Duration
3-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
3-Day Danakil Depression Adventure
Overview
Experience the incredible landscapes of Ethiopia's Danakil Depression on this unforgettable 3-day adventure. Visit the active lava lake of Erta Ale Volcano, explore the colorful geothermal wonders of Dallol, witness vast salt flats and camel caravans, and discover one of the hottest and most dramatic places on Earth. This expedition offers a unique combination of adventure, volcanic scenery, and authentic Afar culture.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Hamad Ela (Village)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
game drives & nature hikes/walks
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
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$1,760 USD
$1,540 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$1,760 USD
$1,540 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$1,870 USD
$1,650 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
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
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 1
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 2
Hamad Ela (Village)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 3)
Tour Features
Budget camping
This is a budget camping tour.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
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 solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives & nature hikes/walks
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & 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
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 Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
Hamad Ela (Village) – 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
Flight Addis Ababa – Semera – Erta Ale Volcano
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight from Addis Ababa to Semera. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin the drive through the dramatic landscapes of the Afar Region toward Erta Ale Volcano. Along the way, enjoy views of vast desert plains, lava fields, and rugged volcanic scenery. During the drive, keep an eye out for desert wildlife including Dorcas gazelles, Soemmerring’s gazelles, desert foxes, jackals, ostriches, and a variety of birds adapted to the arid environment. After an early dinner at the base camp, start the evening hike to the summit of Erta Ale, home to one of the world's rare active lava lakes. Witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava and the spectacular volcanic landscape beneath the night sky. Overnight camping near Erta Ale Volcano. Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinks not included
Day 2
Erta Ale – Hamedela
After sunrise at the volcano, descend back to the camp for breakfast and continue driving toward Hamedela, the gateway to the Danakil Depression. Along the route, enjoy scenic drives across the vast salt flats and volcanic deserts. Wildlife sightings may include gazelles, desert birds, and camel caravans moving across the landscape. Visit traditional Afar settlements and learn about the nomadic lifestyle of the Afar people. Arrive in Hamedela in the late afternoon and enjoy the surreal desert scenery and sunset over Lake Asale, where large flocks of waterbirds can often be observed. Overnight camping at Hamedela. All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 3
Dallol – Mekele – Addis Ababa
Early morning excursion to Dallol, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Explore the colorful sulfur springs, salt canyons, mineral formations, and unique geothermal landscapes that create an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Visit the traditional salt mining sites and observe camel caravans transporting salt across the desert. During the drive through the Danakil Depression, watch for desert-adapted wildlife and birdlife around the salt flats and seasonal water sources. After the excursion, drive to Mekele Airport for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa, marking the end of this unforgettable Danakil adventure. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinks not included
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)
Camping equipment
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)
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
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
Drinks
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to/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
Ethiopian Photography Tours
5.0 operator rating
6 reviews
We are a private Ethiopian tour company, established in October 2015, specializing in personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. With an experienced and friendly team, we design seamless journeys tailored to your interests, bringing Ethiopia’s rich history, culture, and landscapes to life.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2015)
Tour Types
Specialized photographic safaris (Mid-range & luxury)
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Ethiopian Safari at its best
I can highly recommend Ethiopian Photography Tours. I’ve travelled with them three times over the years, and each experience has been consistently excellent. They are trustworthy and very flexible when it comes to designing tailored private itineraries, and they provide a high level of service throughout. Their experience in organising photography-focused trips really shows. If you’re considering a trip, I suggest contacting Mulie directly.
JB F · Switzerland
Excelent guide
I loved how Mule showed me around. He is very kind, professional, well prepared, and honest guide. I really recomand him!
Alexandru Petolescu · Romania
Wonderful
Beautiful experience with Mulei We travel to south to see the tribes and to north. I recommend Mulei because every is safe with him. He understood what you want to do. Everything was good. The tour as we ask. He knows a lot of things and the price for the car with the driver and mulei is ok And the more important thing it is safety
Myriam Benhayon · Spain
Great knowledge of egions, ethnic groups, culture, food, music and more.
Great operation. Mulugeta (Mulu) seamlessly handled my air travel and lodging accommodations at nice places with reduced rates. He has an impressive breadth of knowledge of the various regions, ethnic groups, culture, food, music and more. Highly recommend using him and his team for making this trip and my last one providing unforgettable experiences that Ethiopia has to offer.
Ramalaka · Greece
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?
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?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Ethiopian Photography 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.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Ethiopian Photography Tours.
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