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!
At your hotel in Addis Ababa
- We will pick you at the hotel to stat your 4 days trip.
DAY - 1
07:00 - Leave Addis Ababa and fly to Mekelle.
08:25 - Arrival in Mekell.
09:00 – 10:00 AM – Depart from Mekelle 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.
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.
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 - Overnight camping at Hamed Ila.
DAY -4
09:00 – 11:00 AM – depart for Dallol, which at 116m below sea level is the lowest point on the African continent.
11:00 – 13:30 – the ground many shades of red, yellow and orange from the hot water, acids and minerals spurting up from the ground. Continue to Lake Asale,
14:00 – 15 :00 – Visit the salt lake from which the Afar nomads extract salt
15 :00 – 17:00 - After the visit proceed and take afternoon flight to back to Addis Ababa.
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 to/from Mekele, accommodation, meals, etc
- Alcoholic beverages
- Camera and/or photo fees
- Items of a personal nature
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.
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.
(1 reviews)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.
$490/ per person
Reserve