3 Days Danakil Depression Tour
Tour Highlights
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Hike to the active Erta Ale volcano and witness its glowing lava lake at night
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Explore Dallol — one of the lowest, hottest, and most colorful places on Earth
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Walk across the white salt flats of Lake Assale at sunrise or sunset
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Discover traditional Afar salt mining and camel caravans
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Travel through dramatic desert landscapes and unique volcanic formations
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Day 1: Drive to Erta Ale & Night Trek to the Lava Lake
Depart in the morning for one of the most remote locations in Ethiopia — Erta Ale, meaning “Smoky Mountain” in Afar. This shield volcano features the world’s longest continuously active lava lake, glowing since the early 20th century.
Travel over rugged off-road terrain (approx. 6 hours / 80 km) as the landscape changes from rocky lava fields to sandy desert dotted with small Afar settlements.
Upon arrival at Dodom Base Camp (17 km from the summit):
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Early dinner around 17:00
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Evening trek to the crater rim (approx. 3 hrs)
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Camels carry camping equipment and water
Spend an unforgettable night at the volcano’s rim, watching molten lava swirl and roar just below you.
Overnight: Simple camping beside the crater
Day 2: Sunrise Over Erta Ale - Lake Afrera (optional) - Hamed Ela
Wake before sunrise to witness crimson light illuminating Erta Ale’s crater, including its:
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Main pit crater: ~200 m deep & 350 m wide
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Southern pit crater: ~100 m deep & 65 m wide
After breakfast, descend to Dodom and relax before continuing deeper into the Danakil Depression.
Optional (season & road conditions permitting):
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Visit Lake Afrera (Lake Giulietti)
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Hypersaline lake >100 m below sea level
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Visit Afar salt extraction sites
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Continue driving via Erbiti toward Hamed Ela for dinner and rest.
Overnight: Camping or local accommodation at Hamed Ela
Day 3: Salt Mining of Ragad - Dallol Sulfur Fields - Mekele
Start the day with a visit to Ragad (Asebo) — the center of Afar salt mining.
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Watch workers cut salt blocks & load them onto camel caravans
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Learn about centuries-old salt trade traditions
Continue to Dallol, one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth:
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Vibrant sulfur pools in yellows, greens & reds
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Fumaroles, salt canyons & mineral terraces
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Visit Lake Assale — a pristine salt lake perfect for photography
After the exploration, drive onward to Mekele, where the journey ends.
