 square kilometers.
We will stop for lunch at the hot springs, where you will have the option to swim or take a shower. The locals believe that the mineral-rich water is good for the skin.
Day 4: Afdera – Allalobad – Semera
After breakfast, we will drive to the Allalobad geothermal site, also known as the “Water of Allah.” In the afternoon, we will drive back to Semera for our flight to Addis Ababa.
