Danakil Depression Tour Korkor Lodge

Hot springs in the Danakil Depression

Danakil Depression & the Afar Triangle Tours

An other-worldly landscape of salt caravans and sulphur hot springs

Be adventurous with a tailor made Danakil Depression tour to one of the hottest places on earth

There are few, if any more visually stunning yet inhospitable and inaccessible places on Earth than Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression. Geographically speaking it covers a vast swathe of the Afar Triangle, which is in the North-East of the country, running up towards the borders with Eritrea and Djibouti. Historically the Danakil was an important area for salt mining, with the local Afar tribespeople extracting the salt from the incredibly harsh landscapes and taking it through to Mekelle and Semera for trading with their ‘salt caravans’ of endless streams of camels. More recently the area has become a focus for potash mining companies, although the security situation, most notably the now ended dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea, has put a brake on development.

Danakil Depression expeditions start and end in Mekelle, which tour companies use as a supply base, since everything you need for a trip to the Danakil must be carried with you. There are three main attractions within the Danakil Depression for visitors to see, namely the sulphur encrusted hot springs at Dallol, the iconic Erta Ale volcano and Lake Afrera, a highly saline lake which sits 100 metres below sea level. Trips here tend to follow a similar pattern and we suggest 3 nights and 4 days to visit the area. Starting from Mekelle you will be driven to Dallol to visit the sulphur springs, a simply incredible area, characterised by the numerous sulphurous geysers, which have turned the whole area to a carpet of colours ranging from pale yellows to deep, rusty reds and everything in between. After a night in Dallol you will head down towards the Erta Ale Volcano, camping overnight and ascending the volcano in the dark, offering the most spectacular sighting of the lava lake and taking advantage of the cooler conditions. From there it is on to Lake Afrera for another overnight before making the long journey back to Mekelle by road. Any trip to the Danakil is ‘sandwiched’ by nights in Mekelle either side, so allow five or even six nights for a side-trip here.

Doubtless trips to the Danakil Depression are very challenging, from a logistics, accommodation and temperature point of view. Generally, we recommend travelling between November and March each year, which is the ‘cooler’ time to visit the area, with daytime temperatures in the 40s and night time temperatures in the mid-20s. April to August needs to be avoided as temperatures soar towards the 50s, whilst September and October are for only the hardiest travellers. The road leaving Mekelle is now tarred for over 300kms, but from there it is a case of taking the path of least resistance to get around, making for long days in the vehicle. Accommodation is limited to camping close to the main attractions, with all food, water, firewood and camping equipment carried with you. This means a second vehicle is taken along, with a team to look after you as well as mandatory armed scouts for your security. Whilst this can sometimes raise alarm, it is precautionary and helps to ensure safety in what has historically been a volatile area.

One element of travelling to the Danakil that needs to be considered is cost. Set departures leave Mekelle every 2 or 3 days and are by far the most cost-effective way to visit the area and cover all of the main highlights. Those looking to travel privately incur the full costs of a private trip, including covering all of the ‘fees’ levied on travelling to the area by the local Afar Tribesmen. These are often applied on a whim for various services they have supposedly rendered to you, but are part and parcel of travelling to this extraordinary area.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

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July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

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May, 2024
Tiny

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April, 2024
Stodge

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March, 2024
Fiona C

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March, 2024

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