3-Day Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Tour

Early in the morning, you will fly from Addis Ababa to Semera. Upon arrival, you will be met at Semera Airport and begin your journey toward the legendary Erta Ale Volcano, known in the Afar language as the “smoking mountain.”

Erta Ale Volcano is one of Ethiopia’s most fascinating and challenging natural wonders. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of about 30 km and a summit caldera roughly 1 km wide. Rising to about 613 meters, it is especially famous for hosting one of the world’s very few permanent lava lakes—and the longest continuously active one known.

After a short rest, you will begin your evening trek around 8:00 pm toward the volcano. Camels will carry camping equipment, including sleeping mats, mattresses, water, and food, up to the crater rim.

You will spend the night at the summit of the volcano, witnessing the incredible glow and movement of molten lava in one of the most dramatic natural settings on Earth. Overnight accommodation is at the Dodom Camping near Erta Ale.

Main Destination: Erta Ale Volcano 

Accommodation: Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After an early sunrise experience at Erta Ale Volcano, you will observe the main pit crater—about 200 m deep and 350 m wide—along with the smaller southern and central craters, which are believed to be ancient collapse structures formed by volcanic activity.

The main crater is strikingly deep and layered, while the southern pit measures around 65 m wide and about 100 m deep, offering a dramatic view into the volcano’s geological structure.

After an early breakfast, you will begin your descent from Erta Ale around 7:00 am and return to Dodom Camping, arriving by around 10:30 am for rest and relaxation.

Later, you will continue your journey toward the legendary Lake Afdera (also known as Lake Giulietti, optional depending on season), a vast saltwater lake lying more than 100 meters below sea level in one of the deepest depressions on Earth. The surrounding landscape is extremely unique, shaped by volcanic and tectonic forces.

You will then proceed to overnight at Hamedela Camping, preparing for the next stage of your desert expedition.

Main Destination: Danakil Depression 

Accommodation: Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You will start with an early morning drive to Ragad (Asebo Salt Mines), where you’ll witness the traditional salt-mining activities of the Afar people. Here, workers extract salt from the ground, cut it into rectangular blocks, and load them onto camels for transport across the desert.

The journey continues to the spectacular Dallol, located in the heart of the Danakil Depression—one of the lowest points on Earth at about 116 meters below sea level. You will explore surreal volcanic landscapes, colorful mineral formations, and the nearby Lake Asale, where salt flats stretch into the horizon. Depending on the season (not available in July, August, and early September), you may also observe traditional camel caravans and walk alongside Afar communities.

After the excursion, you will return to Hamedela Camping before driving back to Semera to catch your flight to Addis Ababa.

In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell cultural dinner at Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant, featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine, local drinks, music, and dance—offering a vibrant end to your unforgettable journey across Ethiopia.

Main Destination: Danakil Depression 

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)