Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
 

Can anybody shed some light on taking your own vehicle into the Danakil Depression?

Am I right in thinking you can get away with just hiring a guard, not having to join a tour etc?

I'm looking at approaching from the south and exiting from the north i.e.: Semara and Mekele. The road is bad from the south though I hear....

Any thoughts?

When I was there - on other people's hired vehicle - there was a ICRC/CICR landcruiser with expats apparently having a free holiday. It may have helped that it was a well-known NGO. In any case you'll have to load 1, 2, 3 - how many can you accommodate ? - "policeman" at the checkpoints. And give out some serious cash, depending on your haggling abilities - can you speak Afar ?

If you're ready with that, than it's very doable. From Mekele, that is. Not sure about other access roads.

Boy I wish I had been able to get there on my bike!