Thomas W., United Kingdom · Sep 2026
A trip I will talk about for years
Well paced, well guided and full of small surprises.
Popular Featured
Danakil Depression Adventure
A short, intense expedition to the lava lake of Erta Ale and the colourful sulphur springs of Dallol, in one of the hottest places on Earth.
From USD 1,150 per person
Check datesOverview
The journey in brief
- Duration
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Where
- Eastern · Danakil Depression
- Travel style
- Small group
- Best season
- November to February
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Price
- USD 1,150 per person
The Danakil Depression sits below sea level and is among the hottest places anywhere. This four-day expedition is physically demanding but rewarding: an active volcano, a salt desert and mineral springs in bright colours.
Travel here needs careful planning. We arrange the permits and the local escort that are required, and travel only in the cooler months.
Highlights
- Walk up to the rim of Erta Ale and see the lava lake at night
- Explore the sulphur springs of Dallol
- See camel caravans on the salt flats
- Sleep under the stars on the volcano
- Travel with local guides and the escort that is required
What is included
- Accommodation as described, on a twin-share basis
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- A local English-speaking guide
- Transport in a private vehicle and any domestic flights listed
- Entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary
- Airport transfers
What is not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1 Fly to Mekele and drive to HamedelaHamedela
A morning flight to Mekele, then a long drive down into the depression, ending at the village of Hamedela.
Activities
- Domestic flight
- Drive into the Danakil
Day 2 Trek to Erta AleErta Ale
We drive to the start of the trail and walk up in the cooler evening to the crater rim, where we camp beside the lava lake.
Activities
- Evening trek, about 3 hours
- Lava lake at night
Day 3 Dallol and the salt flatsDallol
After sunrise on the crater we descend and drive to Dallol, an area of sulphur springs and salt formations in vivid greens, yellows and oranges.
Activities
- Sunrise at the crater
- Dallol springs
- Salt flats and camel caravans
Day 4 Return to Mekele and departureMekele
The drive back to Mekele and a flight onward.
Activities
- Drive to Mekele
- Domestic flight
Itineraries can change with weather, road and flight conditions. We will tell you promptly if they do.
Gallery
A look at the trip
Photo: Unsplash
Good to know
Before you book
- Guide languages
- English, Amharic
- Minimum age
- 12 years and over
- Group size
- 2 to 12 travellers
- Meeting point
- Your hotel or Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. We confirm the exact meeting time and place by email before you travel.
- Accessibility
- Many sites involve uneven ground and steps. Tell us about any mobility needs and we will advise.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A hat and sun protection
- A warm layer for cool evenings
- A small day pack
- A reusable water bottle
Dress code: Modest, comfortable clothing. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
Cancellation policy
This tour follows the Strict policy. Days are whole calendar days before departure.
| When you cancel | What you get back |
|---|---|
| 30 or more days before departure | 50% refund |
| Fewer than 30 days before departure | No refund |
Reviews
What travellers say
4.5
★★★★★Based on 4 reviews
Lucia R., Spain · Sep 2026
Great value
Everything in the description was included and nothing extra was pushed on us.
Jonas B., Sweden · Sep 2026
Small group, big memories
Twelve of us was the right size. We were looked after without feeling herded.
Priya S., Canada · Sep 2026
Wonderful trip, long days
We loved the sites. Some days were long, so bring a good book for the drives.
Reviews are read and approved by our team before they appear.
Questions
About this tour
How hot does it get?
Daytime temperatures in the depression can be well above 40°C even in the cooler season, so we start early and rest in the heat of the day. Bring plenty of water, a hat and light clothing that covers your skin.
Is it safe?
We travel with an experienced local team and the escort that is required, and only when conditions allow. We check current advice before every departure and may change or cancel a trip if it is not safe.
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