Afar and Erta 'Ale fieldtrip
Saturday 14th January to Sunday 22nd January 2012
The Afar and Erta 'Ale fieldtrip is a chance to see world famous volcano close up. The drive to Erta 'Ale follows the Main Ethiopian Rift into the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Danakil depression. After camping overnight at the summit of Erta 'Ale, the trip moves on the Dallol volcano with its sulphur springs and salt mines. The trip finishes in the cool highlands of Mekele.
Lake Afdera
Cost: £1100 per person including accommodation in Addis Ababa for the night of Sunday 22nd January.
Day 1: Addis Ababa - Awash
Leaving in the late morning we drop down from Addis Ababa into the Main Ethiopian Rift. Driving through the savannah there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and volcanoes. We finish the day in a guesthouse in Awash national park.
Day 2: Awash - Semera
We continue our trip along the rift, deep into the heart of Afar. Opportunities to observe traditional Afar people and villages. We spend the night in the Afar regional capital of Semera.
Day 3: Semera - Afdera
We begin our descent into the Danakil depression. Driving north from Semera past vast lava flows, volcanoes and dramatic faulted landscape we drop to 100m below sea level. We spend the night in the salt mining town of Afdera. Opportunities to swim/float in the lake, and bathe in geothermal springs.
Traders at Kuso Wad
Day 4: Afdera - Kuso Wad - Erta 'Ale base camp
We start the off-road adventure, first heading through the Afar desert to Kuso Wad to visit a traditional Afar village in the heart of the Danakil. From here we drive across desert and lava flows to the base of Erte 'Ale and spend the night in the shadow of the smoking mountain.
Day 5: Climb Erte 'Ale
A hike (3-4 hours) up the volcano accompanied by a camel caravan. We will spend the night at the summit, giving plenty of opportunity to view the lava lake at night and day. Accommodation is provided in simple shelters at Erte 'Ale summit or you could take the opportunity to sleep under the stars.
Panorama of Erta 'Ale
Day 6: Descend Erte 'Ale - Drive to Ahmed Ela
After sunrise at the lava lake we head back down the volcano to meet the jeeps at the base camp. After lunch we drive north through the sand to Ahmed Ala, a small salt mining town on the edge of Dallol.
Salt mining at Dallol
Day 7: Dallol volcano & Salt caravans
A full day sightseeing at Dallol volcano. Witness a truly otherworldly sight, with bright yellow and green lakes due to the Dallol's sulphur springs. Visit the cold, red springs nearby and witness the salt cutting. loading and transportation of salt bound for Mekele and beyond. Spend the night at Ahmed Ela.
Day 8: Drive to Mekele
We drive up out of the depression, passing through dramatic outcrops of the Mesozoic sediments. We end the day in the cool temperate highlands of Mekele.
Day 9: Fly back to Addis Ababa
Individual extensions can be arranged with the tour company, but this tour ends with a domestic flight back to Addis Ababa.
Fieldtrip expectation statement It is very important to read this before booking a place on the fieldtrip. It includes information, not only on what to expect, but on health, safety and insurance issues/requirements.
Please note due to the additional terms and conditions relating to this trip, when you register for it on the main payment site you will be sent an email with a link to actually book and pay for the fieldtrip. If you have already registered for the conference and just wish to book the fieldtrip you can go direct to the Erta Ale booking page
This is an outline of the planned route for the fieldtrip. Whilst we will endeavour to keep to this itinerary it is possible details may need to change. The exact itinerary will be finalized nearer the departure date.