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An update from Evaneos
Erta’ale

Erta’ale (Ethiopia)

Practical information about Erta’ale

  • Desert
  • Volcano
5 / 5 - One review
How to get there
You need 2 days for a round trip from Mekele in a 4x4.
When to go
From November to mid-May
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days

Reviews of Erta’ale

Camille Griffoulieres Travel writer
116 travel articles

Situated in the heart of the Danakil desert at the border of Eritrea, this active volcano is famous for its spectacular lava lake.

My suggestion:
Book the tour for the Dallol Depression with a local agency, which will organise a military escort (compulsory for visitors). Take a torch.
Summary:

This trek requires two days bivouac in the desert and good physical condition. After a day in a 4x4, we stop in the nomadic camp of Afar. With just a few Arabic words I was able to chat a little over tea with the families there.

Going up the Erta Ale volcano is exhausting. But so rewarding! You go right up to the edge of the crater to see and hear the broiling sea of molten lava, I had the feeling the earth was a living thing. You never tire of seeing the enormous bubbles of molten lava exploding. Be careful of the toxic sulphur fumes! Then I slept under the stars at the foot of the crater with my group, before returning to watch the lava at dawn and looking out over the desert.

Erta Ale Volcano