3-Day Danakil Depression Tour: Erta Ale Lava Lake & Dallol, Ethiopia

Walk into Earth's hottest place: a lava lake, salt mines and alien geology

A 3-day guided tour of Ethiopia's Danakil Depression takes you to Erta Ale volcano, where you camp at the crater rim overlooking the world's only permanent lava lake, then descends to Lake Afrera's natural hot springs and Dallol's multicolored acid lakes and fumaroles buried under salt. An English-speaking guide leads the trek and camping. Pickup from Mekele airport or hotel is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Semera to Erta Ale Volcano

• Pick up from airport or hotel
• Drive on asphalt road to Erta Ale vicinity
• Have a small snack
• Trek to summit of Erta Ale volcano
• Spend night camping at crater rim

Day 2: Erta Ale to Lake Afrera and Hamed Ela

• Watch sunrise over lava lake
• Descend to vehicles
• Drive to Lake Afrera
• Observe traditional salt mining
• Relax in natural hot springs
• Drive to camp in Hamed Ela
• Camp overnight under the stars

Day 3: Explore Dallol and return to Mekele

• Depart early to Dallol and Lake Assal
• Explore salt domes, fumaroles, and acid lakes
• Start return journey from desert
• Reach highlands near Wukro
• Drive to Mekele
• Drop off at airport or hotel

The experience

The tour starts with a morning pickup in Mekele, then drives 320 kilometers on asphalted road to the base of Erta Ale volcano. A one-hour trek on foot brings you to the 613-meter summit, where camels carry your equipment and food ahead to the caldera rim. You spend the night camping at the crater's edge, watching the lava lake glow in darkness: Erta Ale is the only permanent lava lake on Earth, and the view from the rim is the centerpiece of the entire journey.

Day two starts before sunrise over the lava, then you descend back to the vehicles and drive to Lake Afrera, where the local Afar people mine salt using traditional methods. You can swim in the natural hot springs to recover from the trekking, then continue to Hamed Ela for another night under the stars. On day three, an early morning drive takes you to Dallol, which sits 116 meters below sea level and ranks among the deepest and hottest places on Earth. The landscape is otherworldly: the buried Dallol volcano shows itself through bizarrely arched salt domes, hundreds of hot gas seeps called fumaroles, and acid lakes in shades of yellow, orange and green. After exploring, you return to the highlands and drive back to Mekele, where the guide drops you at the airport or your hotel.

Meals and camping equipment are provided throughout. You'll need to bring water, sun protection and sturdy hiking boots. The guide speaks English and knows the Danakil's geology and the Afar culture. Camels handle the heavy gear on day one so you trek with only a day pack.

What’s included

• Pickup from Mekele airport or hotel.
• English-speaking guide for all three days.
• camping at Erta Ale caldera and Hamed Ela.
• meals throughout the tour.
• camel transport of equipment on day one.
• entry to natural hot springs at Lake Afrera.
• all driving and vehicle transport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 to 65 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ethio Target Tours

Is this one for you?The trek to Erta Ale's summit takes one hour and the pace is steady but not strenuous. Day one is the most physically demanding, while days two and three involve mostly driving with shorter walks. Book this tour if you're comfortable with basic camping, early mornings, and the heat of the Danakil, and want to see the lava lake at night rather than join a faster in-and-out version.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Erta Ale and why do people trek there?

Erta Ale is a 613-meter volcano in the Danakil Depression with the world's only permanent lava lake inside its caldera. You trek one hour to the rim and camp there overnight to watch the lava glow in the dark.

How much walking and trekking is involved over the three days?

Day one includes a one-hour trek to Erta Ale's summit; day two involves a descent and then driving and time in hot springs; day three is mostly driving with a morning exploration of Dallol on foot. The physical demand is moderate, with the first day being the most strenuous.

What is Dallol and what makes it unusual?

Dallol is a volcanic area 116 meters below sea level in the Danakil Depression, making it one of the hottest places on Earth. The buried volcano creates bizarrely shaped salt domes, hundreds of fumaroles releasing hot gases, and acid lakes in vivid colors: an alien landscape unlike anywhere else.

Is accommodation comfortable, and what should I expect at night?

You camp both nights: night one at Erta Ale's caldera rim with views of the lava lake, and night two under the stars at Hamed Ela. Camping is basic, so bring warm layers for the desert night and be prepared for a remote environment.

Does the tour include meals and water?

Meals and camping equipment are included. You'll need to bring your own drinking water and sun protection. The guide and support team manage the camp setup and food preparation at both sites.

What is the minimum age, and are there health restrictions?

The minimum age is 12 years old. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health, though it is suitable for all fitness levels who meet those conditions.