Ethiopia

Was the Erta Ale Volcano worth the 9-hour drive plus 30 minutes walk? No, I've seen better volcanoes. ⁣ ⁣ Even if the volcano was lackluster, I still enjoyed the whole experience of getting there. ⁣ ⁣ For example, our driver kept pulling to the side of a road when he saw a goat because he wanted to buy a small goat to feed us for dinner. When he was talking to the goat owner, we would play with the kids. It's small moments like these that make traveling enjoyable. ⁣ ⁣ The last photo shows our beds for the night. It was as simple as can be but honestly, we didn't need anything else. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣

Erta Ale

On the second day of the tour, I didn't see much, but it was still one of my favorites, and definitely a day I won't forget. ⁣ ⁣ The main attraction on day two was Lake Afrera, a salt lake. I enjoyed hanging out in the water since it felt like a warm bath, but there was nothing spectacular about this lake. ⁣ ⁣ Will I remember this lake in 10 years? I doubt it (although I'll probably remember the pain when I rubbed my eyes while in the water. Note: salt lakes are very salty, do not use salty hands to wipe your eyes)⁣ ⁣ So why would the second day of the tour be memorable if all I did was drive all day and see a mediocre lake?⁣ It's because of my tour guide and driver who ended up becoming my friends.⁣ ⁣ At the end of the second day, I was the only tourist left on my tour. We stayed in a small city, Abala. It was a lot of fun to hang out with my guides for the night. I tried Khat for the first time (a plant stimulant) The Khat didn't sit well with my stomach, so the driver suggested I drink ouzo to make my stomach feel better. After several ouzo shots and some beers, I completely forgot about my nausea and instead just drank, laughed, and danced with my guides at the local pub (which maybe had 10 people inside). We stayed out until midnight and had to wake up at 4 am the next day. ⁣ ⁣ I'll remember this experience because it was very local and unique (I was the only foreigner in the area).⁣ ⁣

Abala

Lake Afrera

Dallol is the reason I booked the 3-day Danakil Depression tour. Honestly, I didn't care what the itinerary was as long as I got to see this distinctive, natural landscape. This was the last sight of the tour and by far the most impressive. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Dallol Quick Facts:⁣⁣ ◾The hottest place on Earth, with an average daily temperature of 94°F/34°C⁣⁣ ◾One of the lowest points on the planet⁣⁣ ◾The green ponds are sulfuric acid deposits...so don't fall in one, or you'll lose a leg.⁣⁣ ◾Dallol is a ghost town⁣⁣ ◾You need to book a tour to visit this area. ⁣⁣ ⁣ ⁣ I've never been to another planet, but it felt like I wasn't on Earth when I visited Dallol⁣⁣ Practical Note: Wear a good pair of shoes that you don't mind ruining. The walking surface is very sharp, and the minerals can stain your shoes. I only own two pairs of shoes and unwisely wore my flats, which now have a big hole and are no longer black. ⁣ ⁣

Dalol

A 3-day tour in the Afar region, visiting some of the most unique places.

Guided Tour in Ethiopia - The Afar Region

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