Experience one of Ethiopia’s most extreme and unforgettable landscapes on this Danakil Depression Expedition. This 4-day adventure takes you from Addis Ababa to the remote Afar region, where salt caravans, colorful geothermal fields and active volcanic landscapes create one of the most surreal travel experiences in Africa.
Explore the salt flats of Ahmed Ela, witness traditional salt cutting, visit the otherworldly sulfur formations of Dallol and trek to the dramatic Erta Ale Volcano for an overnight camping experience near the crater rim. This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers looking to discover one of Ethiopia’s most unique natural wonders.
Addis, Danakil Depression, Ahmed Ela, Dallol & Erta Ale Volcano
Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Mekelle. On arrival at Mekelle Airport, you will be met by your local guide and begin the drive towards Ahmed Ela, the gateway to the Danakil Depression.
The drive takes you from the Ethiopian highlands into the hot and arid landscapes of the Afar region. Along the way, stop for lunch in a small town, usually Berhale, before continuing deeper into the desert.
Arrive in Ahmed Ela in the late afternoon and settle into your basic campsite or simple accommodation. Depending on time, explore the village surroundings and watch the camel caravans transporting salt from the nearby salt pans.
Dinner will be served at the campsite under the open desert sky.
Ahmed Ela campsite or simple accommodation
Lunch and Dinner
After an early breakfast, visit the vast salt flats of the Danakil Depression, where Afar workers cut salt blocks by hand using traditional methods. You will learn about the salt extraction process and see the camel caravans that continue to transport salt across the desert.
Return to Ahmed Ela for lunch and a short rest during the hottest part of the day.
In the afternoon, drive to Dallol, one of the lowest and most surreal places on earth, located around 130 meters below sea level. Explore the colorful geothermal landscapes with sulfur pools, salt formations and volcanic chimneys. The bright colors and unusual formations make this one of the most striking landscapes in Ethiopia.
Return to Ahmed Ela in the evening for dinner.
Ahmed Ela campsite or basic accommodation
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, depart Ahmed Ela and drive towards Dodom, the base area for the trek to Erta Ale Volcano. The drive takes around five hours through remote volcanic desert landscapes.
Arrive in Dodom for lunch and some rest before preparing for the trek. In the afternoon, begin the hike to Erta Ale, accompanied by your guide and camels carrying supplies. The trek takes around three to four hours over rocky volcanic terrain.
Arrive at the summit area in the evening and walk to the crater rim to see the volcanic activity after sunset. Erta Ale is one of the most famous volcanoes in Ethiopia and offers a dramatic overnight experience in the Danakil.
Basic camping near the rim of Erta Ale Volcano
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Wake up early and descend from Erta Ale back to Dodom. After breakfast, start the drive back to Mekelle, with a lunch stop along the way.
Arrive in Mekelle in the afternoon and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
N/A
Breakfast and Lunch
To help you prepare for your trip, please ensure you understand the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination, for both directions of travel, which may change frequently.
