Dancalia: a journey into the primordial heart of Ethiopia

First day

International flight from Italy to Addis Ababa. The adventure trip to Ethiopia to the most extreme region of the country: Danakil, in the heart of the African Rift Valley. Overnight flight.

Second day

The first camp in Danakil

Arrival in Addis Ababa and a brief orientation tour of the Ethiopian capital. In the afternoon, domestic flight to Semera, gateway to the Danakil Depression. Accommodation in a tented camp: first taste of the desert atmosphere, starry skies, and total immersion in one of the hottest places on Earth.

Third day

Lake Afambo and the Awash Valley

The day begins with a walk among natural springs and desert landscapes, then continues towards Asayta, overlooking the Awash River valley. We walk along irrigation canals and small Afar settlements until we reach Lake Afambo, where the sunset colors the water with golden reflections. It is the first real encounter with the silent and primordial soul of Danakil.

Fourth day

The Afar market and the landscapes of Manda Hararo

In the morning, we visit the small market in Asayta, which is authentic and far from the tourist circuits. It is an immersion into the daily life of the Afar people. After lunch, we move on to the volcanic area of Manda Hararo and Lake Galyloma, known as the "lake of dromedaries." The landscape becomes increasingly arid and spectacular, with expanses of lava and absolute silence.

Fifth day

The thrill of Erta Ale

We cross dazzling salt flats and lava plains until we reach the camp at the foot of the legendary Erta Ale volcano, one of Africa's most iconic active volcanoes. In the evening, we climb up to the crater to admire the glowing lava lake: a rare, powerful, unforgettable natural spectacle. We sleep in a tented camp in the heart of volcanic Danakil.

Sixth day

Below sea level

At dawn, we return to Erta Ale to observe the morning colors on the magma. Then we descend and head towards Ahmed Ela, crossing salt quarries and encountering Afar caravans transporting blocks of salt as they have done for centuries. We reach Lake Karoum and one of the lowest points in Africa, 116 meters below sea level: here you can really feel the primordial force of the Earth. Finally, we arrive at the village of Assobole, at the exit of the Saba River canyon.

Seventh day

Dallol, the colors of the impossible

The morning is dedicated to exploring the hill of Dallol, the hill of spirits, one of the most surreal places on the planet, where the chemical encounter between rainwater and the volcano creates an unreal and evocative landscape of sulfur pools, geysers, and salt concretions. All this creates a mosaic of unreal colors: yellow, acid green, intense orange. It is one of the most photographed landscapes in Ethiopia and a symbol of adventure travel in Dancalia.

Eighth day

From the desert to the Ethiopian plateau

After breakfast, we set off on a short trek in the Saba River canyon, walking for about 2 hours among rocky walls and unexpected vegetation. We then leave Danakil, climbing up the Ethiopian plateau to an altitude of 2200 meters. Transfer toMekallé airport for the domestic flight to Addis Ababa and international connection that will take us to Italy.

Ninth day

Arrival in Italy in the morning. An extraordinary journey in Ethiopia, including volcanic trekking, extreme deserts, salt lakes, and encounters with the Afar people.
An authentic experience in Dancalia, designed for those who want an adventure trip to Africa, to the roots of the Earth and Humanity.