| Duration: | 4 Day(s) - 3 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Volcano Tours |
The Danakil Depression is the northern part of the Afar Triangle or Afar Depression, a geological depression that has resulted from the presence of three tectonic plates in the Horn of Africa. The Danakil Depression is located in the Afar Region near the border with Eritrea and Ethiopia. This area is referred to as the cradle of hominids after Donald Johanson and his colleagues 1974 found the famous LucyAustralopithecus fossil, which has been dated 3.2 million years old.
The Danakil Depression is the hottest place on Earth in terms of year-round average temperatures. It is also one of the lowest places on the planet (100 m below sea level), and without rain for most of the year. Here, the Awash River dries up in a chain of salt lakes never reaching the Indian Ocean.
Mount Ayalu is the westernmost and older of the two volcanoes at the southern end of the Danakil Depression. The other active volcano, Erta Ale, is one of several magma crater lakes bubbling from the Earth's core. Additionally, the area contains the Dallol sulfur springs or hot springs. These wet environments at the Danakil Depression are being investigated to help understand how life might arise on other planets and moons. Any microorganisms living here will be extremophiles microbes of major interest to Astor biologists.
Day 01: Arrival
Arrive at Asmara International airport and transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Asmara
Day 02 Asmara to Denakil Depression
From Asmara to the Southern Red Sea the drive will take you through many towns. It is rather advisable to have a night break in Massawa. Starting at 04:00 hrs. will be about an 8 to 10 hours drive. You will reach the depression area at about 17:00 hrs. It is advisable to take lunch and drinks along. There will not be standard restaurants or entertainment places along the way. It is a desert area. Overnight in the area.
Day 03 Denakil Depression – Asmara
After a long and challenging journey, the visitor will be back transported to Asmara city. Overnight in Asmara.
Day 04: Asmara the Artdeco City.
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea is the largest City. Lying at an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level the City has a year-round pleasant climate at a range of 18-25 Celsius. Even during the summertime, Asmara has an enjoyable climate. The modern city of Asmara was literally created by the Italians between the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th Century.
The city’s elegant streets and the adjoining promenade are comfortable for day or night walking. The city now accommodates more than 400 art Deco buildings officially recognized by UNESCO. The city maintains its cleanliness, which is commended by many visitors. One of the attractive features of Asmara, in particular, and the country in general is that it is the safest place to enjoy.
One would feel as if one is in Rome when touring Asmara. Many Italians use to call it “Asmara Bella” .meaning “Asmara the beautiful”.
The following sites will be visited in Asmara:
The Peak of St Mary Cemetery where one can see the whole of Asmara
The Medeber, where artisans recycle old tyres and tins. They make shoes, oven, carpentry, and red pepper mill. It was built circa 1912.
The St Mary Church was built circa 1900.
The Grand Mosque was built circa the 1920s
The Cathedral was built circa the 1920s
The Post office was built in 1916
Albergo Italia was built in 1899.
The Municipality was established in 1890 H) Theatro Asmara was built in the 1920s,
Cinema Odeon, Cinema Roma was built in the 1920s,
Villa Roma built circa 1907 (now the residence of the Italian Embassy)
Hotel Hamasien was built circa 1916,
The Mercato of the indigenous people was built at the turn of the 20th Century
the railway was built in 1900 and there are still century-old locomotives running between Asmara and Nefasit on orders
The Brewery was built in 1940
The Eritrea Musem
The tank graveyard, remnants from the war between Eritrea and Ethiopia from 1961-19
