Danakil Depression Tour

Lake Assale - Upon arrival at Semera airport, you’ll be greeted and driven to Ahmed Ella, passing through stunning landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. After visiting several small hamlets, you’ll explore Ahmad Ella village, home to over 500 people, to experience the lifestyle of the local Afar community. Finally, you’ll head to Salt Lake Asale, a vast salty lake where you can swim in a natural pool while enjoying the sunset’s reflection on the salty ground.

Overnight camping at Ahmed Ella

Dallol, Erta Ale Afar Region

Erta Ale - After breakfast, we’ll drive to Dallol to see the unique landscapes shaped by volcanic activity (125 meters below sea level, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth). You’ll witness colorful salt mining and various terrestrial formations created by volcanic activity, such as a bubbling oily lake, offering a unique experience. We’ll return to Ahmad Ella for lunch before heading to Erta Ale. Spend the night observing the dramatic boiling lava. Erta Ale is one of Ethiopia’s most captivating and physically demanding natural attractions. It’s a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km² caldera at its summit. Erta Ale hosts the world’s only permanent lava lake, one of just five globally, and has been active since the early 20th century.

Afdera

Afdera - After breakfast, we’ll drive to Afdera, known for its salt extraction. Named after the saline Lake Afdera in the southern part of the Afar Depression, it is a major salt extraction site in Ethiopia. The lake’s water is pumped into saltpans for solar evaporation. After lunch, we’ll continue to Semera airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.

• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Tour Guide
• Tent and Bed Sheet

• Gratuities
• Domestic Flights

Embark on an adventure to the Danakil from Semera, the capital of the Afar region, located 590km from Addis Ababa, with Ethiopian Airlines’ daily flights.

The Danakil is a true expedition destination. While a well-maintained 350km road connects Semera to Mekelle via Afdera, the paths to Dallol and Do Dom (leading to Erta Ale) necessitate 4×4 vehicles and navigational expertise. It is advisable to explore the area with a seasoned operator, utilizing at least two 4x4s and knowledgeable staff familiar with the local Afar community. Helicopter access is available from Mekele.

Currently, tours are offered directly from Semera. A complete tour requires a minimum of two nights, with one night spent at Hamed Ela and another on the rim of Erta Ale. An additional night at Erta Ale is suggested for those wishing to view the crater during the day, and another night for Lake Afdera.

RECOMMENDED TOURS

• 2 Days Danakil Depression Tours
• 3 Days Danakil Depression Tour
• 4 Days Danakil Depression Tours
• 5 Days Danakil Depression Tours
• Minimum age is 18 years
• Dress code is formal
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

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