Hamed Ela
Hamad 'Ela
An Afar salt-mining village south of Dallol, and the main overnight camp for Danakil tours. Its starry skies are excellent.
Hamed Ela is a small Afar village in the northern part of the depression and home to salt miners. It is about 20 km from Dallol and very close to the Assale salt flats, which is why nearly every tour stays here overnight. Accommodation is mostly open-air iron-frame beds or simple stone huts. You sleep under the stars, with basic conditions, no air conditioning, and limited water and toilet facilities. Tour groups check permits and arrange local guides and security here. Bring a headlamp, wet wipes, a dust mask and a light sleeping bag.
Opening hours
Overnight group tours