6-Day Danakil Depression & Lava Lake Adventure

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Addis Ababa to Semera & Lake Afdera

Begin your expedition by catching a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera, the administrative capital of the Afar region. Meet your local guide, security escorts, and 4x4 convoy, then set off across dramatic desert terrain. Drive toward the stunning, hypersaline Lake Afdera, surrounded by volcanic hills and active salt mining. Enjoy the unique scenery and a relaxing evening by the lake before checking into your accommodation or setting up camp for the night.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

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+6 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lake Afdera to Dodom & Erta Ale Volcano

Journey across rugged desert terrain and fields of solidified lava to reach Dodom, the base camp situated at the foot of Erta Ale Volcano. After resting and enjoying an early dinner, begin your guided trek in the cooler late afternoon, walking across the volcanic slopes as pack camels carry your supplies. Arrive at the summit rim to spend an unforgettable night camping under the stars while gazing down at the mesmerizing, bubbling lava lake.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Activities:

• Evening nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale Volcano to Hamad Ela

Wake up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the vast volcanic crater rim, then enjoy a hearty breakfast at the summit camp. Begin your descent down from Erta Ale Volcano, meeting your 4x4 convoy at the base. Embark on an overland desert drive across changing terrain to reach the remote traditional Afar village of Hamad Ela. Spend the afternoon relaxing and experiencing the unique remote culture of the village before setting up your desert camp for the night.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Activities:

• Game drive (normal 4x4 vehicle)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Dallol Hydrothermal Field & Lake Assale

Embark on an early morning excursion into the surreal, alien landscape of the Dallol depression. Marvel at the vibrant, neon-colored mineral springs, sulfur fields, and fascinating salt canyons that make this one of the most unique geological sites on Earth. Continue your journey to explore the vast salt flats of Lake Assale, observe traditional salt cutting, and see the long camel caravans under the desert sun before setting up camp for the night.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Activities:

• Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hamad Ela to Mekelle

Enjoy a relaxed morning taking in your final desert vistas around Hamad Ela before bidding farewell to the Afar depression. Board your 4x4 vehicles and journey out of the lowlands, climbing up the winding roads through the dramatic escarpments toward the vibrant highland city of Mekelle. Arrive by afternoon to check into your comfortable hotel, enjoy a hot shower, and celebrate the conclusion of your incredible desert expedition with a relaxing evening.

Main Destination:

Mekele (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Desta International Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly Back to Addis Ababa & Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast in Mekelle before transferring to the airport for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, spend your afternoon relaxing or doing some last-minute souvenir shopping at the local markets. In the evening, enjoy a farewell traditional dinner featuring authentic Ethiopian cuisine and cultural music before being transferred to Bole International Airport for your international departure flight home.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.