3-Day Danakil Depression Tour from Addis Ababa
Highlights
Addis Ababa, Semera, Afdera, Erta Ale, Dallol, Danakil Depression
Locations Covered
Addis Ababa, Semera, Afdera, Erta Ale, Dallol, Danakil Depression
nature, trekking, Volcano
Private Tour
3 Days
Medium
English
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 3-day adventure in Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression. Start with a flight to Semera and a drive to Lake Afdera, exploring hot springs and volcanic landscapes. Trek to Erta Ale’s rim for stunning lava views, then continue to Hamad Ela, witnessing salt mining and camel caravans, before returning to Semera.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Addis Ababa – Fly To Semera - Drive To Afdera - Volcano
- Meet us at Semera Airport and transfer to Danakil Depression.
- Depart for Lake Afdera, a salt lake in the heart of the Danakil Depression. Enjoy natural hot springs and a swim in the lake.
- After lunch, around 1:00 PM, drive to Dodom, located at the base of Erta Ale. This involves passing through several small hamlets in the desert, with a trek of approximately 1 hour (9.5 km) to the base.
- Early dinner around 5:25 PM. Camels will transport camping materials and food to the volcano’s rim for an overnight stay.
- Spend the night watching the dramatic lava activity of Erta Ale, one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes, and a shield volcano with a 30 km base diameter and a 1 km² caldera.
Overnight camping on the mountain.
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Day 2: ErtaAle - HamadEla - Dallol - Afdera
- 04:00 AM - After an early breakfast, depart for Hamad Ela, a village with a population of around 490-500 people. Enjoy the camel caravans and the sunset view over the shallow salt Lake Assale.
- Drive to Ragad (Asebo), where you will observe local salt mining activities. Witness breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels.
- Continue to Dallol, exploring its unique volcanic landscapes, including Lake Assale, salt formations, and camel caravans.
- Visit the salt mines in the Afar Depression, covering 1,200 km² (460 sq mi), and observe the local salt mining techniques.
- Drive back to Lake Afdera, taking in the scenic views and reflecting on the day's experiences.
Overnight Camping in Lake Afdera.
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Day 3: Lake Afdera - Semera - Departure to Addis Ababa
- Begin your day with a chance to witness the stunning sunrise over Lake Afdera.
- Enjoy breakfast at Lake Afdera.
- After breakfast, drive to Semera.
- Arrive in Semera and transfer to the airport for your departure.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
Adult | |
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1 to 10 | /person |
Child | |
1 to 10 | /person |
This is a private tour |