Ethiopia & Djibouti: Danakil & Whale Sharks

Day 1
The group flight usually arrives in Mekelle this morning.  The rest of the day is free to relax or visit some of Mekelle’s attractions such as Emperor Yohannes IV Palace or Martyrs Memorial Monument. *Zemarias Hotel or similar*

Day 2
After breakfast we drive to the famous rock-hewn church of Abreha and Atsbeha, one of the finest in the Tigray Region. The 10th century church’s large interior is cruciform in shape with an ornately carved roof supported by thick pillars and decorated arches. We can also view well preserved 17th and 18th century murals inside. Later, we transfer to the town of Wukro where spend the night. *Wukro Feseha Hotel or similar*

Day 3
Today our wilderness adventure begins as we descend into the Danakil Depression. Located in the northern part of the Afar Triangle, the depression is about 125m below sea level and is the result of three tectonic plates diverging. As we lose altitude, the landscape becomes drier and less populated and we are likely to notice an increase in temperature. We arrive in the major Afar town of Berhale in time for a spot of lunch and a refreshing cold drink. While here we meet our local guide and policemen (a requirement when travelling into the depression) and then proceed to Hamed Ela, a village near the salt works of Lake Asale. Once we have unloaded our camping equipment we travel to the salt lake’s shoreline where we can witness the famous salt caravans at sunset. *Wild Camping*

Day 4
This morning we travel to Dallol – one of thehottest spots on Earth. It is a place like no other, an alien landscape dyed orange and yellow by sulphur and iron oxide. We have some time to explore this bizarre place and learn about its unique geology before moving onto Asebo, the starting point of the salt caravans. With a bit of luck, we may witness the Afar people cutting blocks of salt out of the ground and loading them onto camels for the long journey to Mekelle. We return to our campsite in time for lunch before transferring to Ab-Ala. *Wild Camping*

Day 5
We have a long drive today to reach our next destination, the base camp of Erta Ale. The last section of our journey sees us veering off the main road into the desert and eventually driving over solidified lava flow from earlier eruptions. Following an early dinner, we load up the camels and begin our trek to the rim of this active volcano. We begin in the evening light, but part of this trek is at night to avoid the worst of the heat so make sure your torches are fully charged. The path is not particularly steep, and it will take us approximately 4-5 hours to reach the top. This is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to peer down into a bubbling lava lake and we hope to do just that – as long as the volcano isn’t producing too much smoke. We spend the night near the summit, a short distance away from the crater itself. *Wild Camping*

Day 6
Rising early, it’s possible to take a morning walk on the summit where can explore the dramatic surroundings. Not only is Erta Ale one of the few places in the world where it is possible to see a lava lake, it is also the oldest, having been in existence since the start of the twentieth century. We return to base camp at the foot of the volcano and have some time to relax and enjoy breakfast before driving to Lake Afrera. We gradually gain altitude as we make our way to the lake but still remain at approximately 100m below sea level. Our camp is on the shores of Lake Afrera and next to a hot spring which is perfect for an evening bath. *Wild Camping*

Day 7
Today we drive throughout the morning to Semera, the new regional capital of the Afar Region. Our afternoon is free to relax in relative comfort, staying in an actual hotel, and recover from the harsh climate of the past few days. *Agda Hotel or similar*

Day 8
*Day 8* This morning we drive to the border at Galafi and cross into Djibouti. Once we’re through customs our destination is Lake Abbe. Famous for its lunar landscape dotted with hundreds of limestone chimneys, some standing up to 50m high, the location was used in some of the scenes of the original Planet Of The Apes movie. Dinner this evening is on the edge of the lake. *Traditional Afar Huts*

Day 9
We wake early this morning to view the eerie sunrise over Lake Abbe. After breakfast we transfer to Lake Assal, which at 155m below sea level, is the lowest point on the African continent. The white salt and gypsum banks of the lake contrast with the dark, dormant volcanoes surrounding it; making for an impressive sight. We have some time to explore our surroundings before dinner. *Traditional Afar Huts*

Day 10
On our way to Forêt du Day National Park we take a minor detour for a walk on the Ardoukoba volcano, where we are rewarded with a dramatic landscape of ancient lava fields as well as epic views of Lake Assal. On arrival at Forêt du Day, we enjoy lunch at a scenic spot and explore some of the park. After the arid landscapes of the Danakil Depression and Djibouti’s salt lakes, Forêt du Day’s relatively lush terrain is noticeably different. *Traditional Afar Huts*

Day 11
We have the full morning to explore the park’s exceptional ecosystem, keeping our eye’s peeled to the country’s only endemic bird species, the Djibouti Francolin, as well as the various species of monkey and dear that roam the forest. This afternoon we head to the whitewashed town of Tadjoura, which sits against the backdrop of the Goda Mountains and the bright blue sea at its coastline. Tadjoura is the oldest town in Djibouti and was an important port for many centuries. We have the opportunity for a stroll through its picturesque streets before sunset and relax our hotel. *Hotel Le Golfe or similar*

Day 12
After breakfast we transfer to the marina and board our boat for the day. Our journey takes us to the islands of Maskali and Moucha in the Gulf of Tadjoura which have some of the best beaches in Djibouti. As much of the area is a marine park, the reefs are also incredibly healthy, and we have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the excellent snorkelling that is possible here. Late in the afternoon we arrive in the city of Djibouti where slightly crumbling French colonial buildings give the place a certain charm. *Atlantic Hotel or similar*

Day 13
For our penultimate day we travel into the Gulf of Aden in search of the world’s largest fish species – the Whale shark. Growing up to 12 meters long and weighing in at 20 tons, this shark is a true giant, with only cetaceans getting any larger. Despite their great size, they feed on plankton, which are amongst the smallest organisms in the oceans. Swimming with these majestic creatures is a true bucket-list experience and one of the best wildlife encounters that you can experience. The waters off Djibouti are pristine and home to one of the healthiest reefs in the world so we can also expect to see a huge variety of fish species as well as sea turtles. *Atlantic Hotel or similar*

Day 14
Our trip ends today. Those on the group flights will be taken to airport for the flight to London.