3 Days Danakil Depression Tour: Explore the Diverging Tectonic Plates in Ethiopia's Afar Triangle

The Danakil Depression is the northern part of the Afar Triangle or Afar Depression in Ethiopia, a geological depression that has resulted from the divergence of three tectonic plates in the Horn of Africa.

Duration: 3 days
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Erta Ale - We start our day by driving to Erta Ale (which means smoky mountain in Afar language). Erta Ale ranks one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and 1km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava…

What's Included
  • All entrance fees included
  • All fees and taxes covered
  • Permits provided
  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Air-conditioned transportation
What's Not Included
  • Any alcholic drinks
  • Any personal Item like internet , fax, telephone
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(126 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Alisondz9235wd
Nov 8, 2024
Incredible - This tour was amazing. The drivers, guides and chef were all so lovely and helpful. It was a real adventure between Danakil and the volcano! Our guides had a lot of information, informed us of every step and also made sure we were always safe. The company itself back in Addis Ababa were also great. They collected us from our hotel in Addis to take us to the office so we could safely pay in cash. They arranged an airport transfer the next day. They checked in with us every step of the way. We had also booked a trip to Harar after this one and they were also amazing with everything there. Cannot recommend this company enough. On top of that, the actual experience is out of this world. The things you will see are just incredible. Photos cannot do the experience justice. Also, the chef was able to cook us delicious food on the road in the most random of places and should be commended for this. If you're wondering who to go with for your trip to Ethiopia, I would suggest this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
344rafaelah
Nov 8, 2024
Absolutely amazing! - Worth every penny! Organization was impeccable, views/ tours were amazing, food was great and so was setup for camping. All people involved in it, from driver, guides, cooks to coordinator, were great, knowledgeable, helpful, funny! If you are looking for an adventure, this is for you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sisowath31
Nov 8, 2024
above and beyond! - Demeke picked us up from our hotel to bring us to the office to pay for our tours (Danakil, Harar and city tour). They helped us with money change, sim card and even when one hotel sold our rooms, they helped us going around and make sure we were safe! Danakil tour was awesome, volcano is only 45mn walk and not the 5h, harar was great, the Hyenas were awesome and the city is worth the trip. Addis city tour is nice as you pass by the museum, the marketo (biggest market in Africa) and the mountain for a nice view point. I would truly recommend them for any tours in Ethiopia, they are great and for me they are the best!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
282_travellerw
Oct 12, 2024
Danakil amazing tour - It was amazing experience!! めっちゃ良かったです!2024年10月に参加で、ネットにある情報とかなり変わってる所があったので、より新鮮でした! My friend Haben and Josi, Seni ! Thank you for your help and give me not only Danakil but also day trip and city tour! 今後行く旅人へ。僕は2泊とも星空の下寝ました笑 電気もコンセントも屋根もシャワーも無く、暑い中歩き回る、世界一過酷と言われてるツアー!しかし、言われてた昔よりかは楽になってます!道路が伸びたから車で行ける所が増えたんかな笑 You can’t miss it when you visit Ethiopia!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G_lenazc2024
Oct 7, 2024
Discover the power of nature with an excellent team - Incredible experience, it s not just a sightseeing trip, it s an opportunity to witness the raw power of nature with a very good team - very professional - don’t hesitate to travel safely with the best team TESFA , WONDE & KIDU ( they share their experience, their knowledge and very kindly ) We felt a lot of emotions during a few days ( sleeping under the stars, walking under the sun, floating in the salt lake, sharing a coffee in the morning with the sunshine,…)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tztoy
Sep 29, 2024
great tour! - I've done 2 tours with ETT (1 day to Debre Libanos will be reviewed separately). The 3 day tour to Dankil was guided by the great Hope (Tesfa) and of course the wonderful drivers, chef and local guides. Hope managed to work around all the different needs and level of fitness of the group participants and always managed to stay cheerful, full of stories with a huge, open heart to all. A company is judged by the way they handle mis-haps, and although I had no problems, I saw ETT manage to solve airplane tickets problems, car breakdowns, storms changing itinerary and political unrest for other travelers in our group. Their communications were always fast and reliable, and together with the ability to solve most changes in the tour, it makes them one of the best options (especially in the desert). Please note- they can help with accommodation, pick up/drop off and domestic flights. Although they have numerous offices, payment must be made in their Addis's office, so make sure, while planning your itinerary, to drop by, before tour/flight
