Volcano & Danakil Depression Tours
Danakil Depression & Erta Ale
Three days across the salt flats to an active lava lake, sleeping on the volcano.
- Duration
- 3 days
- Region
- Afar
- Starts
- Mekelle
Overview
The Danakil Depression lies more than a hundred metres below sea level and is one of the hottest inhabited places on earth. Two things bring people here: Erta Ale, a shield volcano with a persistent lava lake, and Dallol, where mineral springs have coloured the salt flats yellow, green and rust. Salt is still cut from the flats by hand and carried out by camel caravan, as it has been for centuries. This trip combines both, which is why it takes three days rather than two.
Highlights
- The lava lake at Erta Ale, seen at night
- Sleeping at the volcano's rim
- The mineral springs and coloured salt formations at Dallol
- Salt flats and camel caravans
- Lake Afrera
Itinerary
Day 1
To Erta Ale, and up the volcano
An early start and a long drive in, the last stretch over broken volcanic rock rather than road. From base camp there is a trek up to the rim, done in the cool of the evening. You sleep at the top — the lava lake is at its most striking after dark.
Day 2
Down the volcano, Lake Afrera, on to Hamed Ela
Descend in the morning and cross the Afar country to Lake Afrera, a salt lake dense enough to float in. Continue to Hamed Ela for the night.
Day 3
Dallol, the salt flats, return to Mekelle
Dallol in the morning, while it is still bearable — sulphur springs, mineral crusts and colours that do not look real. Time on the salt flats among the caravans before the drive back to Mekelle.
Who it suits
The most demanding trip we offer. Extreme heat, a night sleeping outdoors at the volcano, long drives on rough ground and basic facilities throughout. It suits travellers who want the place badly enough to be uncomfortable getting there, and it is not a good first trip to Ethiopia.
Before you go
Access to this region depends on conditions and permits at the time of travel, and that can change at short notice. Ask us before planning around it.
Common questions
- How difficult is the trek up Erta Ale?
- It is not technical, but it is a walk of several hours over uneven volcanic rock, done in the evening to avoid the heat, and you sleep at the top. Reasonable fitness matters more than experience.
- Is the Danakil route currently operating?
- Access depends on conditions and permits at the time of travel. Contact us before making plans around this trip and we will tell you where things stand.
Places visited
- Erta Ale
- Lake Afrera
- Hamed Ela
- Dallol
- Mekelle
