Discover the colorful landscapes of Dallol, the salt flats at Hammed Ela, and the active Erta Ale volcano. This short yet extraordinary tour is ideal as an extension to another trip. Whether you are arriving from a journey in another part of Ethiopia or landing directly in the capital, this adventure offers you the chance to embark on a unique three day exploration into one of the most extreme environments on earth.
During your journey, you will witness the stark beauty of vast salt lakes, explore the surreal landscapes of Dallol, and experience the dramatic power of the active Erta Ale volcano. Along the way, you will enjoy authentic cultural encounters and a deep connection with nature, all while traveling as sustainably as possible in an eco-conscious way.
Day 1: Fly Addis – Semera – Ahmedela
Upon arrival at Semera Airport, you will be greeted by your guide for a short briefing about the geology of Ethiopia and the overall program. The adventure then begins with a drive toward the Danakil Depression. En route, you will stop for lunch in Afdera, home to the great Afdera Lake where extensive salt mining takes place. Continuing your descent into one of the lowest points on earth, you will arrive in the evening at Ahmedela, a small settlement where salt caravans gather before their long journeys to other towns. Here, you will spend the night camping under the open sky, surrounded by thousands of stars. Overnight at open-air camping, 125 meters below sea level.
Day 2: Ahmedela – Dallol – Erta Ale
At sunrise, before breakfast, the journey continues toward Dallol, a place unlike any other, with salt domes, colorful geothermal pools, and bizarre mineral formations. This alien-like terrain of sulfur pools, geysers, and salt canyons offers a morning of extraordinary exploration. Later, you will continue toward Erta Ale, passing by salt miners laboring under harsh conditions, where salt is still extracted by hand and loaded onto camels. Covering nearly 1,200 square kilometers, the Danakil Depression is one of the world’s most striking salt landscapes. In the afternoon, the drive takes you to Erta Ale, where, after a light dinner, you will take a short walk of about 30 minutes to the summit crater. Here, you will witness the mesmerizing volcanic activity of the Erta Ale lava lake before returning to camp for an overnight stay under the stars. Overnight open-air camping.
Day 3: Erta Ale – Semera – Flight to Addis
Early in the morning, you will return to the top of the crater to witness the volcanic activity once more at sunrise. Afterward, descend back to the campsite for breakfast and then begin the drive to Semera. On the way, you may stop at Lake Afdera for a refreshing swim and a visit to its nearby hot springs. In the late afternoon, you will catch your return flight to Addis Ababa.
The total cost of the tour is 480 USD per person.
The services included are transport in air-conditioned 4WD Land Cruisers, all fuel expenses and driver allowances, all necessary entrance fees and licenses, two nights of camping with full logistics and meals throughout the tour, local guide services for the Afar region, and government tax. Services not included are tips and gratuities, flight fees to and from Semera, personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks and souvenirs, and any services not mentioned above.
For this tour, you will need a headlamp or flashlight for night walks, lightweight and breathable clothing with long sleeves, a small backpack for the trek to the volcano summit, closed and comfortable trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and scarf for protection from volcanic dust, as well as a swimsuit and travel towel for Lake Afdera.