Day 1 – Addis Ababa / Semera – Afdera – Erta Ale Volcano

On this day, our driver will pick you up from Semera Airport and drive into the Danakil Depression. We begin with an early drive to Lake Afdera, a salt lake located in the heart of the Danakil. Here you can see natural hot springs, and swimming is possible if you are interested.

Afterward, continue to Dodom (the base camp for Erta Ale). Depart after lunch, around 13:30, passing small hamlets scattered across the desert landscape. From Dodom, Erta Ale is about 9.5 km away and takes approximately one hour of trekking.

Enjoy an early dinner around 17:00. Camels will transport camping materials (food, sleeping mattress, mat, and water) up to the volcano rim. Spend the night at the crater rim, watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava.

The Danakil Depression (Dallol and Erta Ale) ranks among Ethiopia’s most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions. Erta Ale is a shield volcano with a base diameter of about 30 km and a roughly 1 km² summit caldera. It contains the world’s only permanent lava lake, located at the summit (613 meters), and is notable for being the longest continuously existing lava lake, active since the early 20th century.

Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale Volcano Rim

Day 2 – Erta Ale – Hamad Ela – Dallol

After an early breakfast, drive to Hamad Ela. Along the way, you may see camel caravans. Enjoy sunset views over the shallow salt lake Assale.

Continue with a morning excursion to Ragad (Asebo), where locals mine salt across the vast salt flats. Watch as workers break salt from the ground, cut it into rectangular blocks, and load it onto camels.

Drive onward to Dallol to explore its extraordinary volcanic landscapes and colorful mineral formations. Visit Dallol, Lake Assale, and the salt canyons, then return to Hamad Ela.

Overnight: Camping

Day 3 – Hamad Ela – Semera – Addis Ababa – Departure

Wake up early for another chance to enjoy the sunrise. After breakfast, drive back to Semera and take your flight to Addis Ababa for departure.