The lava of the Erta Ale volcano It is a mesmerising spectacle of raw, fascinating power. The magma that flows from the heart of the earth in flames, erupts and engulfs the rocks: a turbulent sea of stone liquid and black.
To enjoy this volcano in Ethiopia, you need an adventurous spirit, as any journey through remote areas inevitably involves a certain degree of hardship. In the case of this route to Danakil, there is also the challenging terrain and climate to contend with. High temperatures, water scarcity and difficult terrain combine to demand a certain spirit of self-sacrifice and adaptability to the circumstances. The effort in this case has its reward.
To get there, we cross the Danakil Depression, travelling for four hours on paved roads through lava landscapes to reach the Lake Afrera also known as Lake “Giulietti”. Along its shores, evaporation leaves fine white salt considered the best in the Danakil.
The Erta Ale has an unthreatening profile, but don’t be fooled: it takes four hours to complete Ascent with approximately 500 metres of elevation gain over 15 km to reach the crater’s rim.
The last stages of the ascent are night and full of emotion. Heat and darkness. An orange glow rises from the crater, and the smell of sulphur becomes stronger.
The show does not disappoint: flares of magma, explosions, and a rough sea of liquid stone; a gigantic cauldron in which the earth is cooking.
⇒ Upcoming departures to Ethiopia:
- Ethiopia, ancient Abyssinia (26 December)
- Ethiopia, Omo Valley (26 December)
- Ethiopia, North Route: Ancient Abyssinia (1 December)
- Ethiopia, Timkat Festivity in Gondar (13 January)
- Ethiopia, Danakil Depression ( 1 December )
- Ethiopia, Danakil Depression (October-February)
- Ethiopia, the Omo Valley and ancient Abyssinia (May-November)
- Ethiopia: trip to Surma country (18 November)