Duration
4-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
4-Day Addis Ababa & Danakil Depression Adventure
Overview
Experience the highlights of Ethiopia on this 4-day journey combining culture and adventure. Begin in Addis Ababa, exploring its rich history, vibrant markets, and iconic landmarks. Then fly to the Afar region to discover the extraordinary landscapes of the Danakil Depression--one of the hottest and most unique places on Earth. Witness the dramatic lava lake of Erta Ale, explore the colorful hydrothermal fields of Dallol, and experience the traditional salt mining culture at Lake Asale.
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
Minimum age
10 years
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
Cassiopeia Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – 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
$1,727 USD
$1,232 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$1,760 USD
$1,430 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$1,760 USD
$1,562 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 4 people to run.
This tour is not available to groups larger than 20 people.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 10 years and older. Children under 18 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 2
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 3
Hamad Ela (Village)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 4)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and hotels.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 17 people per vehicle.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Cannot be customized
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 4 people to run.
10
Minimum age of 10 years
The minimum age for this tour is 10 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
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
Cassiopeia Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Budget camping Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
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
Arrival in Addis Ababa – Cultural City Tour
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Later, begin a guided exploration of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Your tour includes a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia, where you will encounter the famous fossil “Lucy,” offering insight into early human history. Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious and historical landmark. Drive up to Mount Entoto for panoramic views over the city and a glimpse into the history of Emperor Menelik II. Conclude your day with a visit to Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, where you will experience the daily life and commerce of the city. Overnight: Cassopia Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Cassiopeia Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 2
Fly to Semera – Lake Afdera – Erta Ale Volcano
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Semera, the gateway to the Afar region. Upon arrival, meet your experienced Afar guide and begin your journey into the remarkable Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. En route, drive through dramatic desert landscapes dotted with nomadic settlements. Stop at Lake Afdera, a stunning salt lake where you will have the opportunity to relax and swim in its warm, mineral-rich waters. Continue your journey toward Erta Ale, one of the world’s few continuously active volcanoes. Upon arrival, undertake a short trek to the crater rim, where you will witness the mesmerizing glow of the lava lake—an unforgettable natural phenomenon. Overnight: Camping near Erta Ale under the stars. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Erta Ale – Hamedela – Lake Asale (Salt Flats)
Wake early to revisit Erta Ale and observe the lava lake in the soft morning light—an ideal moment for photography. After breakfast, descend and drive toward Hamedela, a remote settlement in the Danakil Depression. Along the way, experience the unique lifestyle of the Afar people. Continue to Lake Asale, famous for its vast salt flats and traditional salt extraction methods. Here, you will witness local workers cutting salt blocks by hand and long camel caravans transporting them across the desert—one of Ethiopia’s most iconic cultural scenes. Overnight: Camping in Hamedela. All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 4
Dallol – Mekele – Fly to Addis Ababa – Farewell Dinner
Early in the morning, depart for Dallol, one of the most extraordinary geological sites on Earth. This otherworldly landscape features vibrant sulfur springs, colorful mineral deposits, and bubbling hydrothermal formations, creating a truly surreal environment and exceptional photographic opportunities. After the excursion, begin your drive to Mekelle, where you will catch your return flight to Addis Ababa. In the evening, you will be invited to a special farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. Enjoy a variety of authentic dishes accompanied by live music and cultural dance performances, providing a memorable conclusion to your journey. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Bole International Airport for your departure. All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals 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)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Bed linen
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
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 accepts children who are 10 years and older. Children under 18 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 accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Cassiopeia Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – 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 Photography 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 4 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.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Ethiopian Photography Tours.
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