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mylifeblossom
Sep 5, 2024
Thanks! - This is one of my unforgettable trip! Ethiopia is a hidden gem, there are many beautiful places! And Thanks to Abraham again for arranging this amazing trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karim
Sep 4, 2024
beautiful tour - amazing guide, good food and spectacular landscapes!! 3 excellent days for those who love adventure!!! I thank the agency for the fantastic tour!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annecy007
Oct 22, 2024
As the local people say, the Danakil Depression is another planet. To walk a a warm lava bed, is quite an experience - The con: Blew up 3 tires, 2 on the very first day, you can say it is part of the adventure, but, by seeing the tires condition, those tires were worn out at the max. Was not safe to have them on the car and to top it up, it’s compromising our safety. Please do get your preventative maintenance action plan set up. Next, we got stuck in the sand, maybe part of the adventure, but, it won’t happen if the driver switched to 4x4 before going to sandy road…. At the management level, communications and organization were poor. It would have been nice after each meal, to have a small briefing of the events of the day as the group size was large. The pro: A big thanks to the cooking crew who was able to serve us good dinner in remote areas. No need to to the Moon or Mars, come here, and you will be on another planet
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliusforever
Jun 16, 2024
2 BIG reasons to beware Ethio Travel and Tours - Beware! Beware this operator. I booked this trip for 14-16 of June, operator told me there is a group. I bought airline tickets from Addis to Semera. When I arrived in the morning, when the tour was supposed to start at 9 am, ETT representative told me that the rest of the group missed their flight. When next day we met with the group it turned out it was just a lie. No one missed anything, their tour was supposed to start on the 15th. For the first day they put me in a hotel, saying that we will do all the 3 day tour in 2 days. Of course, you can not defy laws of physics, so I only agreed to stay if they refund me 1/3 of the cost. They agreed, but never did, although asked to provide my account several times. They had it anyways, as I made a transfer. On the 15th when all part of the group gathered at the hotel lobby at 9:00 as told, no one knew what was happening, no one was picking phone calls , no one showed up until 11:30. No one showed up later as well. We decided to walk to their office which was not far. Only then a couple of cars were arranged for the trip. We hit the road after noon. The rest of the group, as it was arriving from the north, were waiting in some village for more than 4 hours. When we finally reached the first point - the volcano - it was dark already, although you are supposed to see volcanos in the sunset and in the dark. It was only in the dark. During the dinner it turned out that the guide wasn't told, that next day I can't continue the trip to Danakil, as I have to catch up my flight to Addis. I realised that it is not 1/3 of the cost I should be refunded, but much more. I didn't make to danakil depression, the tour I booked and came for. In the morning after visiting volcano at 9 am I had to go back to Semera while the rest of the group continued to danakil. Talking to the owner of the company is useless. He promises to make a transfer, but never does, he told me he will meet at the airport upon my return to Addis, but never shows up, promising to come in 10 minutes, but after one hour telling he is sending a driver who will take me to their office to negotiate. His name is bisrat. I also heard from insiders, that he in the same manner treats his drivers, guides, as well as customers. He created some stories, that I paid to other operator and blah blah. I have all the communication on WhatsApp with ETT, I will send it to the tourist office in Semera and to the tourist ministry of Ethiopia. Beware this operator for two reasons: respect the drivers and guides who are freelancing for him, or if you want to care only about yourself. Ordinary people in Ethiopia are extremely friendly, scammers like this guy will ruin your experience with Ethiopia and it's people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $450
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).