Itinerary

1. Day 1: Addis Ababa – Fly to Semera – Danakil Depression

   • Begin the day with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera.

   • Arrive in Semera and meet your guide at the airport.

   • Proceed for breakfast at a local café.

   • Start the overland journey from Semera towards the heart of the Danakil Depression.

   • Pass through dramatic volcanic landscapes unique to northeastern Ethiopia.

   • Stop for lunch in the Afar village of Afdera, known for its salt lake and desert culture.

   • Continue driving to Hamed Ela, with views of smoky mountains along the route.

   • Arrive at Dalol by late afternoon and rest briefly at the camp.

   • Visit Lake Giulietti (Lake Afrera), located over 100 meters below sea level.

   • Swim in the floating salt lake and watch the sunset over vivid red salt formations.

   • Join in local-style fun with music and dancing by the drivers.

   • Return to camp for a freshly prepared dinner with tea and coffee.

   • Sleep under the stars on wooden beds with mattresses and sheets at Hamed Ela.

   Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela Danakil Base
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

2. Day 2: Dalol – Salt Flats – Erta Ale Volcano

   • Wake up early and begin the day with a drive to the sulfur springs at Dalol.

   • Explore the salt mountains, hot springs, and otherworldly geothermal features.

   • Watch salt workers extract and shape salt blocks, then load them onto camel caravans.

   • Continue to marvel at the mineral-rich terrain, including vibrant pools and salt flats.

   • Return to the camp for breakfast.

   • Depart for Erta Ale Volcano, a 613-meter-high shield volcano with a massive caldera.

   • Arrive at the base and begin the trek up to the volcano cone.

   • Observe the world's only continuously active lava lake.

   • Witness the dramatic boiling lava up close as night falls.

   • Trek back to the camp and enjoy dinner around 8:00 PM.

   • Sleep outside on the rocky site under the stars, on mattresses and sheets provided.

   Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. Day 3: Erta Ale – Drive to Semera – Fly to Addis Ababa

   • Wake early to catch the sunrise over the northern pit crater.

   • Walk to explore the southern and central craters, observing geological formations.

   • Descend from the volcano and return to the camp for a relaxing desert breakfast.

   • Pack up the camping gear and prepare for departure.

   • Drive back toward Semera with scenic desert views.

   • Stop at Lake Semera en route.

   • Board your return flight from Semera to Addis Ababa.

   • Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel or proceed to the international airport for your onward journey.

   Meals: Breakfast