Experience one of the geologically most active areas on the planet! The Danakil desert is famous for Erta Ale, one of the world´s few permanently active volcanoes. Until 2017, it hosted a spectacular boiling lava lake, which is now gradually returning (as of late 2020). Don't miss your chance to see the surreal landscapes of colors, salt, geysers and hot springs at the hydrothermal area of Dallol.

See the dramatic change of environment when the jeep expedition starts in Addis Ababa (at 2355 m), and gradually descents into the Danakil depression, passing through Awash National Park before reaching the banks of Afrera salt lake (at - 100 m). The journey continues as we climb Erta Ale shield volcano and spend 3 full days and nights exploring the volcano´s caldera. We then set up camp at the Afar village of Hamed Ela and have 2 full days to discover the hydrothermal area of Dallol and Assale salt lake, including the centuries-old ritual of salt cutting. Finally explore the UNESCO world heritage site of the rock hewn churches of Lalibela.

We have been organising tours to the Danakil since early 2007 and hence have expertise in arranging such expeditions. Our highly competent Ethiopian main guide and volcanologist Enku and his friendly team will safely take you through the desert in 4x4 jeeps. The sometimes Spartan character of living conditions in the Danakil are partially compensated by the large variety of meals freshly prepared by our cook! more info

A tour which combines 2 different natural phenomena: Danakil Depression (the lowest place - 125 m below the sea level) and Semien Mountains («the roof of Africa” with the highest elevation of 4620m, Mount Ras Dashen). Both of them are the parts of Great Rift Valley with the same geological process: the result of Plate Tectonic process which dates back to 30 million years.
During the trip we spend 4 days in Danakil Depression (which is the result of the triple plate margins in the Northeastern part of Ethiopia and yet is still active) visiting active volcano Erta Ale (with the possibility to see some activity inside the crater), Dallol volcano with its fascinating fumaroles, amazing rock formations, crystal and mineral deposits. At the miners' town of Ahmed Ela near Lake Assale we'll watch the centuries-old ritual of salt cutting, the shaping of salt blocks and the endless caravans arriving and leaving loaded with the precious "white gold".
In the Semien Mountains (which is the result of the destruction of shield volcanoes into numerous peaks and now the UNESCO world heritage site) we also spend 4 days enjoying the most spectacular mountain scenery, climbing the second high mountain Mount Bahwit (4,430m), meeting animals like the Gelada, the Ethiopian wolf, the Walia ibex, the giant Lammergeir) .
On the way we visit ancient towns such as Wukro, Axum, Gondar and of cause Lalibela with its famous rock hewn churches. more info

8 days expedition, starting and ending in Mekele, going straight to the heart of the Danakil desert to explore the Erta Ale shield volcano and Dallol hydrothermal fields! After climbing to the volcanoes summit in the morning you meet a beautiful sunrise at the rim of the crater. Spending 2 days allo you to study the volcanoes craters and the new fissure eruption site on the volcano's flank. After descending the volcano you travel onward to the Danakil Depression, where you spend about 2 days exploring the colorful hydrothermal deposits of Dallol, acid lakes, salt formations and camel caravans. At the end you will stay in the city of Wukro and visit ancient churches with beautiful paintings. more info