English
FrenchDanakil Depression Adventure
Offered by - Vowland Ethiopia Tour and Travel
Tour Features
Embark on a breathtaking 3-day journey into the heart of the Danakil Depression—one of the hottest, lowest, and most geologically active places on Earth. This adventure takes you through extraordinary landscapes shaped by fire and salt: vast lava fields, colorful hydrothermal formations, camel caravans, and dramatic volcanic activity. From exploring the vibrant mineral springs of Dallol to witnessing traditional salt mining at Lake Asale, the tour offers a rare glimpse into both nature’s raw power and the unique culture of the Afar people. The experience reaches its peak at Erta Ale, where you’ll hike to the summit of the famous shield volcano and watch the glowing lava lake illuminate the night sky.
| Budget tour | This budget tour includes camping and tented camps. |
| Can be customized | You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour. |
| Shared tour | This tour will be shared with other travelers. |
| Solo travel available | Solo travelers can book this tour. |
| Can start any day | If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
| Minimum age required | The minimum age for this tour is 5 years. |
| Transportation | This tour uses: Open 4x4. |
Route & Activities
Ethiopia
Activities Included
Accommodation & Meals
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
| Day | Accommodation | Meals |
| 1 | Hamed ela campsite No images available | Breakfast, Dinner Included with Drinks |
| 2 | Erta Ale camp No images available | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included |
| 3 | Budget Accommodation No images available | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks |
Arrival (See Getting There for more details)
- A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
- Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
- Day 1 - Fly Addis Ababa → Semera & Drive to Ahmed Ela
Day 01: Fly Addis Ababa → Semera & Drive to Ahmed Ella
Upon arrival at Semera Airport, you will be welcomed by our team and begin your journey toward Ahmed Ella. The drive takes you across striking landscapes of solidified lava, desert rock formations, sands, and occasional palm-lined oases. Passing through several small Afar hamlets, you will arrive in Ahmed Ella—a village of about 500 inhabitants—where you will explore the traditional lifestyle of the Afar people.
Later, continue to Lake Asale (Salt Lake), an immense salt flat famed for its mirror-like sunset reflections. Enjoy a refreshing swim in a natural salt pool as the sun sets over the glowing white plains.
Overnight: Camping at Ahmed Ella
Accommodation: Hamed ela campsite
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 2 - Visit Dallol → Drive to Erta Ale
Visit Dallol → Drive to Erta Ale
After breakfast, drive to Ragad (Asebo), where you will witness the traditional salt-mining operations of the Afar community. Here, blocks of salt are cut, shaped, and loaded onto camel caravans—an ancient trade still practiced today.
Continue to Dallol, one of the lowest points on the planet at 125 meters below sea level. Explore its otherworldly volcanic formations, colorful mineral deposits, acidic hot springs, and bubbling lakes—creating one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth.
After lunch in Ahmed Ella, depart for Erta Ale, the famous shield volcano known for having the world’s longest-existing permanent lava lake. At 613 meters above sea level, Erta Ale offers an unforgettable nighttime experience as you witness the glowing, churning lava from the crater rim.
Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale
Accommodation: Erta Ale camp
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
- Day 3 - Drive Erta Ale → Lake Afdera → Semera → Fly to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, descend from Erta Ale and drive to Lake Afdera, a major site for Ethiopia’s salt extraction industry. The saline lake is tapped into saltpans for solar evaporation, forming large salt crystals harvested for commercial use.
After lunch, continue to Semera Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
End of tour (See Getting There for more details)
- Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
Includes
- All Taxes/VAT
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Excludes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline of $6 per person per day for the guide and crew
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
Rates Per Person
Nov 19, 2025 - Dec 31, 2027
*n/a = not available. This tour is unavailable for solo travelers.
Includes
- All Taxes/VAT
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Excludes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline of $6 per person per day for the guide and crew
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
Getting There
Ethiopia, situated in the famous Horn of Africa, is known as both the Land of Origins and the Land of a Thousand Smiles. Most of the visitors arrive at the Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa. Usually, the Safari operator picks you up at the airport and takes care of any travel arrangements from there. If you are already in the region it’s possible to get in by land from Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti. It is best to stay away from the borders of South Sudan and Somalia. Drive-around tours are also available (especially in southern Ethiopia). Even when flying around, covering some distances by car can be very rewarding as you'll see some of the Ethiopian countrysides.
