Explore the world with tourHQ
Ethiopia · Desert Adventure
The journey
Discover the raw and surreal landscapes of northeastern Ethiopia on this immersive 3-day Danakil Depression tour. Journey through vast salt flats, vibrant sulfur springs, and camel caravan routes, and visit Dallol's alien-like acid pools while meeting salt miners working in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The adventure concludes with a hike to the summit of Erta Ale volcano, where you will witness a rare, active lava lake glowing under the night sky.
The adventure concludes with a hike to the summit of Erta Ale volcano, where you will witness a rare, active lava lake glowing under the night sky.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Begin the journey with a drive from Semera to Hamed Ela via the town of Berhale.
Observe camel caravans traveling across the desert and visit traditional salt mining fields where Afar locals extract salt slabs.
Arrive at Hamed Ela and settle in for the evening.
Spend the night under the stars with basic camping facilities in the desert.
Explore the surreal landscapes of sulfur springs, vibrant acid pools, and salt canyons.
Visit the salt workers harvesting salt in extreme heat and gain insight into their traditional techniques.
Continue to the stunning salt flats of Lake Assale, a vast white landscape beneath the blazing sun.
Return to Hamed Ela for dinner and overnight desert camping.
Begin an evening trek to the summit of Erta Ale, a hike that usually takes 3 to 4 hours.
Reach the crater and witness the dramatic, glowing lava lake under the night sky.
Camp near the crater rim and descend early in the morning.
Drive back to Semera and take a return flight to Addis Ababa, arriving around 6:00 PM.
Where this trip takes you
Dallol's sulfur springs and acid pools, Lake Assale salt flats, Erta Ale lava lake
The route
The fine print
Logistics
Your 3 days finish where they began, in Addis Ababa.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
Starting from
When
Travellers
Total
—
