5 Days Afar Danakil Depression Tour Package

Overview

Tour Highlights

• Visit the colorful hydrothermal fields of Dallol
• Trek to the active lava lake of Erta Ale volcano
• Experience traditional salt mining at Lake Asale
• See camel caravans crossing the Danakil desert
• Swim in the salty waters of Lake Afdera
• Explore one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth

Included / Excluded

All entrance fees
Bottled drinking water
4WD vehicle with experienced driver and fuel
Professional English-speaking guide
Camping equipment during the expedition
Local Afar security and scout services

Personal expenses (souvenirs
snacks
etc...)
Tips and gratuities
Optional activities or excursions
Alcoholic drinks
Camera and video fees

Gallery

Gallery for 5 Days Afar Danakil Depression Tour Package

Travel itinerary

Day 1 - Fly Addis Ababa – Semera – Lake Afdera

In the morning, take a flight from Addis Ababa to Semera. Upon arrival, meet your expedition team and begin the drive toward Lake Afdera.

Lake Afdera lies about 100 meters below sea level and is surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes. This massive saline lake is an important salt extraction center for the region.

In the afternoon, you may swim in the buoyant salt waters or relax in nearby natural hot springs while enjoying the peaceful desert environment.

Overnight: Camping at Lake Afdera

Day 2 - Lake Afdera – Erta Ale Volcano

After breakfast, drive across the volcanic desert toward the famous Erta Ale, often called “The Smoking Mountain.”
Erta Ale is one of the few volcanoes in the world with a permanent lava lake.

After arriving at the base camp, enjoy an early dinner before beginning the evening trek to the summit. As night falls, you will reach the crater rim and witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava bubbling inside the volcano.

This is one of the most spectacular natural experiences in Ethiopia.

Overnight: Camping near the crater rim or at base camp

Day 3 - Erta Ale – Hamed Ela

Wake up early to enjoy sunrise views over the volcanic landscape before descending from Erta Ale.
After breakfast, drive across the dramatic lava fields and desert plains toward Hamed Ela.

This small desert settlement is the gateway to the salt plains. In the afternoon, you may see the legendary Afar camel caravans carrying large blocks of salt across the desert — a tradition that has existed for centuries.

Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela

Day 4 - Dallol and Lake Asale Salt Plains

You will explore one of the most extraordinary geological sites on Earth — Dallol.
Dallol is famous for its bright yellow, green, and orange mineral formations, bubbling acid springs, and surreal salt structures created by volcanic activity.

Later, visit the salt plains of Lake Asale, where Afar miners cut salt blocks by hand using traditional tools.
At sunset, the vast salt flats reflect the golden desert light, creating an unforgettable landscape.

Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela or lodge in Semera (depending on the schedule)

Day 5 - Return to Semera – Fly to Addis Ababa

Enjoy your final morning in the Danakil desert before driving back to Semera.
Along the way, reflect on your adventure through one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth.

Upon arrival in Semera, transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.