3 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale
Joined 2023
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?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- 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 to/from Mekele, accommodation, meals, etc
- 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
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Demeke G.
Hello!
My name is Demeke, a professional tour guide born and raised in Addis Ababa. My background is history and heritage management. I will manage private and group tours, which include city tours, day trips, historical and cultural attractions, nature, and shopping as well.
Feel free to contact me for memorable and enjoyable experiences in Ethiopia.
Reviews
Diana R.
Half day city tour and Blue Nile Gorge, Jemma valley Tour
Customized
“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.
$599/ per person
More tours by Demeke G.
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.
Debre Libanos Monastery
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.
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 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.
Other Popular Car Tour (driver & guide) Tours in Addis Ababa
2 Days Lalibela Tour
the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. After lunch, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women)
4-Days Trekking Simien Mountains Sankober – Geech – Chenek
for a 3-4 hour hike to Sankober, From Sankober, depart into a valley, through which the Wazla (or Koba) River from Geech to the peak of Imet Gogo at 3926m From Chenek, continue east up a valley to Bwahit Peak,
2 days Harar & Dire Dawa.
Harar: Harar is a historic city in eastern Ethiopia, known for its rich Islamic heritage and vibrant culture. Often referred to as the "City of Saints," it is one of the holiest cities in Islam, with over 80 mosques and 102 shrines. The old walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its narrow alleyways, colorful markets, and unique architectural style. It is also renowned for its tradition of hyena feeding and is a hub for Ethiopian poetry and art
5 Days Bahir Dar,Gondar and Lalibela
Bahir Dar: Located near Lake Tana in northern Ethiopia, Bahir Dar is famous for its stunning natural beauty. Gondar: Known as the "Camelot of Africa," Gondar is home to the remarkable Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring medieval castles and palaces and Lalibela: Famous for its extraordinary rock-hewn churches, Lalibela is a pilgrimage site and one of Ethiopia’s most iconic destinations.