3 Tage Tour Danakil Depression (Dallol & Erta Ale)

So, the landscape is amazing - it's one of the most extraordinary, inhospitable and extreme places I've been. I'm still pleased I went, if nothing else for the eerie sight and sound of the Erta Ale volcano, which will stay with me. My interaction with Israel and the Magma office was good - they communicated well and efficiently booked my internal flights. But when I got to Semera I found that it hadn't made any difference who I had booked with, as everyone was on the same tour; there were too many people in the cars for comfort; and worst of all we had a guide who was uninterested in looking after us or telling us about where we were and what we were supposed to be doing. When I was violently sick next to the campsite on the first night, he didn't even come over to check I was ok. Such a shame, as with a good guide it could have been fabulous.

Family of 6 did a 3 day, 2 night tour in Danakil Depression. The region is stunning but before getting there we were worried about the basic accommodation/ infrastructure (e.g. sleeping on mattresses under the stars and lack of toilets) since my parents are 60+. However Tesfa (one of the owners and our guide) organised everything extremely well. He ensured everything was clean and the food was cooked well and to our taste. He planned the tour very well so we were walking at night or early morning when it wasn't very hot and then driving in AC cars in the heat of the day. He also tried to organise so we would get to places first or when there were not many people so we could enjoy the full natural beauty. He is very knowledgable and looked after us very well. He cares a lot about the local people and supporting them in a positive way, which we appreciated a lot. The drivers, chef and whole team were very good. I would highly recommend Magma Flow Tours for a tour to Danakil. They are based in Mekele and specialise in these tours so are a great company to choose for your trip!

It disappoints me greatly to be the first negative reviewer for Magma Flow. It seems to be a reliable and caring company which, on this occasion, made a mistake in hiring a sub-standard guide for our Danakil tour. POSITIVE ASPECTS OF OUR TOUR: - Incredible landscapes and amazing overall experience. - Responsive and professional communication from the manager (Israel) when booking. The company do appear to really care about their reputation even though the quality of service delivery from the guide (Fana) was so low. - The driver (Sisay) was excellent - professional, patient, careful, always on time. - Food was tasty, varied, nourishing, plentiful and on time. Excellent cook. - Bucket shower with pump at bathing pool was very helpful. - Friendly staff and drivers overall. DISAPPOINTING ASPECTS OF OUR TOUR: The attitude of the guide, Fana, was the single big disappointment of the tour. It was not a question of her ability but of absence, non-communication and apparent laziness. Many little things added up to leave us disappointed: - Staff (guide and drivers) drinking coffee and tea in front of us at lunchtime (in Abala). We were not offered tea/coffee. We asked for it. ‘Ishi’ (ok) was the response. None came. - Lunch the next day at Abala. Same arrangement. When ordering tea and coffee we were made to pay for it. General attitude at Abala lunch spot was one of unfriendliness and lack of care. - Another member of our tour didn't have a sleeping bag. He asked for one before we left. 'Ishi' (ok) was the response, but it was forgotten, with no apology or attempt to make amends. He had enough blankets but slept uncomfortably. - The guide (Fana) was often absent when we arrived at a location, arriving later or going elsewhere to make other arrangements for other tour groups. This gave the impression that she was too busy or not concerned with our welfare. SUMMARY: We were well fed. We were comfortable. The driver and cook were excellent. However, the bare minimum was done by our guide, Fana. Such an approach can leave you feeling like a cattle being ferried through. A more 'human touch' is necessary - rapport, being present, being on hand to answer questions. This was not the case. A GENERAL SUGGESTION TO ALL VISITORS TO DANAKIL: The magma activity of the Danakil volcanoes is changing all the time. Whichever tour operator you choose, before visiting Erta Ale volcano, ask for an honest account of how active or dormant the volcano might be. You may be disappointed to travel so far to see only a few tiny cracks of lava far below you in the crater, while a tour operator that genuinely wants you to have an amazing experience might go the extra effort to take you to see more active lava / magma flowing.