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.
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
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- Minimum two (2) 4WD vehicles including driver, driver’s allowance (food & accommodation)
- Fuel, insurance 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
- Comfortable shoes
- Lotions and sunscreen
- Backpack
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.
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
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.
$459/ per person