Short Trip to Dankakil Desert (3 days)

Day 1: Addis Ababa ✈ Mekelle – Berhale - Hammedela

We leave in the early morning from Addis Ababa by plane to Mekelle. In Mekelle we meet our driver and start our journey to Berhale. En-route we see the beautiful landscape going down to the rift valley. We enjoy a lunch break in the typical Afar town of Berhale and take the opportunity to see the lifestyle of the local community. After lunch, we drive to the small village called Hammedela, situated 7 km away from the salt plain and 90 m below sea level; our campsite for the night.
There is an amazing sunset on the salt plain and, if we are lucky, we might see a camel caravan going back from the salt plain to the high land of Tigray.

Day 2: Hamadella -Erta Ale

We wake up early in the morning to go to the colourful place of Dallol. Here we visit the salt mountain, the yellow pond (miniral spring) and the traditional salt mining by the Arho and Afar community.
When driving straight to Ertale we will see the smoking mountain. At the mountain will be our lunch break. Finally after some more hours of driving, we reach the base camp at Erta Ale, just with enough time left to prepare our dinner before sunset. Afterwards we start trekking to see the volcano crater and then reach the campsite for overnight.

Day 3: Erta Ale – Mekelle via Afdera

The next we will leave to Afdera, which is known for its massive salt production. Enjoy the swimming program in the salt lake of Afdera and feel refreshed from the natural spring situated on the side of the lake. Lunch will be served in one of the local hotels. After lunch, drive back to Mekelle for overnight.