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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
3 Days Danakil Depression Tour
The hottest place on earth in three unforgettable days
About The Tour
3 Days Danakil Depression Tour: Dallol, Erta Ale and the Salt Flats
The hottest place on earth in three unforgettable days
Overview
This 3 day Danakil Depression tour is the fastest way to see one of the strangest landscapes on the planet. Starting and ending in Mekele, you drive down into the Afar lowlands, more than 100 metres below sea level, to walk among the yellow and green sulphur springs of Dallol, watch salt caravans cut blocks from Lake Asale, and climb at night to the edge of Erta Ale, one of the few volcanoes in the world with a lava lake.
The trip runs in our own 4×4 vehicles with an experienced driver, an English speaking guide and the Afar local guides and scouts required in the region. Fly to Mekele from Addis Ababa in about an hour, or combine it with Gheralta or Lalibela for a longer trip.
Duration
3 Days (2 Nights)
Suggested Accommodations
- Mekele: Planet Hotel or Axum Hotel
- Hamed Ela: basic camp under the stars (mattress and bedding provided)
- Erta Ale: simple stone huts or camping near the crater
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Mekele to Hamed Ela, Lake Afrera views and Salt Plains
Pick up at Mekele airport or your hotel in the morning. Drive down the escarpment through Berhale, watching the landscape change from highlands to desert as the road drops below sea level. Arrive at Hamed Ela, the Afar village at the edge of the salt plain. In the late afternoon drive out to Lake Asale to watch the sunset over the salt flats, where water often lies on the surface like a giant mirror. Dinner and overnight under the stars at Hamed Ela.
Day 2: Dallol, Salt Mining and Drive to Erta Ale
Start early to beat the heat and visit Dallol, a field of bright yellow, orange and green sulphur pools, salt pillars and acid springs. Continue to the salt mining area where Afar and Tigrayan workers cut salt blocks by hand and load them on camel caravans. After lunch, drive across lava fields towards Erta Ale base camp. After dinner, hike about 3 to 4 hours by moonlight to the rim of the volcano and look down at the glowing lava. Overnight on the crater rim.
Day 3: Erta Ale Sunrise and Return to Mekele
Wake before dawn for another look at the crater at sunrise, then walk back down to base camp for breakfast. Drive back towards Mekele through the Afar region, with a stop for lunch on the way. Drop off at your hotel or Mekele airport in the evening for your flight to Addis Ababa or the next part of your trip.
Travel Advice
Current travel advice (October 2026): the US government currently advises avoiding the Afar, Tigray and Amhara regions, and the UK advises against all travel to Tigray and against all but essential travel to Afar, which includes the Danakil. Check your own government’s latest advice and make sure your travel insurance covers you before you book. We follow the situation on the ground every day, run this route only when we judge it safe, and will talk to you about other dates or another itinerary if conditions change.
Price and Booking
Price: on request. This tour runs as a private trip on any date you choose. The price depends on group size, hotel level and season, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us your dates and number of travellers and we reply within 2 hours, with a full itinerary and quote within 24 hours.
Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222.
What Is Included
- Private 4×4 vehicle with fuel and an experienced driver
- English speaking tour guide throughout
- Afar local guides, scouts and police escort fees
- All entrance and permit fees in the Danakil
- Full board meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3
- Mattresses and bedding for camping nights
- Bottled water during the tour
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Flights between Addis Ababa and Mekele
- Hotel in Mekele before or after the tour
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Best Time to Go
The Danakil is best from November to February, when daytime temperatures are around 30 to 35°C. From March to October it often goes above 45°C, so trips start very early and keep walking to the cooler hours. We usually do not run the Danakil in June, July and August.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Danakil Depression safe to visit?
Tours run with Afar local guides and armed scouts, and we watch the local situation closely before every departure. Several governments currently advise against travel to parts of Afar and to Tigray (see the travel advice above). If conditions change we adjust the route or reschedule, and we tell you before you travel.
How hard is the Erta Ale hike?
It is about 10 km each way on a gentle path over lava, done in the evening when it is cooler. Anyone with average fitness can do it. Camels carry the mattresses and water.
Can I add more days?
Yes. Many travellers add Gheralta and the Tigray rock churches, or fly on to Lalibela. See our 5 day Danakil and Gheralta tour.
What should I pack?
Light long sleeved clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, sun cream, a head torch, closed shoes for the lava and a warm layer for the crater rim at night.
Tour Languages
Amharic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please inform us of your preferred language when booking.
Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time availability.
Booking Form
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