Danakil Depression Tour – The Hottest Place on Earth (3-Day)

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Departure Point: Addis Ababa
Tour Type: Historic & Cultural

Tour Preview

Explore one of the most extreme and surreal landscapes on Earth — the Danakil Depression. Situated in northeastern Ethiopia near the Eritrean border, this otherworldly region lies over 100 meters below sea level and is known for its active volcanoes, colorful sulfur springs, salt lakes, and vast lava fields. Despite the intense heat, this land of fire and salt is home to the Afar people, whose resilience and culture add a unique human touch to the adventure.
This 3-day expedition offers an unforgettable journey through volcanic craters, salt mines, and the stunning Dallol hydrothermal fields, showcasing the raw beauty of one of the planet’s most geologically active regions.

🗓 Itinerary

Day 1: Mekele – Hamed Ela (Salt Lake & Camel Caravans)

  • Morning drive from Mekele through the highlands descending to the Danakil lowlands.

  • Pass through Berhale, where the landscape changes dramatically to desert.

  • Continue to Hamed Ela, a small Afar village serving as a base for expeditions.

  • Witness the camel caravans transporting salt blocks from the salt flats.

  • Evening relaxation and overnight camping under the stars in Hamed Ela.

🏕️ Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela
🍽️ Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Dallol – Salt Formations & Colorful Hot Springs

  • Early morning excursion to Dallol (–116m below sea level), one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth.

  • Explore the spectacular sulfur springs, acid pools, and colorful salt formations that create an alien-like scenery.

  • Visit the Lake Assale (Karum) and watch locals cutting and loading salt blocks by hand.

  • Return to Hamed Ela for lunch, then proceed toward Dodom, the base of Erta Ale Volcano.

  • Begin a night hike (3 hours) to the summit of Erta Ale, one of the world’s few active lava lakes.

  • Witness the mesmerizing glow of the molten lava under the night sky.

🏕️ Overnight: Camping near the Erta Ale crater rim
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Erta Ale – Mekele

  • Early morning descent from Erta Ale to Dodom after sunrise photography.

  • Breakfast at the base and drive back toward Mekele, enjoying views of the changing desert landscape.

  • Stop for lunch on the way.

  • Arrive in Mekele by late afternoon — end of the tour.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

💰 Tour Price

  • $550 USD per person (based on 4 participants)

  • $690 USD per person (based on 2 participants)

Private or custom group rates available upon request.

✅ Included

  • 4WD Land Cruiser with air-conditioning, fuel & driver

  • All meals as mentioned in itinerary

  • Professional local guide

  • Scouts and police escort as required by local authorities

  • Camping equipment (mattress, tent, sleeping bag)

  • Entrance fees and permits

  • Bottled water throughout the trip

  • Cooking equipment and chef

❌ Excluded

  • Domestic flights (Addis Ababa – Mekele – Addis Ababa)

  • Hotel in Mekele before/after the tour

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Tips for guides, drivers, and cook

  • Any services not mentioned in the “included” list

🔥 Tour Highlights

  • Witness the Erta Ale active lava lake

  • Explore the Dallol hydrothermal fields

  • See the Afar salt miners at work

  • Marvel at Lake Assale’s salt flats

  • Experience camping under a star-filled desert sky

Flexible itineraries available.

Request Tour