Erta Ale

We start early via Abala to the New Erta Ale volcano, shortly after a 06:30 breakfast, and drive to Askoma at the base of new Erta Ale. The 180 km distance may take about 6 to 7 hrs passing through changing the landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand and the occasional palm-lined oasis. You pass several small hamlets scattered here and there in this desert land, before reaching Askoma village or parking area. You will trek from Askoma to the new Erta Ale which takes about 30 minutes. Early dinner around 17:00 and trek up to the Erta Ale. Camels transport all the camping materials and some food, sleeping materials, mattresses, and water, to the rim of the volcano, where we spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. New Erta Ale is part of volcano mountain chain ranks one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and 1km square caldera at its summit. New Erta Ale is part of the world’s only permanent lava lake and you will spend an unforgettable night on the top of the mountain. The magma flow moved 3.5 km south from old Erta Ale to the New eruption point.

Erta Ale

Early Morning sunrise at the northern one corresponds to the main pit crater and walk 5 minutes for the southern and central pits could either corresponds to an ancient pit, or to a simple collapse structure. The main pit-crater, 200 m deep and 350 m across, is sub-circular and three-storied. The smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. Descend from Erta Ale around 9 am Dodom – Leave back to Dodom after an early breakfast, if possible at 07:00. You will reach the latest at 10:30 am at the camp, time to relax. After a drive to the mythical Lake Giulietti (or lake Afrera), a saltwater lake located more than100 meters below sea level, in one of the deepest depressions of the planet. Because of the picturesque landscape, it is interesting to visit the salt flats where the Afar people obtain the salt by evaporating the water of the lake. reach Eript, a better village with a total population of about 500 people. Drive to Erbiti and proceed to Mekele.