A trip to Danakil desert in northeastern Ethiopia, is not a normal holiday, but a real expedition into one of the most extreme deserts on the planet, located within a depression that reaches the lowest point of 120 meters below sea level. Characterized by the presence of some active volcanoes, as well as a huge crust made of different types of salts up to 3000 meters thick, the Danakil depression offers landscapes made of shapes and colors, absolutely unique in the world. Although in recent years the tours to Danakil have increased in popularity, it's important to not forget that a trip to this region needs an impressive logistic, either because of the isolation, either because of the terrible environmental conditions, requiring a great spirit of adaptation from the visitor. It is therefore recommended to take a tour to Danakil only if you are highly motivated and accustomed to this kind of holiday.

The tour in Ethiopia begins from Addis Ababa, where the convoy of 4x4 is prepared for the long expedition to Danakil depression and beyond. Provisions are purchased, including 700 liters of water (!) necessary for an average of 22 people (tourists, drivers, armed guards, guides) traveling thru Danakil for 6 days. The itinerary is also planned as follows:

• Afdera Lake (also called Lake Giulietti or Afrera lake). It is a salt-water lake located approximately 100 meters below sea level, where there are numerous salt pans used by Afar people to collect this precious mineral.
• Erta Ale. The Erta Ale volcano rises about 600 meters from the bottom of the Danakil depression and until November 2010, it was offering the unique sight of a lake of lava in constant boiling. Unfortunately, a great eruption occurred in the month of November 2010, has changed the landscape in the crater, damaging the beautiful lake of lava not visible anymore.
• Dallol. It 'an ancient volcanic crater about 60 meters below sea level, characterized by the presence of acid lakes colored in green, red, yellow and blue, for the presence of various minerals which forms also bizarre colorful deposits. With its average annual temperature of 34.4 degrees centigrade, this is the hottest spot on the planet.
• Salt flats. This is a vast expanse of salt located at an average altitude of 120 meters below sea level, where the Afar, local people living in terrible conditions, excavate "tiles" of salt, which are then dispatched to the markets of Ethiopia using camels, mules and donkeys.

However, as mentioned, the Danakil region is remote and can be reached only through a long journey through various places of interest in the beautiful Ethiopia. Beyond the Danakil expedition, we were happy to visit also these locations:

• Senbete and Bati markets. Interesting markets held weekly, where various ethnic groups from different regions of Ethiopia meet together to buy, sell and exchange all types of merchandise.
• Tigray region. A must for any trip to Ethiopia are the rock carved churches, obtained by digging directly into the mountain sides along the picturesque Massif of Gheralta.
• Axum. Known as the city of the Ark of the Covenant, Axum is also famous for the stelae and for other archaeological sites
• Gondar. Interesting city, with its castles and the beautiful church of Debre Berhan Selassie, adorned with splendid frescos.
• Lalibela and its monolithic churches built by just digging into the rock, without using any foreign material.
• Lake Tana. Brief half day tour to visit the beautiful monastery of Ura Kidane Meret.

Please note: after several years without incidents, the safety in Danakil has degenerated when in January 2012 a group of european tourists and their guides have been attacked during a routine excursion to Erta Ale volcano and several of them died. Before planning any trip to Danakil or Afar region, please consult the Foreign Ministery web site of your country of residence and follow their recommendations strictly as directed.