As I flew into Addis Ababa I was feeling very excited. I had some really exciting places planned for Ethiopia even though I only had 10 days there. We got picked up from the airport by our hotel so I didn’t have to deal with the taxis as it was late at night when we arrived. We drove through the streets of Addis which were surprisingly dead a that time of night and arrived quickly at our hotel.

Addis Ababa

The following day we got up early to see the city as we only had a day to do it. We tried to get directions from the hotel as to how to get to the centre and all they could say was turn right and walk for 2.5km, so that is exactly what we did. I don’t like ti take takis if i can help it as you see more when you walk it. The streets were busy with people but i have to say there is nothing in Addis to really see. I was very disappointed. If anyone plans to visit Ethiopia and is really short on time, I would say skip Addis completely if you can.

Danakil Depression

Day 1

This was the adventure I was really looking forward to. We took a tour with ETT and I was impressed. They definitely knew what they were doing. We headed off in the morning in a jeep with four of us and the driver. There were four jeeps in total that departed the same day as us. We took a very scenic drive on our way to Berhale which was breathtaking (see above); of course, stopping for pictures on the way. In Berhale we stopped for lunch. Don’t expect a fancy restaurant or anything. You are in the local village, but if you are lucky enough to have China for your cook then you will enjoy the food immensely. They are also one of the few stops where you can buy a cold coca cola or water. (water is included in these tours but not the soft drinks; and expect to pay more than the locals).

After lunch we had a quick football game with the local kids before we were back on the road to Hamede Ela. This is the village just before you head out onto the Salt plateau. We dumped the kit here and then headed out to the Salt plateau. You can actually walk on the salt but be careful some of the pieces are sharp. We stayed out there for an hour or so to watch the sun go down and while we were waiting, our drivers and guides got out some wine for us all to try, After a few glasses of wine and some questions and answers with some of the other foreigners on the tour, we headed back to Hameda Ela.

Our Camp was rather nice. Our beds had basket weave bases which were very comfortable and we were positioned outside under the stars. There was even a tent to buy beers and the locals had a small cinema for their entertainment.

Day 2

The morning was an early start after a wonderful breakfast. We headed out early before the heat got too much and headed out to see the long procession of camels heading to the salt plateau. A few of us decided that we had to sit on the roof for this trip. We crossed a small bit of water in the jeeps and then sped across the dessert to Dallol. This is an areas of sulphur coming from the ground. You have to get to this area early otherwise you pass out from the smell of the sulphur escaping as the heat rises.

Once we finished this area, we moved onto Lake Assal, which is a hot spring but with oily textured water. This water is supposed to be good for the skin.Then we moved onto the area where they were cutting the salt into slabs to put on the camel. We watched the locals cutting the camels into slabs and loaded them onto their camels for the long trip home. Then we ourselves took the journey to Abaala where our hotel was for the night, This place was so sweet and the owners were great. Ok, it wasn’t luxury but we could have a bucket shower, charge our cameras and sleep in a building.

 

 

That night we had the best meal made by China, the group’s chef.

Day 3

This was the day I had been looking forward to. Tonight was the night we went to Erta Ale (volcano) and I was going to be swept off my feet with how impressive it was.

Basically the day was a long day of travelling. We had to get up early as it had been unseasonally rainy which had led to floods in the dessert, Our tour guides weren’t sure if we would be able to get through to the volcano but they promised they do their very best to get us there. At first it looked like it was a no go as we got turned away from one of the routes because the flooding was too bad. Luckily our tour group had good jeeps with a winch and good drivers who helped us get though when we got stuck in the sand. WE WERE THE ONLY TOUR GROUP THAT GOT THROUGH THAT DAY! All of the other tour groups had to turn back but ETT got us through. Once we got through the dessert part we then had a long drive over very rocky terrain for 2 hours. A can’t believe we got through without blowing any tires. We finally arrived at Dodom. But this was not the end of our trip. Now for the 4 hour hike up to the volcano. Taking head torches, water, sleeping bag liners (not sleeping bags as they suggest) and of course our soldiers with us, we started hiking. The soldiers are compulsory because we are literally next to Eritrea at this point and it has been a bit dangerous in the past.

The hike is quite easy for anyone who is moderately fit at all, even though we did have a few french ladies who kept complaining the pace was too fast all the time. At the top we found a camp with huts made out of rocks. This was to be our home for the night, and this…

 

 

was what we found.

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We were lucky enough to be able to reach the very edge, which most groups can’t manage because of the wind.

 

That evening we had our meal about 180 metres from the volcano and slept out under the stars. The sky was lovely and clear and the weather was just perfect.

Day 4

The morning we rose just before the sun so that we could see the sun rise over the volcano, and of course get some more wonderful pictures and videos in. We packed our belongings and walked back down to Dallol for breakfast. As always the food was great, catering for a lot of different cultures so all were happy. After breakfast it was unfortunately a long drive back to Mekelle but after seeing the volcano, no one was complaining.

What a trip!! ETT you rule!!

 

Lalibela

We organised transport with ETT to go to Lalibela which was $50 per person for about an 8 hour journey. It’s not cheap but unfortunately it’s the going rate unless you want to do the even longer local bus which changes too. We stayed at a lovely place called Villa Lalibela Guesthouse which had a good rate at $25 for a double room. We actually had two double beds in the room but there was only the two of us.

There are not many options for places to eat in Lalibela. One place we went to was Seven Olives. This had a good reputation but I wasn’t very impressed. We were also recommended Unique restaurant. Yes it was a sweet place with skins on the walls and the owners were nice but there was hardly anything on the menu. We managed to find a restaurant in the cultural centre near the guesthouse and a coffee place near seven olives that both had good food.

The ticket to see the churches cost $50 per person and if you want a guide, that will cost another $35 for the day. We chose to have a guide because the place was very crowded with worshippers due to it being Easter weekend, but you could easily find the churches without one. The information the guide can give you though is great and it was worth having him especially as we felt less like we were intruding on the worshippers when he was taking us around. Without him I think we may have chosen not to enter the churches. Even with a nice relaxed lunch, we managed to see the churches in detail by 3 in the afternoon.

 

Apart from the churches, there isn’t much else to do in Lalibela. There are some churches outside of the town but we chose not to see them as the taxis are $80 for a trip 40 km outside of the town. At this point we were fed up with the expensive prices, so we just spent a relaxing day going to the market (which didn’t end up so relaxing in the end). This weekend was really busy because everyone was buying animals to eat to celebrate the end of the fasting period.