Tour code: ETH_EDA
Best travel period: Nov - Feb
Grading: Moderate-Challenging

Tour character:

Expedition character: long, bumpy 4x4 transfers, possibly extremely hot temperatures in the desert, intense exposure to sand, salt and dust, very basic sleeping and washing conditions while outside established towns.

Next departures:

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Price (p.p.): ca. 3400 EUR

Included:

	Accommodation in double rooms / tents
	Full board from lunch on first day until breeakfast after last hotel night
	Drinking water
	Full camping equipment
	Private transport in 4WD vehicles
	All fees for transits, entries etc.
	Experienced driver guides and cooks
	Armed Afar guards and guides
	Internal flight from Mekele to Addis Ababa
	Professional English-speaking guide and staff
	Detailed information package

Not included:

	Flight to and from Addis Ababa
	Single room/tent supplement: 150 EUR
	Extra drinks and (if required) extra nights in Addis Ababa
	Tips for local staff

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Discounts:

For returning customers of VolcanoDiscovery, 5% discount are given on the tour price.

Arrival info:

The expedition starts and ends in Addis Ababa, but the international flight to Ethiopia is not included as default.
For European departure airports, we can included a flight ticket for you at additional cost (ca. 900 EUR) if you let us know in advance.

Physical requirements:

The walks on this tour are not particularly difficult, but you should have experience with hiking on uneven and rugged terrain. Although it is about the coolest time of the year, temperatures near Ahmed Ela and in the desert are usually around 35-40 deg (95-105 deg F), but could soar up to 45-50 deg C (120-130 deg F) in the hottest hours near Dallol.
Sanitary conditions during most part of this expedition will be very basic and you should be in excellent overall health. We ask you to consult a medical doctor about going to the Danakil prior to joining the expedition.

Equipment:

	Walking boots
	Sandals
	Sun and wind protection
	A day-backpack
	Light dressing
	One set of warm cloths
	Light summer sleeping bag
	Ski poles for hiking (optional)
	Binoculars (optional)
	Torch (flashlight) with spare batteries
	Personal hygiene articles incl. wet wipes and toilet paper
	(A detailed list will be sent to you with booking)

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Itinerary (14 days)

Day 1:	Addis Ababa - Awash In the late morning, we transfer from Addis Ababa to Awash Natl Park, already in the Rift Valley. Acc.: Guesthouse in Awash (B, L, D)
Day 2:	Awash Natl. Park - Fantale volcano, warm springs Half-day hike to the caldera rim of Fantale volcano. Acc.: as before (Awash) (B, L, D)
Day 3:	Drive to Logia Drive through the Rift Valley to the small town of Logia Acc.: Basic hotel or camping (B, L, D)
Day 4:	Drive into the Danakil - Afrera salt lake Drive to Afrera, visit the salt lake and the salines. Acc.: Basic hotel or camping (B, L, D)
Day 5:	Drive to Dodom village (base of Erta Ale) Morning excursion to the working area at the salines. 4x4 drive through the Afar desert to the base of Erta Ale volcano. Acc.: Night under the stars in camp. (B, L, D)
Day 6:	Day-time ascend to Erta Ale volcanon with camels Easy hike up to the volcano (ca. 3 hrs), accompanied by a camel caravan to carry equipment. Acc.: Improvised camp on Erta Ale (B, L, D)
Day 7-8:	Two full days to observe Erta Ale's lava lake and the caldera Acc.: as before (camp on Erta Ale) (B, L, D)
Day 9:	Descend from Erta Ale - camp near Afar village Acc.: Camp (B, L, D)
Day 10:	Transfer to Lake Assale - salt caravans Drive to Ahmedela along unmarked sandy tracks. Lunch on the way at a palm oasis. Acc.: Camp (B, L, D)
Day 11:	Dallol volcano Full day to visit Dallol volcano and its ghost town in the salt lake. Acc.: as before (Ahmed Ela) (B, L, D)
Day 12:	Salt caravans - salt cutting and loading - transfer to the highlands Watch camels leaving, visit the salt cutting and shaping area where. Return to the highlands along a 4x4 road through a river canyon. Lunch stop at a waterfall. Acc.: Guesthouse or hotel (B, L, D)
Day 13:	Highland plateau sandstones - Debre Abraham rock-hewn church - transfer to Mekele Spare day. If not needed, short side-trip into the spectacular highlands to hike to an old church on top of a sand-stone mountain. Short transfer to Mekele. Dinner in a stylish restaurant. Acc.: Hotel in Mekele (B, L, D)
Day 14:	Return to Addis (flight from Mekele) Acc.: none (optional hotel nights in Addis on request) (B)

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