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3 Days Danakil Depression Tour

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Overview

Available languages

English

3 days

Mobile ticket

The Danakil Depression is the northern part of the Afar Triangle or Afar Depression in Ethiopia, a geological depression that has resulted from the divergence of three tectonic plates in the Horn of Africa.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Day 1

Danakil Day 1

Accommodations

Overnight camping at the volcano

Food and Drinks

LUNCH

Lunch

DINNER

Dinner

1

Erta Ale

We start our day by driving to Erta Ale (which means smoky mountain in Afar language). Erta Ale ranks one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and 1km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake. It is 613 meters, with a lava lake, one of only five in the world, at the summit. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century. (may not be as active as before and activity at flank eruption slows down.) We start early 9:00 AM, drive to Dodom (at the base of Erta Ale). This is may be one of the roughest roads in the world. The 80 km distance may take about 6 hrs passing through changing the landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand and occasional palm-lined oasis. After passing several small hamlets scattered here and there in this deserted land, you will arrive at Dodom camping site, located about 17km from Erta Ale. Dinner will be served around 17:00 o’clock. After a short break, trek up to Ertale at 20:00 hours. Camels will be transporting all the camping materials and some food (sleeping materials like light mattresses and mat and water) to the rim of the volcano, where we spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. You will spend the night on top of the mountain, at the rim of the Volcano.

12 hours • Admission Included
Day 2

Dallol Day 2

Accommodations

Overnight camping at Hamed ela

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

DINNER

Dinner

1

Erta Ale

Early Morning sunrise at the northern one corresponds to the main pit crater and walk 5 minutes for the southern and central pits could either corresponds to an ancient pit, or to a simple collapse structure. The main pit-crater, 200 m deep and 350 m across, is sub-circular and three-storied. The smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. Descend from Erta Ale around 9 am Dodom – Leave back to Dodom after an early breakfast, if possible at 07:00 o’clock. You will reach the latest at 10:30 o’clock at the camp, where you will be relaxing. As soon as possible, drive to reach the mythical Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera)(optional may not be available during summer time), a saltwater lake located more than100 meters below sea level, in one of the deepest depressions of the planet. Because of the picturesque landscape, it is interesting to visit the salt flats where the Afar people obtain the salt by evaporating the water of the lake., continue to Erbiti and proceed Abaala/ Hamed ela

12 hours • Admission Included
Day 3

Sunrise at salt lake

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

1

Danakil Depression

Morning tour Drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the localities are mining salt. Look the activity of workers breaking salts from the ground, cutting into rectangular pieces and loading on camels. You drive ahead to Dallol and visit the difference landscape formed by volcanic activity, Dallol + Lake Assal + camel caravans. Excursion to Dallol (116 meters below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world) colorful salts mining, visit Lake Assal, follow up camel caravans (No camel caravan on July, August, and early September) and walk with the Afar people. Drive back to semera and fly back to addis. End of Danakil tour

12 hours • Admission Included

What‘s Included

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Permits

All enterance fees

Any alcholic drinks

Any personal Item like internet , fax, telephone

Pickup points

LEVA Afar Semera Resort

Main Road, Airport Highway House Number 17 Semera Ethiopia

Semera Airport

Semera Ethiopia

Options

3 Days Danakil Depression Tour

Pickup included

Reviews

4.31

153 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

115
10
5
7
16
  • Unforgettable

    Q4267MVjoshuaw,May 7, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    An unforgettable trip to Dallol, Danakil Depression, and Erta Ale. A huge thank you to Guide Aman for being knowledgeable, friendly, and making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Chef Angesom prepared amazing food throughout the trip, which was impressive especially in such extreme conditions. Special thanks as well to drivers Abiti and Mowael for their professionalism, safe driving, and support during the journey across the desert terrain. Everything was very well organized, and the experience was truly once in a lifetime. Highly recommended!

  • Great experience!

    elstorc,Apr 30, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Asresahegn Molla Andarge (Asre) was a great guide. I will say I wasn’t fully prepared for this trip because I booked it last minute. The tour guide and driver helped provide everything I needed. We got very lucky with the weather as it was not too hot this time of year. Some highlights of this trip were the salt flats, the colorful danakil depression, and the hot water springs. For the volcano we could not see any lava but it was still nice to hike up at sunrise and sunset. My advice is to bring a hat and scarf to cover your face at times the depression smells like sulfur and the volcano does as well. Another piece of advice is to bring some snacks for the long car rides. The difference in terrain was like something out of a movie! I was paired up with other solo travelers and we had a great time. Would definitely book with ETT again.

