Ethiopia · Desert Adventure

3-Day Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Adventure

3 Days Round trip from Dallol Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the vibrant sulfur springs and colorful mineral formations of Dallol
  • 02 Visit traditional salt workers and observe camel caravans crossing the salt flats
  • 03 Witness the stunning sunset over Lake Asale's vast salt flats
  • 04 Trek to the rim of Erta Ale Volcano to see the active lava lake
  • 05 Experience sleeping outdoors under the stars near Erta Ale
  • 06 View the breathtaking sunrise over the Erta Ale volcano

Embark on a thrilling 3-day expedition to Ethiopia's Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano, one of the hottest and most surreal places on Earth. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Dallol with its vibrant sulfur springs and colorful mineral formations, and witness traditional salt workers and camel caravans crossing the vast salt flats. Watch the sunset over Lake Asale, then trek to the rim of the active Erta Ale volcano to see its glowing lava lake. This remote wilderness adventure also includes unforgettable nights sleeping under the stars.

Ascend to the crater at sunset to view the active lava lake.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Addis Ababa, Semera, Afdera, Erta Ale, Dallol
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Fly to Semera and Sunset at Lake Asale

  • Depart from Addis Ababa and fly to Semera.
  • Be picked up from the airport and drive to Semera Town.

  • Eat breakfast in Semera.

  • Continue the journey toward the Danakil Depression base camp.

  • Stop in Afdera Town for a picnic lunch.

  • Proceed to Hamedela near Dallol.

  • Visit Lake Asale to witness the sunset over the salt flats.

  • Enjoy dinner at the campsite.

Sleep under the stars at Sabba Camp.

2
Day 02

Dallol Exploration and Erta Ale Lava Lake Trek

  • Begin an early morning drive to the Dallol Depression.
  • Hike to see the colorful sulfur springs and mineral landscapes.

  • Return to the vehicles and explore the salt mountains.

  • Have a picnic breakfast and continue exploring salt rock formations.

  • Visit traditional salt workers and camel caravans (if present).

  • Observe natural potash oil springs.

  • Continue the journey to Erta Ale with a picnic lunch on the way.

  • Arrive at the base of Erta Ale and prepare for the evening hike.

  • Ascend to the crater at sunset to view the active lava lake.

  • Descend later at night.

Sleep outdoors under the stars near the volcano.

3
Day 03

Sunrise at Erta Ale and Return to Addis Ababa

  • Wake early to view the sunrise over Erta Ale.
  • Descend to the base camp and have breakfast.

  • Begin the drive back to Semera.

  • Arrive in Semera for a late lunch.

  • Be transferred to Semera Airport for the flight to Addis Ababa.

Dallol sulfur springs, Lake Asale salt flats, Erta Ale lava lake

Where this trip takes you

Dallol sulfur springs, Lake Asale salt flats, Erta Ale lava lake

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Dallol 5 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional guide

  • Transportation by 4WD Jeep

  • Entrance fees to all sites

  • Bottled water

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Government tax

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses
  • Domestic flight

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Hat
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Water

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Semera, Ethiopia
Tour start
Dallol, Ethiopia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Dallol.

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