Available languages
3 days
Mobile ticket
Embark on a truly unique adventure across Ethiopia's volcanic landscapes with our three-day tour. Beginning at Ahmed Ila Campsite, guests will experience the rare thrill of sleeping under the stars amid volcanic activity. Day two brings camping near the awe-inspiring Ascoma Campsite, offering unparalleled views of the majestic volcano. The highlight is day three's trek to Erta Ale, a live volcano. This tour blends adventure, natural wonder, and cultural immersion seamlessly, ensuring comfort, safety, and unforgettable memories for those seeking an extraordinary journey through one of Earth's most dynamic geological regions.
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We can accommodate dietary restrictions
We can accommodate dietary restrictions
we are able to accommodate various dietary needs.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Ahmed Ila campsite, to be nourished by the volcanic atmosphere and sleeping under the stars in small camping beds.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
This will be upon your arrival at the airport if we can pick you up in the morning time of about 9 am from the airport.
LUNCH
Lunch
Pre packed lunch boxes on us :)
DINNER
Dinner
Prepared by our private chef who will be traveling with us the whole time :)
Danakil Depression
In the morning you will take flight from Addis Ababa to Samara (arrival at approx. 08:20 am) and continue your journey to Ahmed Ila upon meeting us. Lunch will be held near to Lake Afdera with a beautiful view point after some salt desert pit stops near volcanoes. The Danakil Depression tour can be said to ‘begin’ here. It's one of the most spectacular and also absolutely inhospitable regions of the world! The landscape starts to become drier and less inhabited yet serene. We pass the odd local on the way to have coffee with, but not many people are to be seen. Ahmed Ila is full of eye-catching colors, as in the sulfur springs. The desert has several points lying more than 130 meters (328 ft) below sea level; you pass through where the camel caravan stops before they proceed to the northern highlands. We drive to reach Ahmed Ila, a better village with a total population about 500 people. In afternoon after visiting all activities overnight will be in Ahmed Ila campsite under the sky!
Overnight: Camping near to the Volcano in the Askoma campsite.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Erta Ale
Tour from Ahmed Ila to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the localities are mining salt for activity of breaking the salt from the ground, cutting into rectangular pieces and loading on camels. Then we make an excursion to Dallol to visit the different landscapes formed by volcanic activity (130 meter below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world), where colorful salts are being mined, visit Lake Asale, follow up camel caravans and walk with the Afar people. Drive back to Ahmed Ila and after lunch you will proceed to Ertale (which means smoky mountain in Afar language) for the dramatic volcano action. Erta’Ale ranks one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. Erta’Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake. You will spend time on top of the mountain, at the rim of the Volcano. After visiting the volcano you'll trek back to the campsite and dinner will be served and over night we'll be in Askoma campsite of Erta Ale.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
In early morning will take a look for a beautiful sunrise from the creator of the Volcano and do a watch of the volcano and trek back to the camp site after breakfast you will start driving to Samara and through lake Afdera; Meanwhile we go for a swim, floating on the surface of the salt lake and enjoying the nearby hot springs and lunch will be serve in Afdera after swimming and relaxing in the lake. In the afternoon you will drive to Samara and you will take the afternoon return flight to Addis (ET-165, afternoon 17:30 p.m departure, arrival in Addis at 18:50 p.m) and overnight will be in Addis. Length: 305km Drive hour/ Tour hours: 5-6 hoursOvernight: ////////////////
Private transportation
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation and all meals as described throughout the tour
Personal expenses and tips
We'll supply equipment only where it necessary for the activities we run
What you need to bring: Light for night walk, Closed shoes, sun protection and jacket.
Semera Airport
Semera Ethiopia
Pickup included
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
ivanKostadinov,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
If you’re planning a trip to Ethiopia, stop searching — Simen Land Tours is your answer. We booked the Danakil Depression and Simien Mountains through them and honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Everything was organized down to the last detail, safety was never a concern, and the whole trip just ran smoothly. What really stood out was the personal touch. The boss genuinely cares about giving travelers a great experience — we got an incredibly fair deal without having to haggle or feel like we were being taken advantage of, which is rare. The team was attentive, responsive, and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable the entire time. The Danakil Depression is one of the most extreme environments on the planet, and doing it with the right operator makes all the difference — these guys know what they’re doing. Same goes for the Simien Mountains, absolutely breathtaking and perfectly handled. If you want a tour operator in Ethiopia who actually delivers on their promises, look no further. Big shoutout to the boss — you run a class operation and it shows. Will 100% be back! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Roger M,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The Danakil Depression is a very wild place, not for the faint hearted, I had a great tour after booking with Simen land tours, when I was back in Addis I was given a free half day trip, to buy some things I wanted, including coffee and a football shirt, a very nice touch from a kind person. He was always available to message with any concerns or questions, and always replied promptly.




DiegoATL,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I found Simien Land Tours in a travel guide, not knowing what to expect and Tesfahun delivered! I was on a solo trip and spending my time exploring Addis Ababa with Tesfahun made my trip very enjoyable. I also traveled to the Danikil Depression and his team at Semera were excellent. I am definitely calling Tesfahun again next time I am in Ethiopia!



ashenafit2026,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent tour company! Everything was well organized from start to finish. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful. The trip was smooth, safe, and enjoyable. I highly recommend this company for anyone visiting Ethiopia!!



michelapO6450NL,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great experience! He followed all the directions we had suggested for the itinerary... he pampered us throughout the holiday😀 Seriousness and professionalism!



110zanibm,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Beautiful experience, super helpful and prepared guide. She was truly exceptional, very good and prepared, she was able to transmit her passion and knowledge in a clear and engaging way. His ability to articulate information and adapt to the group made our trip even more enjoyable and instructive. Thanks to his guide, we were able to discover hidden and secret aspects of the place that we would never have discovered otherwise. It was a unique experience and I highly recommend it to everyone!


278wn,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing tour guide! I really recommend this company to anyone looking for a good time in Ethiopia, Tess really cares that you have a good time there and it shows. Itinerary is always great and customizable, and at great prices. Thanks Tess!





Operated by Simen Land Tours