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

Camp at the rim of a lava lake, then descend into the world's lowest landscape

This 3-day tour from Addis Ababa takes you into the Danakil Depression to witness Erta Ale's permanent lava lake and Dallol's geothermal wonders. You fly to Semera, trek to the volcano's rim at night, watch the lava from your camp, then descend to explore salt flats, Lake Asale and the colorful mineral formations at Dallol before flying home. A guide, all flights and camping gear are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Semara and Erta Ale trek

• Fly from Addis Ababa to Semara
• Drive to Erta Ale volcano
• Dinner at camp
• Trek up to Erta Ale rim
• Camp overnight at volcano rim

Day 2: Explore Erta Ale and salt flats

• Sunrise at Erta Ale pit crater
• Descend from Erta Ale
• Relax at Dodom camp
• Drive to Lake Giulietti salt flats
• Visit salt mining by Afar people
• Drive to Hamedla for overnight

Day 3: Visit Dallol and return to Addis

• Drive to Ragad salt mining site
• Visit Dallol volcanic landscape
• See Lake Assal and camel caravans
• Drive to Semara or Mekelle
• Fly back to Addis Ababa

The experience

The tour starts with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera, then a drive to Erta Ale, a shield volcano 30 kilometers across with a 1-square-kilometer caldera at its summit. This is the only place on Earth with a permanent lava lake (one of just five in the world), and it has been active since the early twentieth century. After dinner around 5 p.m., you trek up the mountain at 8 p.m. while camels carry your sleeping materials, light mattresses, water and food to the rim. You spend the night there, watching the boiling lava from the edge of the crater.

On day two, you watch the sunrise over the main pit crater (200 meters deep and 350 meters across), then descend around 9 a.m. After breakfast at the camp, you drive to Lake Giulietti (also called Lake Afrera), a salt water lake more than 100 meters below sea level in one of the planet's deepest depressions. You visit the salt flats where Afar people evaporate the water to harvest salt, then continue to Hamedela for the night.

The final day takes you to Ragad, where you watch salt workers break salt from the ground, cut it into rectangular pieces and load it onto camels. Then you drive to Dallol, 116 meters below sea level and one of the lowest places in the world, to see the colorful mineral formations created by volcanic activity. You visit Lake Assal and follow camel caravans carrying salt (available except July through early September), walk with the Afar people, then drive back to Semera or Mekelle for your flight home to Addis Ababa.

What’s included

• All flight tickets from Addis Ababa.
• English-speaking guide.
• camping materials including light mattresses and mats.
• water and food during the trek.
• overnight accommodation at Erta Ale's rim and in the depression.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sun City Ethiopia Tour

Is this one for you?Three days is the minimum needed to fly in, trek Erta Ale at night, descend into Dallol and return to Addis Ababa, so this tour fills a full travel window without leaving time for other sites in the city. Book it as a standalone excursion or pair it with a day in the capital before or after.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

What is Erta Ale and why do people trek there at night?

Erta Ale is a shield volcano with the world's only permanent lava lake at its summit, one of just five lava lakes on Earth and the longest-existing one since the early twentieth century. You trek at night so you can reach the rim and spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava from the crater's edge.

How deep is the main crater at Erta Ale?

The main pit crater is 200 meters deep and 350 meters across, with a sub-circular shape and three levels inside it.

What happens at Dallol on the final day?

Dallol, located 116 meters below sea level, shows colorful mineral formations created by volcanic activity. You explore the landscape, visit Lake Assal nearby, and walk with Afar people. You can also follow camel caravans carrying salt (except during July, August and early September).

What does the tour include from Addis Ababa?

The tour includes all flight tickets from Addis Ababa to Semera and back, a live English-speaking guide throughout, camping materials and overnight accommodation at the volcano rim and in the depression, and all fees and taxes.

Do I need special fitness or health to book this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, but it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. Children are welcome from age 13.