Starting from $600 per person for 3 days
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What to Expect
Venture into the Danakil Depression, one of the most extreme landscapes on the planet. In the northernmost reaches of Ethiopia, this otherworldly destination is renowned for its searing heat, striking visuals, and unparalleled remoteness. Here, you’ll encounter salt lakes, bubbling lava, active volcanoes, and neon-colored acid springs that seem plucked from another planet.
This geological marvel is a product of the continental drift between three tectonic plates, creating one of Earth’s lowest points—over 100 meters below sea level. The thin crust beneath your feet fuels the region’s dramatic volcanic activity, shaping a surreal terrain of cones, geysers, lava flows, and sprawling salt flats.
Immerse yourself in the remarkable local culture by witnessing the Afar people extracting salt under the blistering sun, a practice that has endured for generations. The sight of camel caravans carrying the precious mineral back to Mekele is as humbling as it is unforgettable.
Prepare for a journey to one of the most volatile and visually captivating places on Earth.
Included
Day 1 – Fly to Semera and Transfer to Ahmed Ela
Fly into Semera, where your guide will meet you at the airport to begin your journey into the Danakil Depression. From Semera, get ready for a 3–4-hour drive to Ahmed Ela, travelling through stunning desert landscapes and expansive salt flats that characterize this unique region. Upon arrival in Ahmed Ela, enjoy dinner under the star-filled desert sky before settling in for an overnight camping experience in Ahmed Ela.
Day 2 – Visit Dallol and Hike Erta Ale
At sunrise, depart for Dallol, a surreal geothermal wonderland known for its vibrant colors and unique formations. The landscape here is a vivid palette of sulfur springs and salt formations, creating an otherworldly environment that feels like stepping onto another planet.
As you explore Dallol, you’ll also encounter the local Afar people engaged in salt mining, a tradition deeply rooted in their culture. Watch as they extract and shape salt blocks from the flats, providing a tactile connection to this harsh yet fascinating environment. Walk across the salt flats and experience their unique textures beneath your feet.
After returning to Ahmed Ela for lunch, begin your journey to the Erta Ale volcano. Arrive at Erta Ale Base Camp, where a short hike (approximately one hour) sets the stage for an evening ascent to the volcano’s rim. Once there, witness the mesmerizing sight of an active lava lake. Feel the intense heat radiating from the molten lava and marvel at the raw power of this natural phenomenon as night falls.
Day 3 – Sunrise at Erta Ale and Return to Semera
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Erta Ale while enjoying breakfast at base camp. Afterward, begin your descent from the volcano and return to base camp to pack up. Then, drive back to Semera, a journey of approximately 4–5 hours.
Nomad Africa thanks Nibret Adem for his beautiful pictures.