Duration
3-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
3-Day Danakil Depression Group /Private Tour
Overview
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia's Afar region is one of the most surreal and extreme environments on Earth. Known for its active volcanoes, acidic hot springs, salt flats, and lava lakes, it offers an unforgettable adventure. A typical 2-night/3-day expedition takes you deep into this otherworldly terrain, visiting iconic sites like Erta Ale volcano, the colorful Dallol hydrothermal fields, and the salt-mining plains of Lake Assale.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Danakil Depression
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
8 years
Activities
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included - Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Meals
Lunch & Dinner Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
May 18, 2025 - Dec 31, 2027
$440 USD
$440 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
A travel party of 1 or 2 people can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 12 people to run.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 8 years and older. Children under 9 receive a discount.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 1
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 2-3
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
End
Addis Ababa (Day 3)
Tour Features
Budget camping
This is a budget camping tour.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 4 people per vehicle.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Cannot be customized
The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 12 people to run.
8
Minimum age of 8 years
The minimum age for this tour is 8 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
This operator can book your international flights
An airport transfer is not included. You can use an airport taxi, request your hotel to arrange a transfer or prearrange a transfer yourself
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
A transfer from the airport is not included. You can use a taxi, request your hotel to arrange a transfer or prearrange a transfer yourself. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Addis Ababa-Semera Flight and Drive to Volcano
Early in the morning, we will fly with you from Addis Ababa to Semera ET110(6:40 AM – 8:05 AM). You'll be picked up from Semera Airport or hotel & start your day by driving to Erta Ale (which means smoky mountain in Afar language). Erta Ale is one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake. It is 613 meters, with a lava lake, one of only five in the world, at the summit. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century. Dinner will be served around 5:00 pm. After a short break, you'll trek up to Ertale at 8:00 pm. Camels will be transporting all the camping materials and some food (sleeping materials like light mattresses and mats and water) to the rim of the volcano. Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Erat Ale-Danakil Depression-Dallol
You'll have an early sunrise at the northern one corresponds to the main pit crater, and walking 5 minutes to the southern and central pits could either correspond to an ancient pit or a simple collapse structure. The main pit-crater, 200 m deep and 350 m across, is subcircular and three-storied. The smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. You'll descend from Erta Ale around 9 am, and from Dodom. You'll go back to Dodom after an early breakfast, if possible at 7:00 am. You will reach latest at 10:30 am at the camp, where you will be relaxing. As soon as possible, you'll drive to reach the mythical Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera) (optional may not be available during summer time), a salt water lake located more than 100 meters below sea level, in one of the deepest depressions of the planet. Because of the picturesque landscape, it is interesting to visit the salt flats where the Afar people. You will spend the night at Hamed Ela. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Danakil Depression -Mekelle
Danakil to Mekelle (7-8hrs) You'll have a morning tour drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the locals are mining salt. Look at the activity of workers breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels. You'll drive ahead to Dallol and visit the different landscape formed by volcanic activity, Dallol + Lake Assal + camel caravans. You'll enjoy an excursion to Dallol (116 meters below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world), colorful salt mining, visit Lake Assal, follow camel caravans (No camel caravan in July, August, and early September), and walk with the Afar people. You'll drive back to Hamedela and proceed to Mekelle/Semera. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. A transfer back to the airport is not included. You can use a taxi, request your hotel to arrange a transfer or prearrange a transfer yourself.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Roundtrip airport transfer
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
This operator can book your international flights
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
An airport transfer is not included. You can use an airport taxi, request your hotel to arrange a transfer or prearrange a transfer yourself
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Enat Ethiopia tours
5.0 operator rating
24 reviews
Enat Ethiopia Tours and Travel Agency is a privately-owned Ethiopian company dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and historical treasures of Ethiopia. Founded in 2018, our agency may be relatively young, but it is built on decades of experience in the local tourism industry. Our deep-rooted knowledge, personal connections across the country, and passion for authentic travel make us one of the most trusted and insightful tour operators in Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2018)
Tour Types
Custom luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Absolute Best Tour Guide
Our family of 10 traveling from both the U.S. and the U.K. booked a 10-day tour with Enat Tours, and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the moment Ashu greeted us at the airport with his warm smile, we felt completely at ease. He was so friendly, easy to talk to, and right away we knew we were in good hands. Ashu is an absolutely incredible tour guide, professional, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about what he does. The way he explained the history and culture of Ethiopia was fascinating; sometimes it felt like we were watching a live documentary. His storytelling was so brilliant, especially when we got to Lalibela. I personally felt transported, completely immersed in the beauty and history of those rock-hewn churches. We explored so many amazing places: Addis Ababa, Blue Nile Falls, Lake Tana, Gondar, the Simien Mountains, and of course, Lalibela. Each destination was special in its own way, and Ashu made every moment unforgettable. He took care of every little detail, made sure we were always comfortable, and kept a smile on his face the entire time. What made this trip even more meaningful is that this was the first time our entire family had traveled together. That could’ve easily been overwhelming, but Ashu handled it all with so much grace and patience. He truly understood us, and it felt like he was part of the family by the end of the trip. Ethiopia is a beautiful country, and this tour opened our eyes and hearts in ways we’ll never forget. But what made it truly special was Ashu, his kindness, his knowledge, his energy, and that constant, genuine smile. Thank you, Ashu, for making our time in Ethiopia so memorable. You’re one of a kind, and we’re so grateful for everything you did for us!
Emily · United States
knowledgeable warm and friendly.
I have had a great experience with Enat Ethiopia Tours. The company was easy to get in communication with and let me know everything I needed to bring as well helped me book additional flights while in Ethiopia. With spectacular scenic views on my tours to The Churches of labella, Danakil Depression incorporated with knowledgeable warm and friendly tour guides my tours were a great experience. I will definitely use this Enat Ethiopia Tours when planning tour in Ethiopia and I would recommend to anyone doing so.
Jay Lyons · Canada
Awesome hospitality
You can see why Enat is the best on trip adviser. He is such a great personality, and his explanations are easy to understand, and entertaining. TBH, I thought the tours were a bit expensive before going, but afterwards I thought the tours are underpriced. Would love to go again.
Jeremy · Japan
Great tour of the city ! Guide was very knowledgeable
We had a tour with Ashu. He was educated, knowledgeable, with great English. He was able to navigate us through the city keeping us safe. He just loves his county. His passion, positivity and just pure kindness was beautiful. Highly recommend this tour guide if you ever get the chance.
Michelle · Canada
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 8 years and older. Children under 9 receive a discount.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included - Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included. Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
An airport transfer is not included. You can use an airport taxi, request your hotel to arrange a transfer or prearrange a transfer yourself
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Enat Ethiopia tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
This group tour requires a minimum of 12 people to run.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Enat Ethiopia tours.
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