Duration
3-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
3-Day Danakil Depression– Fire Salt & Surreal Landscapes
Overview
Discover the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most extraordinary places on Earth. This 3-day Danakil Depression tour explores vast salt flats, colorful sulfur springs, and the surreal landscapes of Dallol. Hike to Erta Ale Volcano to witness its active lava lake, meet the Afar people, and see traditional salt caravans on this unforgettable Ethiopia adventure.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Hamad Ela (Village)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & air transfer
Accommodation
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included - Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Meals
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
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$2,640 USD
$649 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,640 USD
$649 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 6 people to run.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children of all ages. Children under 9 receive a discount and children under 3 are free.
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.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 15 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 6 people to run.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals 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)
All Meals 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 to Semera then Drive to Erta Ale
Early in the morning, fly from Addis Ababa to Semera, where you meet your local Afar guide and continue by 4×4 vehicle across dramatic lava fields and vast salt flats toward Dodom, the base of Erta Ale Volcano. From here, begin a scenic 15 km trek as mules carry your luggage to the volcanic ridge. Arrive at the crater late at night to witness the spectacular glow of the active lava lake, an unforgettable natural phenomenon. Overnight: Camping on the crater rim under the stars. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Erta Ale Lava Lake & Drive to Hamed Ela
Early in the morning, explore Erta Ale’s lava lake from multiple viewpoints, witnessing the constantly shifting molten surface, rising smoke, and glowing magma. After descending the volcano, drive across the Danakil Depression to Hamed Ela, a remote Afar settlement and gateway to Dallol. En route, enjoy dramatic desert landscapes, vast salt plains, and traditional camel caravans transporting salt blocks, offering insight into Afar culture and daily life. Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Explore Dallol & Departure from Mekele
After breakfast, visit Dallol, one of the hottest places on Earth, known for its vivid mineral terraces, acidic pools, salt formations, and surreal volcanic landscapes. Continue to a nearby salt lake to witness traditional Afar salt mining, a practice preserved for generations. In the afternoon, drive to Mekelle Airport for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa, concluding your unforgettable Danakil Depression adventure. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other 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)
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
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
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 select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
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 Expedition
5.0 operator rating
8 reviews
Ethiopian Expedition is a locally owned tour operator in Ethiopia offering cultural, wildlife, photographic, and adventure tours. Specializing in small-group and private journeys, the company delivers authentic experiences led by expert local guides. Each itinerary highlights Ethiopia’s landscapes, heritage, and living cultures with a strong focus on comfort and responsible travel.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2012)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA & TETOA
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
5.0/5Reliable and professionals!
We worked with Ethiopian Expedition and Tesfaw’s team for our MLab25 group in September. His team was with us throughout the entire week, driving our group as part of a tailor-made program, and everything ran perfectly smoothly. Tesfaw and his team demonstrated outstanding professionalism, reliability, and efficiency throughout the entire week. The transport services were perfectly organized, punctual, and smooth, even on Meskel Day, which is no small achievement given the scale of the celebrations. Their flexibility, attention to detail, and calm management made a real difference for our group experience. We felt well taken care of at all times. We highly recommend Tesfaw and Ethiopian Expedition for any group or individual travel needs in Ethiopia. A trustworthy partner you can rely on with complete confidence.
Geraldine TEXIER · France
Excellent service
We had an incredible one week trekking experience in the Simien Mountains. Everything was perfectly organized by Ethiopian Expedition, and the service was professional, well-planned, and excellent throughout the trip.
Solomon Afmasu · Ethiopia
Unforgettable trip to Ethiopia
Our visit to Ethiopia was a rich and memorable experience from culture historical religious and human perspectives as well as through its beautiful nature and landscapes.our excellent guide Tesfaw who accompanied us throughout the entire trip was outstanding and succeeded in giving us a genuine and authentic picture of Ethiopia. The organization and the supporting team contributed greatly to our sense of comfort which further enhanced our enjoyment of the journey.
Noga · Israel
Truly Unforgettable Trips
The Ethiopian Expedition Team made our 15-day trip to Ethiopia truly unforgettable. We explored the historic north, including the Simien Mountains and the Gheralta churches, as well as the Danakil Depression and the culturally diverse Omo Valley. Everything was well organized from start to finish. Communication was smooth and timely, and our drivers and guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, both with us and with the local communities. We highly recommend this company to anyone planning a trip to Ethiopia.
Allen@rock · 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 accepts children of all ages. Children under 9 receive a discount and children under 3 are free.
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) – All Meals Included - Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals 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 Expedition, 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 6 people to run.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
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