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  • Amazing Danakil Tour with a Fantastic Team

    C9091JAannac,Apr 15, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Our trip to the Danakil Depression was an unforgettable experience. Traveling with friends and my partner made it even more special, and the landscapes were truly unique and breathtaking. Our driver, Dani, was very kind and friendly, always making us feel safe and comfortable. The guides, Asre and Solomon, were excellent—knowledgeable, attentive, and always ready to help with anything we needed. Everything was well organized, even in such a remote place, which allowed us to fully enjoy the adventure without any worries. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience

  • Unforgettable experience in the Danakil Depression with Asre

    tom sn684,Apr 13, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    I spent 15 days in Ethiopia last January. I visited Addis Ababa, the Omo Valley with its tribes, the unique Lalibela, Gondar during Epiphany, Bahir Dar, the Danakil Depression, the Gherala Mountains, and Axum. It was a very intense experience that encompassed culture, history, religion, geography, and the warmth of its people. I especially want to highlight the three days in the Danakil Depression, exploring Lake Afdera, trekking to the Erta Ale volcano, seeing the sulfur formations in Dallol, Lake Assale, and the salt pools; enjoying unique sunrises and sunsets. All of this was with the excellent guidance of Asresahegn Molla Andarge (Asre). He knows all the places perfectly, explaining in detail the activities we saw: the salt separation process, the customs of the Afar community, the different geographical formations, and the towns. He is available throughout the day, from very early in the morning, giving the necessary instructions for treks or dives in the lakes. He is attentive to every detail in the meal service: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. He leads the large groups very efficiently, giving the timely suggestions while respecting everyone's concerns, so that everyone feels protected yet free to move around. I greatly appreciated his attitude towards someone who was feeling unwell; the way he spoke to her, gave some instructions, and prepared an infusion. I saw how that person improved with his assistance. He speaks perfect English, is in good spirits throughout the expedition (he must sleep very little during them), and is a very good photographer. As if that weren't enough, at the end of the expedition on the third day, he suggested dinner at a traditional restaurant in Mekelle, which was the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend him!! Thank you so much, Asre!! All the best to you and your beautiful country!!

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  • Fantastic experience

    pilardepedro,Apr 13, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    The experience with Asresahegn Molla Andarge , Asre (Ethio Travel and Tours).recommendable to 💯, young people wanting everyone to have a good time 😍

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  • Amazing!

    Sightsee63296099308,Mar 27, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Unforgettable 3 day tour around Danakil Depression. Got everything we asked for and more! Great food, scenic views and amazing staff. Extra thanks to Aman who was very knowledgeable and super fun to be around!

  • Unbelievable views and good service

    Road00674739575,Mar 12, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    I heard it was the toughest tour in the world and decided to join it. The bottom line was that the service was so perfect that I didn't feel the slightest harshness. And I was able to see some of the most incredible things I've ever seen in my life that are definitely in the top five. ※Details will be spoiled, so please refrain I thought the tour would start after I got off the domestic flight, but I'm surprised that they even offered free transportation from the inn in Addis Ababa to the airport. I have no complaints about this tour company, so I would recommend it with confidence.

  • I recommend the activity but requires preparation for sleeping conditions

    M9444PYsoniav,Feb 23, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    4.00

    We traveled to see the volcano Erta Ale and in addition to not being able to see the lava, we were caught by surprise because we did not know that we would sleep in the mattress on the floor (in the site this described that would be camping and has pictures of camping tents), on the second night also but in a bed on the side of the road, we felt a lack of fresh drinks was not available, anyway we recommend the activity without a doubt we saw unique and unhappy places. But it would be quite interesting and recommended to prepare people for sleeping conditions. On the last day we had an excellent experience by the capital museums, merkato, with the best guide ever super recommend the name è: Yeab.

