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96 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the Danakil Depression including ErtaAle and Tigray mountain churches " Abune Yemata Guh and Mariam Korkor. Join our 4-day tour combining the Danakil Depression with the ancient rock-hewn churches of the Tigray Mountains. This journey offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and historical exploration, creating a unique and unforgettable experience in Ethiopia.
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Domestic flights
LEVA Afar Semera Resort
Main Road, Airport Highway House Number 17 Semera Ethiopia
Semera Airport
Semera Ethiopia
Ardi Hotel
Semera Ethiopia
Ruftana Hotel
Semera Ethiopia
Overnight camping in open air near Erta Ale.
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Semera
At 8:00 AM, our guide and driver will pick you up from Semera Airport and take you for a short coffee and juice break in town. Semera serves as the capital of the Afar Regional State. Shortly after the coffee break, you will embark on a leisurely drive to Afdera.
Afdera serves as a prominent hub for salt production and distribution. It is situated at an impressive depth of -102 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest points in the Danakil Depression. After enjoying lunch in this town, we will glimpse the nearby salt lake before indulging in a swim and float in its saline waters. Following this refreshing experience, we will proceed to visit the renowned Erta Ale volcano.
From Lake Afdera we will continue with a relaxed and leisurely drive to Erta Ale Volcano. You will arrive at the base camp around 6:00 p.m. From there, you will embark on a 30-minute hike to the rim of the Erta Ale volcano. After ample time exploring Erta Ale, one of the few active lava lakes in the world, we will set up camp near the rim to capture stunning sunrise photos.
Overnight camping in open air near Lake Asale.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Starting at 8:30 AM, you will depart from the base camp at Erta Ale. Along the way, you will see the magnificent and majestic Borele Ale Stratovolcano Mountain ranges in the distance and take a lunch break in the wilderness, surrounded by volcanic formations and sandy desert. it is 90km drive but 5 hours long.
By 4:00 PM, you will arrive in Hamedela, a small town founded by salt miners. and once we unload the camping gear and our cook in this village we will continue to Lake Asale Salt flats.
You will experience a stunning sunset at Lake Asale (Lake Karum), where the serene waters and unique salt flats create a breathtaking and unforgettable view. Witness the magnificent scene of camel caravans transporting salt to Ahmedela town, where they will spend the night before continuing to Mekele. At Lake Asale, our tour will host a small party, and shortly before sunset, we will drive back to Ahmedela for dinner and camping.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Dallol is one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, situated 130 meters below sea level. It is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and vibrant mineral deposits.
The salt canyons west of Mount Dallol are characterized by bizarre towers and pinnacles, creating a unique and surreal landscape.
Bubbling springs of hypersaline water dot the landscape near Dallol, their striking black color likely attributed to dissolved potassium salts.
This saline pond is characterized by its turquoise color, a result of the minerals dissolved in the water. The pond's high temperature and salinity create a challenging environment for life, yet it supports extremophiles adapted to such harsh conditions.
Assa Ale is a vast salt flat situated 130 meters below sea level. Here, you'll witness timeless camel caravans crossing the desert to transport salt bricks made from Lake Asale. You will explore the Lake Asale salt flats and observe traditional salt excavation methods, offering a firsthand glimpse into the enduring practices of the local communities in this remarkable landscape.
Mek'ele
After a day of breathtaking natural wonders and cultural encounters, we'll drive back to Mekele. You will arrive in Mekele around 4:30 PM and you will be transferred to a hotel of your choice.
LUNCH
Lunch
Abune Yemata Guh Church
Abuna Yemata Guh is an extraordinary church located in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Known for its dramatic location and remarkable history, it’s one of the most unique and adventurous destinations for travelers interested in history, religion, and trekking.
Mariam Korkor is another remarkable rock-hewn church located in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. It is part of a group of ancient churches carved into the mountains of the Gheralta range, known for their historical significance and stunning landscapes. Mariam Korkor, along with Daniel Korkor, is among the most famous of the Gheralta churches. These churches are known for their impressive architecture, beautiful frescoes, and the adventurous hikes required to reach them. Mariam Korkor dates back to the 6th or 7th century and is named after the Virgin Mary. Late Afternoon we will drive back to Mekele airport at 6pm you will arrive at the airport.
Pickup included
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Curiosity09779519675,
Jan 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
The volcanoes and the Dallol colorful mountain were the most amazing scenery I have ever seen. we cannot experience it in my country, Japan. Above all, I want to show my appreciation to Mr. Isaac, my tour provider. Before joining the tour, I was chatting with him. He arranged the tour schedule and my airline tickets so that I could join the Danakil tour during my limited stay in Ethiopia. But when I arrived at the airport in Ethiopia, I had trouble because of my mistakes. At that time, Mr. Isaac helped me throughout the day and he rearranged my tour schedule for me. Thanks to him, I was able to participate in the Danakil tour. I think Mr. Isaac is a flexible and very kind person. I really appreciate and recommend him. And the tour driver, guide were also very kind. I enjoyed talking with them. Over all, I am very happy to have joined this Danakil tour. I love Ethiopian. So, I can rate it 5 stars.





davidjonatanp,
Aug 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
On departure from Mekele city Our guide from the Great Ethiopian Tours gave us a presentation on how the Lava Lake can be dramatic, by the time we arrived we were lucky that the lake raised up so we were able to see the bubbling Lava. Check out the photos I took from the edge of the crater, it was amazing. The trip to the volcano was very tiring but getting there and seeing the lava flowing from the top of the crater was priceless. The whole region is unique, with the salt desert, the mineralized hot springs and the Afar people, and the most authentic place I've ever been. This is one of the best experiences I've had after travelling extensively in Africa and Ethiopia. I can really recommend Isaac from Great Ethiopian Tours. His professionalism and friendliness made me feel confident about the trip before it began. If anyone needs some advice you are welcome to write me a message.





Daniel D,
Jun 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
I visited the Dankil Depression and ErtaAle 2023. My tour was organized by well behaved and disiplined tour guide Isaac and he was quite helpful with well mannered personality. The tour was awesome and informative, the drivers were friendly. I highly recommend Great Ethiopian Tours.
Teamir A,
Mar 28, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
I spent a great time in a group of 6 in the Danakil Depression and Ertale volcano. The company was well organized & well informative. they arranged 3 Landcruiser’s and 4 police man which were super friendly & helpful despite lack of basic English). As for the Accommodation we went spartan on bamboo beds, a mattress and a sleeping bag, you get only the essentials but was enough for camping in such a remote location. 2023
Iacopo S,
Mar 7, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
Mr.Isaac, a local tour guide, planned a 4 days tour around DANAKIL for me and my friends. He knows everithing of this special region. I really can recommend him. THANK YOU BRO !
Operated by Great Ethiopian Tours