3 Days Danakil Depression
The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, lowest, and most inhospitable places on Earth, located in northeastern Ethiopia. It sits below sea level and is part of the larger East African Rift system. The region is known for its extreme temperatures, volcanic activity, salt flats, hot springs, and unique landscapes, including vivid, sulfur-rich lakes and multi-colored mineral deposits.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Addis Ababa
- We will pick you at the hotel to stat your 4 days trip.
Semera
DAY - 1
07:00 - Leave Addis Ababa and fly to Semera
08:25 - Arrival in Semera
09:00 – 10:00 AM – Depart from Semera proceed driving to Hamed Ila via Berehale.
11:00 – 12:00 – Visit camel caravans along the way.
14:00 – 15 :00 – Visit caravan merchants and village.
16 :00 – 17:00 - Overnight camping in Hamed Ila.
Ertale
DAY - 2
09:00 – 12:00 AM – From Hamed Ila, continue to Erta Ale via Kursuwad
11:00 – 12:00 – Visit the top you will descend into the caldera and proceed to the crater’s edge.
14:00 – 15 :00 – permanent lava lake inside the volcano (the only permanent lava lake in the world).
16 :00 – 17:00 - You will camp overnight on the rim of the volcano caldera.
Dalol
DAY - 3
09:00 – 11:00 AM – an early morning start to witness the sun rise over the horizon
11:00 – 12:00 – the volcano’s lake of lava before descending from the volcano.
14:00 – 15 :00 – return driving to Hamed Ila through the arid desert land of the Afar people.
16 :00 – 17:00 - Fly back to Addis Ababa
Ending Point
Addis Ababa
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
4WD vehicles including driver, driver’s allowance (food & accommodation)
- Fuel and governmental taxes
- English-speaking guide
- Permits to travel in Afar region
- Local Afar road leaders, armed scouts, and security, as needed
- All food & water while camping in the Danakil Depression
- All cooking & camping materials, including cook to prepare food for entire expedition team
- All other costs associated with travel in the Danakil Depression
- All costs outside of the Danakil Depression including transport from Mekele to Addis Ababa
- Alcoholic beverages
- Camera and/or photo fees
- Items of a personal nature
Tour Important Information
- Comfortable shoes
- Lotions and sunscreen
- Backpack
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Demeke G.
I was born and grew up in Addis Ababa. I used to work in Addis Ababa for more than 7 years. I became a National Government Licensed Guide in English and French in 2018. I am a graduate of history and heritage management.
Since then, I have guided more than 300 tours in Addis Ababa as well as Bahir Dar, Gondar, Danakil Depression and Tigray churches, Omo Valley, Lalibela, the Siemen Mountains, Bale Mountains, and various day trip programs while improving my tours. Ethiopia is a country with a rich cultural, historical, and natural attraction with more than 80 ethnic groups and languages.
My tours are very flexible, and I always do my best to customize them according to the interests of my guests. I studied about the places and will provide you knowledge to appreciate them more deeply than just visiting there by yourself or as a member of group tours. I like food, and I know many restaurants that provide typical Ethiopian traditional cuisine along with the traditional Ethiopian coffee. Therefore, I am sure that I can provide you the best tours customized to your interests. It will be my great pleasure to help you to have memorable experience in Ethiopia.
Reviews
Andrew C.
“Short tour of Addis Ababa”
I was looking for a compact tour of Addis Ababa. This was perfect - accommodated my desired departure time, was very pleasant and knowledge. Just the right level of detail for me. Also offered to help with dinner reservations etc. Would definitely recommend!
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Demeke G.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that the tour met your expectations and that the timing, level of detail, and overall experience worked well for you. It was a pleasure showing you around Addis Ababa, and I’m always happy to help with anything—from city tours to dinner reservations. Your recommendation means a lot! Safe travels, and I hope to welcome you back sometime in the future.
Diana R.
“Beautiful walk through impressive landscapes ”
Blue Nile gorge, Jemma valley and Portuguese bridge are absolutely amazing places of fantastic beauty. If you are in Ethiopia for only one day it is for sure the must-visit place. It would give a lot of unforgettable memories (and photos) to those who prefer walking in nature over city sightseeing. Our guide Demeke was very friendly, punctual, respectable guy with perfect English and a huge amount of knowledge regarding the tour. Highly recommended, 10/10
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Demeke G.
Dear Diana and your families, I would like to saythank you for choosing me to be your guide and happy with the services I am providing for your families. I am so grateful for the time we spent together.
$600/ per person
More tours by Demeke G.
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A City Tour of Addis Ababa
There will be a full day of city tour activities, which include historical attractions, panoramic views of the city, national and ethnographic museum visits, and market places.
A City Tour of Addis Ababa
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7 Days Southern Part of Ethiopia
You will have a unique experience of visiting you will visit the archeological sites of Tiya (ancient stelae field and UNESCO World Heritage Site), Adadi Maryam (a rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela) and Melka Kunture (pre-historic tool-making site),fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa ,boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the “crocodile market”, and the local hippos. Day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe,Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area.
7 Days Southern Part of Ethiopia
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A Day Trip to Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge
Drive north from Addis Ababa (about 100km) to the Debre Libanos Monastery. This monastery was founded in the 13th century by St. Tekle Haimanot, who, according to legend, prayed for 7 years straight standing on one leg until the other leg fell off. Nearby the monastery is the Portuguese Bridge, which was the first bridge in Ethiopia. Around this area, you will hopefully see some endemic gelada baboons. Short hikes are available in the area, with stunning views of the Jemma Valley.
A Day Trip to Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge
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A day trip to Lake Wenchi
Early morning departure west from Addis Ababa to Lake Wenchi, a crater lake in a stunning location There are many options for activities in the area, including hiking, horseback riding, or a boat trip to the island monastery of Kirkos and the hot spring valley. After the visit, return to Addis Ababa.
A day trip to Lake Wenchi
Other Popular Car Tour (driver & guide) Tours in Addis Ababa
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5-Day Safari: Explore Awash & the Danakil Depression
Highlights: Awash National Park: Discover diverse wildlife, including gazelles, baboons, and various bird species, while enjoying scenic landscapes and hot springs. Danakil Depression: Experience one of the hottest places on Earth, featuring colorful sulfur springs, salt flats, and the active Erta Ale volcano.
5-Day Safari: Explore Awash & the Danakil Depression
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17-Day Explore Northern Ethiopia History and Nature
You'll experience an unforgettable journey through Northern Ethiopia, where ancient history meets breathtaking landscapes. You'll discover the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, explore the majestic Simien Mountains, and delve into the rich heritage of Axum and Gondar. You'll be immersed in vibrant cultures and stunning natural beauty in this captivating region.
17-Day Explore Northern Ethiopia History and Nature
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1 Day trip Wenchi Lakeside Adventure: Scenic Drive & Monastery
This itinerary offers a scenic drive to Wenchi, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Experience beautiful walking trails, a serene boat trip to a monastery island, and a delightful picnic lunch amidst stunning landscapes. It's an ideal day out to connect with nature and explore Ethiopia's beauty!
1 Day trip Wenchi Lakeside Adventure: Scenic Drive & Monastery
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Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorations
In this full-day city tour you will have a chance to see some of the rarely visited places of Addis Ababa that include: Visits to a couple of markets where you go inside these markets and pick groceries yourself with the help of the guide to prepare Ethiopian Dish later in the day. Visit to an art school that teaches one of the oldest practices of producing manuscripts and paintings using animal skin. Visit to a family house to learn how to make Ethiopian Dish that includes preparing 'injera'
Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorations
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