Danakil Depression Ethiopia Tours

The Afar, the local nomadic tribes that somehow manage to not just survive but thrive in this unlivable place, have been called the toughest people on earth. They’re dotted throughout the Danakil, generally in the places where you would least expect them, and learning about their culture and way of life was one of the more meaningful experiences I had on the tour. However, they have a reputation for being reclusive and wary of outsiders, so don’t expect to hear much from the horse’s mouth. More often, you’ll see them floating between their huts and tending to their camels. How to get to Danakil Depression: Most tours leave from the nearby city of Mek’ele, a 14 hour drive north of Addis Ababa. Best time to go to Ethiopia: Avoid late-July to early-September as this is the hottest period, with most companies stopping their tours. Is Ethiopia safe: Relatively, yes, but given how remote many parts can be, we recommend going with a tour guide. Ethio Travel and Tours are the biggest name in Danakil tours, and are great at what they do. If you have flexibility, book in their office in Addis Ababa or Mek’ele for a discounted rate – you can get a nice deal if you are willing to top up a tour (as long as you haggle).