Erta Ale climb 2008

Wells at Dodom, the Afar village at Erta Ale's foot, from where we started our climb.

Sunset at Dodom; our 10km long climb will start the following morning.

Our camel caravan is underway on the western flank of Erta Ale shield volcano (left).

Afar warriors will protect us, against rebels, during the expedition.

Tom makes it clear who the leader is during this trip!

Remarkable hornitos on a fissure from a recent flank eruption of Erta Ale.

We arrive at shelters on the western rim of Erta Ale's caldera.

Our first view of the shiny lava crust on Erta Ale's lava lake in the southern pit.

After we have spent three days and nights on the volcano, the camels are back for our descent.

At noon, we find the first hut where we recover after the long and strenuous walk.

Curious Afar girls welcome us, once again, in the village of Dodom.

This Afar boy is curious to see how we will handle another night sleeping under the stars.