Explore the Danakil Depression, the hottest place in the world
Description
Danakil and Erta Ale: Where the Earth Breathes Fire
Prepare yourself for one of the most extreme adventures on the planet. We venture deep into the Danakil Desert, one of the most inhospitable and fascinating places on Earth — a geological depression where the Earth's crust opens and the landscape sinks nearly 100 meters below sea level.
The expedition begins with a flight from Addis Ababa to Semera followed by a long overland journey towards Ahmed Ela across some of Ethiopia’s most surreal landscapes. Along the way we discover Lake Afdera, endless camel caravans transporting salt across the desert and the vast white plains of Lake Assa Ale at sunset.
At sunrise we explore the legendary Dallol Depression, one of the strangest places on Earth, famous for its unreal colors, sulphuric fumaroles and mineral formations that resemble another planet.
The adventure culminates with a night ascent to Erta Ale volcano, one of the very few volcanoes in the world with a permanent lava lake. After trekking beneath the desert stars, we reach the crater rim to witness the red glow of molten lava in the darkness — an unforgettable experience.
We spend the nights in basic camps at Ahmed Ela and Erta Ale, in a remote region where tourist infrastructure is almost nonexistent. This route requires an adventurous spirit, tolerance for extreme heat and a good level of physical endurance.
NOTE: The Danakil route is not a conventional trip. Temperatures may exceed 45°C and conditions can be demanding, but that is precisely what makes this one of Africa’s most extraordinary expeditions.
This expedition is part of our organized Ethiopia tours, a collection of journeys designed by local experts to explore some of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes and cultures.
Technical Specifications
Duration: 3 days
Trip start: Addis Ababa with flight to Semera
Trip end: Addis Ababa
Price: 390 € pp (1-4 pers) / 370 € pp (5-8 pers) / 350 € pp (9-12 pers)
Transport: A convoy of several 4x4 vehicles
Hotels: Wild camping under the stars
Intensity: High difficulty. This is a demanding trip with very basic accommodations
Child-friendly: Only suitable for children aged 12 and older.
Full board: All lunches and dinners included during the Danakil expedition
Payment terms: Deposit of 20% via bank transfer. Remaining 80% in cash (€ or $) upon arrival
Itinerary with Map
DAY 1 – Addis Ababa - Ahmed Ela
Domestic flight to Semera – Lake Afdera – Camel caravans – Sunset at Lake Assa Ale – Camping at Ahmed Ela.
DAY 2 – Ahmed Ela – Erta Ale Volcano
Dallol sulphuric plains – Salt desert landscapes – Drive towards Dodom – Night trekking to the crater – Overnight camping at the volcano.
DAY 3 – Erta Ale Volcano - Addis Ababa – End of the trip
Sunrise at the volcano – Descent to base camp – Stop at Lake Afdera – Return drive to Semera and domestic flight back to Addis Ababa.
NOTE: This is not a conventional trip. It is a true expedition that demands resilience, tolerance for extreme heat and several nights of basic camping conditions.
Prices
Price per person:
Group of 1 to 4: 390 €
Group of 5 to 8: 370 €
Group of 9 to 12: 350 €
Domestic flights, tips and alcoholic drinks.
Transport
Access to the Danakil Desert is only possible by 4x4 vehicles. For safety and logistical reasons, travelers move in convoy, joining other expedition groups and sharing guides, scouts, and support teams. Traveling together across this remote and extreme landscape is part of the authentic Danakil experience.
Accommodation
Accommodation during the Danakil expedition is in very basic camps, with no infrastructure at all, deep in the heart of the desert. We will sleep on raised beds or simple mattresses under one of the most spectacular star-filled skies in Africa.
During the camping nights, full board meals prepared by our team are included, along with plenty of drinking water per person—essential for coping with the intense heat of this extreme region.