
Danakil Depression Adventure
Journey to the Hottest Place on Earth
Book This Tour Now
Limited spots available for upcoming departures!

Abyssinia Travel
Tour Operator
The Danakil Depression Adventure is an expedition into one of the most extreme environments on our planet. Located in the northern part of the Afar Triangle, the Danakil Depression sits at the junction where three tectonic plates are pulling apart, creating a landscape that appears almost alien with its vibrant colors, salt formations, and active volcanoes.
This 4-day journey begins in Mekele, from where you'll venture into increasingly remote and dramatic landscapes. The first major highlight is Erta Ale, one of the world's few permanently active lava lakes. The challenging night hike to the crater rim is rewarded with the mesmerizing sight of molten lava bubbling just meters away—a truly primordial experience.
The tour continues to Dallol, perhaps the most visually stunning location in the Danakil. Here, geothermal activity has created a surreal landscape of fluorescent green and yellow hot springs, rust-colored formations, and salt canyons that seem to belong on another planet. The vibrant colors come from the various minerals brought to the surface by geothermal activity.
You'll also witness the traditional salt mining that has been practiced in the region for centuries. Local Afar people cut salt blocks from the vast salt flats by hand, and camel caravans transport them to markets in the highlands—a trade route that has existed for millennia.
This expedition is not for the faint-hearted—temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F), and facilities are basic. However, for adventurous travelers seeking extraordinary landscapes and unique cultural experiences, the Danakil Depression offers rewards found nowhere else on Earth.
Tour Details
Duration
4 days
Group Size
4-12
Destinations
Danakil Depression, Erta Ale
Difficulty Level
Challenging
Price Includes
- All transportation in 4x4 vehicles
- Camping equipment and basic accommodations
- All meals during the tour
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Local Afar guides and scouts
- Permits and entrance fees
- Bottled water
- Cook to prepare meals
Price Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for guides and drivers
About Abyssinia Travel
Abyssinia Travel specializes in adventure tours to Ethiopia's most remote and spectacular regions. With a focus on safety and environmental responsibility, our experienced team has been leading expeditions to the Danakil Depression for over a decade.