3-Day Danakil Depression Adventure with Erta Ale and Dallol

3 Days Round trip from Danakil Depression Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Float in the saline waters of Lake Afdera and the natural salt ponds
02 Explore colorful landscapes of fumaroles, sulphuric ponds, and small geysers
03 Hike to the crater rim of the active Erta Ale lava lake
04 Camp under the stars in one of the world's most extreme and unique terrains

Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Ethiopia on this 3-day adventure through the Danakil Depression, from the salt plains of Dallol to the active Erta Ale Volcano. Discover vibrant sulphuric ponds, steaming fumaroles, small geysers, and vast salt flats, then float in the saline waters of Lake Afdera. Hike to the crater rim of Erta Ale to witness mesmerizing lava activity and basalt lava fields, and spend the nights camping in the open air under the stars. With guided insights throughout, this journey offers an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most extreme and breathtaking terrains.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Danakil Depression, Semera, Afdera, Erta Ale, Dallol

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Semera, Ahmed Ela, and the Dallol Salt Plains

Take a morning flight to Semera, then drive to Ahmed Ela, the last village before Dallol, a journey of approximately 430 km that takes around 8 hours.
Drop your luggage at the campsite and continue to the salt plains of Dallol.
Enjoy a swim in the natural salt ponds and admire the stunning sunset over the salt flats.
Dinner will be prepared by the cook, followed by an overnight stay in open-air traditional beds under the stars.
Altitude: 80 m below sea level.

Day 02

Dallol, Lake Asale, and Erta Ale Volcano

Set out early in the morning to visit Dallol and Lake Asale, located 136 m below sea level, one of the lowest points in Africa.
Marvel at the vibrant sulphuric ponds, geysers, and fumaroles that create surreal red, yellow, and orange landscapes.
In the afternoon, drive to Erta Ale, approximately 155 km away, a journey of around 6 hours, to reach one of the world's few active lava lakes.
At sunset, begin a 20-minute hike to the crater rim, witness the mesmerizing lava activity, and explore the basalt lava field.
Dinner will be prepared by the cook, followed by an overnight stay on mattresses near the crater, stargazing in the open air.
Altitude: 613 m above sea level.

Day 03

Erta Ale, Lake Afdera, and Semera

After an early breakfast, drive toward Lake Afdera, approximately 75 km away, a journey of around 2 hours.
Visit the bright green volcanic lake surrounded by black basalt mountains.
Experience floating in Lake Afdera, similar to the Dead Sea, and see modern salt extraction processes.
An optional bath in the nearby hot springs is available.
Continue to Semera, approximately 250 km away, a journey of around 5 hours.
Lunch will be served at Afdera, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Semera.

The route