  • Abandoned in a Conflict Zone, Lied to About Erta Ale, and Scammed Out of a 3-Day Expedition (Jan 24–26)

    freedomofexploration,Feb 4, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    1.00

    If I could give ZERO stars, I would. What happened to us with Ethiopian Tourism & Travel (ETT) was dangerous, deceptive, and entirely preventable. This was sold to us (in writing) as a 3-day / 2-night Danakil Depression expedition including Erta Ale volcano, Dallol, Lake Afrera, Afar village camp, security, and flights via Mekele. We paid $450 per person. We received less than 24 hours of activities! What actually happened: ETT never disclosed that Erta Ale’s lava lake is NOT visible due to eruptions in Nov 2025 and Jan 2026 (confirmed later by guides). VISIBILITY MAY NOT RETURN FOR YEARS!! Demeke (ETT coordinator) unilaterally changed our flights from Mekele to Semera the day before our international departure after I merely asked if an earlier flight was possible. This destroyed the itinerary! Our refund request—made within ETT’s own 24-hour full-refund policy—was ignored. Day 1: Lied to about Erta Ale weather and Abandoned in a conflict zone by Akilulu We were flown into Semera, a tense, high-risk area we were never supposed to enter, and dumped for ~19 hours in barracks-style motels with: No security (other tour groups had armed escorts at erta ale) No guide No explanations No itinerary sites visited We were falsely told Erta Ale was inaccessible due to “weather.” The TRUTH: While stranded, we learned other ETT groups WERE at Erta Ale that same night. The volcano had been overbooked. We were simply sacrificed and lied to without an option to go back to Addis to enjoy what little vacation time we had. The experience: Overcrowded “chicken bus” vans with 10 tourists + 3 ETT workers (didn't speak English) packed in like sardines (despite promises of private land cruisers), luggage crushed or placed on the roof in extreme heat with luggage on our laps for 4+ hours due to overcrowding. Exhausted drivers driving aggressively, unsafely with loud music blasting to keep them awake. Armed Afar locals surrounding us at off-itinerary sites that we didn't pay to go to Repeated unsafe, unhygienic, nutritionally inadequate food (lots of spaghetti with a dollop of sauce, no protein). Hotel staff asking us to pay again for prepaid hotels due to ETT’s failures Only reason this trip wasn’t a total loss Amman (Ammanuel – guide) and Misganaw (driver) stepped in to save our trip when Akilulu and Demeke gaslit us, refused to do anything or refund us. Amman and Misganaw apologized (ETT never did), woke up at 2 AM despite fatigue, rerouted the trip, got our flights changed back to Mekele, and gave us one truly exceptional day at Dallol. They acted with integrity and care! Thank you to them and their entire crew that salvaged one day for us! Refund deception & Vivian After a week of written correspondence, ETT management (Daniel) put in writing that we were owed a 50% refund due to their operational failures. Instead of delivering the refund to our hotel as Daniel had promised in writing and scheduled, Demeke sent Vivian, a new coordinator (6 months out of college), to our hotel without the refund and without context, clearly setting her up to fail. Demeke needs to be fired! Vivian handled an impossible situation with professionalism, asked intelligent questions, and spent 1.5 hours fixing ETT’s mess until other staff finally brought the refund money. She never lost her composure. She deserves Demeke’s and Daniel's job!! W had already heard tourists praise their experience with her while at Erta Ale (none of her tourists were dumped and stranded in war zones... only Demeke's). Vivian is far more competent, educated, speaks much better English, understands customer service and what the customer wants. She is overqualified for her job and should have both Demeke and Daniel's job! She was the only efficient critical thinking problem solver at ETT surrounded by a bunch of ego driven, incompetent men who don't speak the language most tourists speak... English! Final warning!!! This was not bad luck. ETT has a pattern of: Withholding critical safety information Last-minute itinerary sabotage Ignoring cancellation rights Dumping tourists in unstable regions Gaslighting when confronted Oh! And ETT won't tell you this, but on Jan 27, 2026 3 of the major airports in the region were shut down by the government due to escalating war conflict. Tons of tourists were stranded. This information is difficult to find on western news!! Avoid ETT and don't pay for anything in cash or wire transfer in advance!!! If you insist on traveling to the region, seek out independent assistance directly: Coordinator: Vivian (excellent and over qualified), Guides: Amman & Samuel, Driver: Misganaw (he should be a guide). Read the negative reviews. Believe them!

  • Unreal everyday experiences

    yutaf2026,Feb 1, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    It was such a great tour. They contacted us in Watts-Up in advance to get us a flight. It was an unrealistic experience. The half-day Addis Ababa tour was fun because the guides were very interesting. In January, I was able to travel without any mosquitoes. I would like to use it if I have another chance.

From US$450.00

4.31
(153 reviews)
  • Free cancellation
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