Explore Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano. Witness active lava lakes, vibrant mineral formations, and traditional salt caravans. Perfect for adventurers and photographers.
Explore Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano. Witness active lava lakes, vibrant mineral formations, and traditional salt caravans. Perfect for adventurers and photographers.
- Semera - Day 01: Begin the day by meeting the guide and exploring the vibrant essence of Ethiopia with a city tour of Addis Ababa, a lively mix of history, culture, and modernity. Visit the renowned National Museum, home to the famous fossil “Lucy,” and explore the ancient relics at Holy Trinity Cathedral, a site of great religious and historical…
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Semera - Day 01: Begin the day by meeting the guide and exploring the vibrant essence of Ethiopia with a city tour of Addis Ababa, a lively mix of history, culture, and modernity. Visit the renowned National Museum, home to the famous fossil “Lucy,” and explore the ancient relics at Holy Trinity Cathedral, a site of great religious and historical importance. Experience the bustling atmosphere of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can soak in the sights, sounds, and aromas of Ethiopia’s vibrant trade scene. Enjoy stunning panoramic views from Entoto Hill, the city’s highest point, offering a glimpse into Addis Ababa’s past as the seat of emperors. Stroll through Unity Park or the newly opened Science Museum, showcasing Ethiopia’s progress and innovation. This tour offers a rich blend of history, culture, and local life, making it perfect for first-time visitors, history enthusiasts, and cultural explorers. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
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Afdera - Day 2: Arrival in Semera – Gateway to Afar. Arrive in Semera, the capital of the Afar region. Meet the guide and drive to Afdera – Salt Lakes & Hot Springs. Journey through the Afar desert to Lake Afdera, a striking saltwater lake surrounded by volcanoes. Experience the natural hot springs and witness traditional salt mining. Camp near the lake under the starry sky.
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Erta Ale - Day 3: After breakfast in Afdera, set off on an adventurous drive toward Erta Ale, Ethiopia’s most active volcano, located in the heart of the Danakil Depression. The journey takes you through vast desert landscapes, passing small Afar settlements and dramatic volcanic formations. Arrive at the base camp in the late afternoon, where you’ll rest and prepare for the challenging evening trek to the summit. As the sun sets, begin your ascent, a 3–4-hour hike over rocky terrain, guided by experienced locals. Upon reaching the crater rim, witness the breathtaking Erta Ale lava lake, one of the world’s few continuously active lava lakes, glowing with molten rock beneath the night sky. Feel the heat and hear the bubbling lava, an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Spend the night camping near the crater, experiencing the surreal beauty of this remote volcanic landscape under a star-filled sky. Overnight in camp.
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Ethiopia - Day 4: Wake up to the surreal sight of Erta Ale’s smoking crater and enjoy a light breakfast before beginning your descent from the volcano. The early morning trek back to the base camp takes about 3–4 hours, allowing you to experience the changing colors of the desert at sunrise. After a short rest and refreshment, embark on a scenic drive toward Hamed Ela, a small, remote village at the edge of the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Along the way, marvel at the shifting desert landscapes, passing hardened lava fields, salt flats, and rugged volcanic terrain. Arrive in Hamed Ela, where you will experience the traditional Afar way of life, learning about their resilience in this harsh environment. In the evening, enjoy a stunning desert sunset before settling in for the night at a local guesthouse or desert camp, preparing for the next day’s adventure into the heart of Danakil. Overnight in a local guesthouse or camp.
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Dallol - Day 5: Rise early to embark on an unforgettable journey into Dallol, one of the most surreal and geologically fascinating places on Earth. Located in the heart of the Danakil Depression, Dallol is renowned for its vibrant mineral formations, bubbling acidic springs, and steaming geysers, creating an alien-like landscape of intense colors—yellows, greens, and deep oranges. Walk carefully around this otherworldly terrain, guided by experts who explain the unique geological processes at play.
Next, travel to the vast salt plains of Lake Assale, where you will witness the centuries-old Afar salt caravans. Watch as Afar nomads and their long lines of camels extract and transport large salt blocks, continuing an ancient trade tradition that has sustained local communities for generations. After this remarkable experience, drive back to Semera, reflecting on the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness of Danakil. Overnight stay in Semera, preparing for departure the next day.
- Semera - Day 6: Wake up in Semera and enjoy a relaxed breakfast, taking in the final moments of your incredible journey through the Danakil Depression. If time allows, you may take a short stroll around the town or visit a local market for a last glimpse of Afar culture. Your guide will then assist with your transfer to Semera Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa or your next destination. If you are continuing your adventure, we can arrange optional excursions or additional travel services to extend your exploration of Ethiopia. Reflect on the extraordinary experiences you’ve had—from the glowing lava lake of Erta Ale to the vibrant landscapes of Dallol and the timeless salt caravans. This journey into one of the planet’s most extreme environments will leave you with unforgettable memories of nature’s raw beauty and ancient traditions. Farewell from Afar, until your next adventure! Transfer to airport. End of service.

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- Regular meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner).
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- 15% government tax.
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- All domestic flight tickets(ADDIS - MEKELE(Or Semera) - ADDIS)
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- Camping equipment
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- Local helpers such as village elders.
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- All entrance fees as per the program.
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- Ground transportation for the with insured 4x4 car with AC with fuel and driver’s allowance .
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- Regular meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner).
-
- 15% government tax.
-
- All domestic flight tickets(ADDIS - MEKELE(Or Semera) - ADDIS)
-
- Camping equipment
-
- Local helpers such as village elders.
-
- All entrance fees as per the program.
-
- Ground transportation for the with insured 4x4 car with AC with fuel and driver’s allowance .
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- Accommodation on Twin/Double room sharing in local 4 star hotels in all destinations and camping.
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- Professional English speaking guide
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- Alcoholic drinks
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- Tips to the guides, hotel staff and other service providers and Personal telephone calls.
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- Laundry service. Video and photo camera fees.
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- Single Room Supplements(SRS)
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- Other services not mentioned under “Service Included”
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- Alcoholic drinks
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- Tips to the guides, hotel staff and other service providers and Personal telephone calls.
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- Laundry service. Video and photo camera fees.
-
- Single Room Supplements(SRS)
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- Other services not mentioned under “Service Included”
The Afar, Erta Ale, and Dallol tour offers an extraordinary adventure through Ethiopia’s most extreme and surreal landscapes. This expedition leads travelers into the heart of the Danakil Depression, renowned as one of the planet’s lowest, hottest, and most geologically dynamic regions. Participants will marvel at the Erta Ale volcano, featuring a rare,…
The Afar, Erta Ale, and Dallol tour offers an extraordinary adventure through Ethiopia’s most extreme and surreal landscapes. This expedition leads travelers into the heart of the Danakil Depression, renowned as one of the planet’s lowest, hottest, and most geologically dynamic regions. Participants will marvel at the Erta Ale volcano, featuring a rare, perpetually active lava lake, where molten rock illuminates the night sky. In Dallol, vibrant mineral formations, steaming geysers, and acidic pools create an otherworldly scene unlike any other. Visitors will also encounter the traditional Afar salt caravans, where camel traders have been extracting and transporting salt for centuries. This exceptional tour provides thrilling adventures, stunning photography opportunities, and a rare insight into Ethiopia’s natural marvels and ancient cultures. Perfect for explorers, photographers, and geology enthusiasts, this unforgettable journey highlights the raw beauty of one of Earth’s last untouched frontiers.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.