Duration
3-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
3-Day Danakil Depression Desert Adventure with Volcano
Overview
Join an amazing 3-day Danakil Depression tour, where hidden wonders await! Explore the vibrant Sulfur Lake, with its mesmerizing colors & bubbling mud pots. Experience traditional salt mining methods & learn about local culture. Join a caravan for a safe & enjoyable journey through stunning desert landscapes. Get up close to Erta Ale, an active volcano featuring a breathtaking lava lake. Enjoy exhilarating sand driving through vast dunes, surrounded by incredible scenery.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Semara to Addis Ababa
Via Danakil Depression, Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included - Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Breakfast & Lunch 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
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$990 USD
$770 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$990 USD
$770 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 3 people to run.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.
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
Semara (Day 1)
Day 1
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 2-3
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
End
Addis Ababa (Day 3)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour uses bush camps.
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.
Can be customized
You can request changes to this tour.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 3 people to run.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: nature hikes/walks
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-2
Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Take a morning flight from Addisabeba to Semera then Drive to Danakil Depression
Our friendly driver and guide will meet you at Semera Airport & drive to the stunning volcanic landscapes of the Danakil Depression. The temperature rises as we venture deeper, with a lunch break in the charming Afar village of Afdera, known for its impressive salt lake. Experience the desert lifestyle and savor local cuisine. Continuing to Hamed Ela, enjoy views of the smoky mountains we'll explore tomorrow. Arriving in Dalol around 5:00 pm, we'll relax at camp with tea or coffee before heading to the mythical Lake Giulietti (Lake Afrera), over 100 meters below sea level. Witness breathtaking salt flats where Afar people extract salt. Enjoy a stunning sunset, swim in the floating salt lake, and admire vibrant red salt mountains. Our drivers will enhance the fun with music and dancing. Afterward, return to camp for a delicious dinner. Sleep under the stars on comfortable beds, creating an unforgettable experience! Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) Meals: All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 2
From Hamed Ela Camp drive to Eartale Camp where the Active Volcano & Flowing Lava is located
Begins early as we go on a drive to the sulfur springs, the lowest point on Earth. We’ll explore the salt mountains and hot springs, witnessing local workers extracting salt, cutting it into rectangular pieces, & loading it onto camels. Next, we’ll journey to Dallol, marveling at its unique volcanic landscape, including Dallol and Lake Assal. At 116 meters below sea level, Dallol is one of the lowest places globally, with colorful salt formations & captivating views of Lake Assal at sunrise & sunset. After returning to camp for breakfast, we’ll head to Erta Ale, a shield volcano featuring a massive caldera & the world’s only permanent lava lake. Standing 613 meters tall, this natural wonder is one of only five lava lakes worldwide. You’ll have the opportunity to trek up to the volcano cone & witness the dramatic boiling lava. As day ends, we’ll trek back to camp for a hearty dinner at 8:00 pm, followed by a night under the stars on comfortable mattresses provided at our rocky campsite. Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) Meals: All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 3
From Ertale Camp Via lake Afdera drive to Semera then Flight to Addisabeba
We'll wake up early to catch the sunrise at the northern pit crater, and then take a short walk to explore the southern and central pits. These pits offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient geological structures, with the main pit-crater being 200 meters deep and 350 meters across. The smaller southern pit is 65 meters wide and approximately 100 meters deep. After descending back to the camp, we'll have some time to relax and have your last desert breakfst before packing up our camping gears. We'll then drive back to Semera and catch a flight to Addis Ababa around 5:00 pm, marking the end of our incredible tour. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
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 in Semara and ends in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to Semara Airport (Sam - Check price) or (SZE - Check price)
Fly back from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Ethio Wildlife Tours
5.0 operator rating
7 reviews
Discover Ethiopia's wonders with us! Ethio Wildlife Tours: is a private Tour & Travel company, Established in Ethiopia,we offer unforgettable wildlife,cultural & historical tours. Our experienced teams specializes in creating unique experiences,showcasing the breathtaking beauty and rich diversity of Ethiopia.We are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism,ensuring minimal impact on the environment and local communities. Let us show you the true essence of Ethiopia 🇪🇹
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2018)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & 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
5.0/5The nicest tour experience
I don’t usually like booking tours because of many bad experiences, however, at the time Ethiopia demanded it. I was so lucky to find Melashu’s company. It’s the most transparent, respectful, informative and well managed tour. I did the northern Ethiopian route (volcano, Danakil depression etc) and they managed to make me feel comfortable in a difficult weather environment and very safe in an area of conflict. It’s incredible to have such yummy food in the middle of nowhere! Thank you,
Yirka · Sweden
Organized and personalized
Great tour through an amazing landscape. Tour was perfectly organized, no complaints. Somewhere my shoes got lost but when I came back in Addes they were waiting for me in the hotel. Their service goes beyond. Thanks for that
Martijn · Netherlands
Our guide was fantastic — super knowledgeable, easygoing, and clearly respected by the communities.
Just got back from a 4-day tour with Ethio Wildlife and it honestly blew me away. We visited several different tribes in Omo valley and each day was completely unique and eye-opening. The whole trip felt very genuine and respectful, not staged or touristy at all. Accommodations were simple but clean and comfortable, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. If you’re looking for something meaningful and way off the beaten path, I’d 100% recommend this experience. I came back with a full heart and a totally new perspective.
Elena Neal · United Kingdom
Organized and responsive
I contacted several tour operators in May 2025 hoping to join a group tour of the Simien mountains but since it is a slow tourist season there were none available. Ethio Wildlife were able to organize a private tour for me at a reasonable cost. They handled everything. The guide/driver/chef/scout were incredibly nice people and it was a pleasure to spend 3 days with them in the park. The guide in particular was very knowledgeable and accommodating.
Nick · United States
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 is unavailable for children.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request changes to this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included - Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
How does the quote request work?
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Ethio Wildlife Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
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 3 people to run.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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