DANAKIL DEPRESSION, ETHIOPIA 5 DAYS TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ADDIS ABABA

Morning: Arrive in Addis Ababa. Check-in to your hotel. Afternoon: first we will attend a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony to welcome you then we start your Tour in National Museum of Ethiopia and see the famous fossil, Lucy. Evening: Stroll through the Merkato, one of Africa’s largest markets. Overnight stay in Addis Ababa 

DAY 2: ADDIS ABABA- SEMERA (FLIGHT) – LAKE AFDERA – ERTA ALE VOLCANO

Morning: fly to Samera. Up on arrival meet with the crew to start the Danakil Depression. Drive about 330 km to the bottom of Ertale. On the way you will have a pick nick lunch in Afdera. Shortly after Afdera the road turns into a bumpy gravel road until we reach the base of the Ertale Volcano. Then we continue a short ascent to the rim of the crater (approx. 30 min on foot).  Afterwards, sleeping nearby the rim of the crater and looking in the glowing lava at night is a truly unforgettable experience.  Overnight stay in camping

DAY 3: ERTA ALE VOLCANO HAMED ELA – LAKE ASSAL

Morning: after breakfast, we will drive a bumpy road through the lava desert to Hamed Ela (approx. 4hrs). It’s merely a collection of few basic huts. Moreover, it gets quite hot here! In late afternoon, we leave Hamed Ela and drive to Lake Assal.  Here, we will see the customary methods of salt mining in the area; we can possibly get a chance to see one of the Camel Caravan that delivers the salt blocs to the Ethiopia highlands. Late evening, another breathtaking sight is the sunset over Salt Lake Assal. Overnight in Hamed Ela

DAY 4: HAMED ELA – DALLOL – SEMERA

Early morning: take a drive to Dallol, which is the high point of any journey through the Danakil Depression. The Dallol Sulphur springs, which bubble up between tiny geysers and steaming conical event, gives the otherwise Martian desert environment a rainbow of color. Although the acid springs are known to harbor creature bacteria, scholar from all over the world are attracted to do a further investigation how life can endure in such harsh environment. Afternoon, we will drive back to Semera. Overnight in Semera

DAY 5: SEMERA – ADDIS ABABA (FLIGHT)

Morning: we will be transferred to the airport for the flight back to Addis Ababa. Today, there is time for last souvenirs shopping and to visit a community-led initiative like child support center or elderly care center. In the evening: we will go out to one of the best cultural restaurant for the farewell Dinner at the traditional restaurant with a live traditional dance program. Then, transfer to the airport for your departure to Home.

Notes:

THIS itinerary provides a comprehensive experience of the Danakil Depression, including its unique geological features, cultural attractions and natural wonders. Be sure to consult with tour guide for up-to-date information’s and guidance on traveling.

• Round Trips and all Transfers according to the Program in a modern vehicle.
• All domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines (economy class).
• All overnight stays in 3–4-star hotels/lodges in a double room.
• Daily breakfast and dinner include non-alcohol drinks.
• Drinking water throughout the Tour.
• 24/7 contact person during your stay in Ethiopia.
• Qualified, German-/ English – speaking tour guide and scout in the National Park.
• All national park and entrance fees.
• Visit a local initiative and project.
• All government taxes for the services included in the tour.
• Participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

• International flight.
• Single room.
• Any meals not mentioned in the Package.
• Video and photo fees.
• Tips (e.g. for tour guides, drivers, scouts and hotel staff).
• Personal expenses and
• Visa fee.

Physical condition:

On this Tour, there are visiting points that can only be reached on good physical mobility. For this reason, this trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. In individual cases, please contact us for further information.

Accommodation:

the Hotels und Lodges classified 3-4 star, based on Ethiopian standardization.

Occasional power and hot water outages may occur.

Visa:

All nationals require except Kenia und Djibouti requires an entry visa to visit Ethiopia. The entry visa can be obtained from an Ethiopian Embassy or a consulate general (processing time may take several weeks). Or the visa can be applied online www.evisa.gov.et (processing time may take 1-3 working day). In this case, you will receive the visa on arrival at the airport in Addis Ababa upon presentation of the confirmation e-mail. To enter Ethiopia or apply for a visa, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months After the End of your Trip.

Vaccinations:

Vaccinations are not mandatory, when you enter directly from Europe to Ethiopia. When you come from one of the yellow fever areas, proof of a valid yellow fever vaccination is required for a trip in Ethiopia. Please speak with your doctor regarding vaccinations and health issues for your Trip.

BALTHASAR TRAVEL RECOMMENDED A TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE TOUR. TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD BE ORGANIZED IN THE COUNTRY WHERE YOU LIVE.

Note:

1.This Price applies when you fly with Ethiopian Airlines, as Ethiopian Airlines charges a surcharge on the domestic flights when you fly with other airline. For this tour, the surcharge is €150 per person

2.Single Room: € 150.

3.This tour can be also booked as a private tour, the tour programm can be adapted to your individual wishes and the Tour date is flexible;

-Price: € 1.095 per person (by 2 travelers) with English-speaking tour guide.

OR

-Price: € 1.300 per Person (by 2 travelers) with German-speaking tour guide.