Ethiopia, an old country beyond all imaginations, has culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years. With over 80 different Ethnic groups with their own language, culture and traditions. The strong religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in every ones daily life.
The natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes the first-time visitor. Ethiopia is a land of rugged mountains(25 of which are 12,000 feet high) broad savannah, lakes and rivers. The most famous volcano has been in a state of continuous eruption since 1967. Its small southerly crater is the only permanent lave lake on the planet.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Union church, an autonomous Christian Church headed by a patriarch and closely related to the Coptic Church of Egypt, was the state church of Ethiopia until 1974. About 40 percent of the people of Ethiopia are Christians, and Christianity is predominant in the north.
Ethiopia, an old country beyond all imaginations, has culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years. With over 80 different Ethnic groups with their own language, culture and traditions. The strong religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in every ones daily life.
Morning flight to Mekele. A driver waits for you in Mekele Air Port. Then direct driving to Hamed Ila via Berehale, where you will pick up police scouts, road guides and permits for the Afar region. From Berehale, proceed driving to Hamed Ila. You will see the camel caravans along the way, carrying salt from the salt lake to Mekele for sale. Overnight camping in Hamed Ila.
DAY 2 : Hamed Ela – Erta Ale
From Hamed Ila, continue to Erta Ale via Kusawad. The Erta Ale volcano has been in a constant state of eruption for over 40 years. Towards night, proceed for a hike up to the crater rim of the Erta Ale volcano. Here you will have a view of the permanent lava lake inside the volcano (the only permanent lava lake in the world). You will camp overnight on the rim of the volcano.
DAY 3 : Erta Ale - Hamed Ela
Make sure to wake up early to catch the sun rise over the horizon. Definitely the highlight of the trip! After the hike back to camp and a bit of breakfast you’ll return back to Hamed Ela for overnight camping.
DAY 4 : Hamed Ela – Mekele
Today you will return back to Mekele. It will be your last view of this unforgettable desert scenery and the camel caravans dotting the horizon.
DAY 5 : Mekele – Addis
Early in the morning, proceed to the air port for a return flight to Addis Ababa. A half day city tour of Addis. Dinner will be in traditional restaurant with cultural live music. Overnight in hotel or depart to your country.
