3 Days Danakil Depression Tour

Hike an active lava lake at dusk, sleep on the rim of Erta Ale, cross salt plains with Afar caravans and walk the sulphur-yellow acid springs of Dallol, the hottest inhabited place on Earth. Three days, with 4×4 ride, no crowds.

Adventure
Erta Ale in the Danakil Depression of Ethiopia

Overview

Our 3-day Danakil Depression tour takes you deep into some of the most extreme and spectacular landscapes on Earth; a land of fire, salt, colour and raw geological power. You drive out to the base of Erta Ale volcano and, after a bumpy 4×4 ride across lava fields and desert, hike up at dusk to watch molten lava swirl in one of the few permanent lava lakes on the planet, then camp near the rim as the crater glows below.

On day two you meet the community at Hamad Ela, see traditional Afar salt-mining life, and reach Lake Assale (Lake Karum) for sunset over endless white salt plains. On the final day you explore Dallol: hot springs, bubbling acidic pools, rainbow mineral terraces and terrain that looks closer to Mars than to Africa.

It is an intense, unforgettable three days – volcanic fire, vibrant minerals, desert salt flats and one of the world’s most resilient cultures.

Tour Timeline

  • 01

    Mekelle – Danakil depression (Erta Ale)

    Early departure from Mekelle by 4WD, dropping steadily out of the highlands into the Afar desert past solidified lava fields, sand dunes and scattered hamlets. You reach the Erta Ale base camp in the afternoon after 5 hours drive and, at dusk, begin the hike to the crater rim – a few hours watching the boiling lava lake churn and spit below you.

    Erta Ale holds the world’s longest-lived active lava lake, present since the early twentieth century. Finally, you descend to basic camp for dinner and sleep out under the stars or in a simple shack. Overnight camping.

    CampingBreakfast, lunch, dinner
  • 02

    Erta Ale – Hamad Ela

    Early morning of the day, we hike back to the top of the crater to visit the volcanic activities for the second time during sun rise. After that, descend once again from the top of the crater starting 7:00 am down to camp site for breakfast. Subsequently, after breakfast start driving to Hamad Ela for about 5 hours and have your picnic lunch on the way under shed of palm tree. Then after, start visiting Hamad Ela village to see the life style of the local Afar people. Finally, proceed to Salt Lake Asale a huge salty lake where you will swim in a natural pool Salt Lake. Meanwhile, have a wine/beer while enjoying sunset reflections of the salty ground. Overnight camping in Hamed Ale.

    CampingBreakfast, lunch, dinner
  • 03

    Hamad Ela – Dallol – Mekelle      

    Waking up early morning, set off to dallol which is known for its various acidic colors with fumaroles, small spitting acid springs, and lakes. At the same time, dallol is also considered the hottest place on earth. Due to its incredible colors, you feel like you are in Mars. Visiting different terrestrial places formed by volcanic activity like salt mountain and the bubbling oily lake creates a different experience of your trip. Finally, drive back to Hamad Ela for lunch and proceed to Mekelle. This concluded you 3 days danakil depression tour.

    CampingBreakfast, lunch, dinner

What's Included

  • All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance.
  • All entrance fees according to the program.
  • Accommodation while camping (or tent).
  • Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour.
  • Multilingual professional guide.

What's Excluded

  • International and local flight tickets, visa and insurance.
  • Pay the locals for photo and video.
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned.

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