This tour starts in Addis Ababa and ends in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Travel Requirements
- All foreign visitors need a passport that is valid for at least six months
- Passports must have a clean and a full visa page for endorsement.
- Visitors can be obtain there Visas in advance from Ethiopian embassies or high commissions.
- You can also apply through the online visa-application portal, the official website of the Ethiopian Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs.
- For certain countries, A tourist visa can also be issued on arrival at Bole International Airport.
- When arriving from a country in Africa or the Americas where yellow fever is present, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
Getting There
Ethiopia, situated in the famous Horn of Africa, is known as both the Land of Origins and the Land of a Thousand Smiles. Most of the visitors arrive at the Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa. Usually, the Safari operator picks you up at the airport and takes care of any travel arrangements from there. If you are already in the region it’s possible to get in by land from Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti. It is best to stay away from the borders of South Sudan and Somalia. Drive-around tours are also available (especially in southern Ethiopia). Even when flying around, covering some distances by car can be very rewarding as you'll see some of the Ethiopian countrysides.
This tour starts in Addis Ababa and ends in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Travel Requirements
- All foreign visitors need a passport that is valid for at least six months
- Passports must have a clean and a full visa page for endorsement.
- Visitors can be obtain there Visas in advance from Ethiopian embassies or high commissions.
- You can also apply through the online visa-application portal, the official website of the Ethiopian Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs.
- For certain countries, A tourist visa can also be issued on arrival at Bole International Airport.
- When arriving from a country in Africa or the Americas where yellow fever is present, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
Offered By
Vowland Ethiopia Tour and Travel
Ethiopia
Vowland Ethiopia Tour & Travel is a dedicated, customer-focused tour operator offering unforgettable travel experiences across Ethiopia—one of the world’s most ancient, culturally rich, and naturally diverse destinations. From the rock-hewn wonders of Lalibela to the other-worldly landscapes of the Danakil Depression, the wild mountains of the Simien, and the colorful tribes of the Omo Valley, Vowland designs journeys that highlight the best of Ethiopia’s heritage, culture, nature, and hospitality.
We combine deep local knowledge with professional service to ensure every traveler enjoys a safe, authentic, and inspiring experience. With an experienced team, trusted local guides, and a strong community-based approach, Vowland strives to make each trip meaningful—both for visitors and for the Ethiopian communities who welcome them.
Why Choose Vowland Ethiopia Tour & Travel?
✔ Expert Local Knowledge
Our team is fully Ethiopian and deeply rooted in the regions we operate in. We understand the culture, history, languages, landscapes, and hidden gems that most visitors never see.
✔ Personalized Travel Experiences
No two travelers are the same. We design customized itineraries based on your interests—culture, adventure, religion, wildlife, photography, trekking, food, or luxury travel.
✔ Professional & Reliable Service
We prioritize comfort, safety, and seamless logistics. From airport pickup to hotel bookings, local flights, and transportation, we handle every detail with care.
✔ Ethical & Responsible Tourism
We are committed to sustainability, fair business practices, and supporting the local communities that make Ethiopian tourism so special.
✔ Competitive Prices with High Value
Our pricing is transparent and affordable while maintaining high standards of quality and professionalism.
Our Mission
Our mission is to showcase the beauty and diversity of Ethiopia through responsible tourism while delivering exceptional, memorable experiences for every traveler.
We aim to inspire deeper cultural understanding, protect our natural and cultural heritage, and empower the communities we work with.
Our Goals
· Promote Ethiopia as a top African travel destination through high-quality, authentic experiences.
· Ensure the satisfaction and safety of our guests with dependable, professional service.
· Create sustainable economic opportunities for local communities and tourism workers.
· Preserve cultural traditions and natural environments by following responsible tourism practices.
· Build long-term partnerships with travelers, guides, suppliers, and conservation groups.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Vowland Ethiopia Tour & Travel is dedicated to operating in a way that respects the environment, culture, and people of Ethiopia. Our sustainable tourism practices include:
· Supporting eco-friendly accommodations and low-impact tours
· Reducing waste and encouraging environmentally responsible behavior
· Promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations to reduce overcrowding
· Educating travelers about cultural respect and environmental protection
· Partnering with community-based tourism initiatives
Helping Local Communities
Supporting local people is at the heart of our work. We believe tourism should benefit everyone—especially the communities who make each journey meaningful.
We contribute by:
· Hiring local guides, drivers, and staff
· Using locally owned hotels, restaurants, and suppliers
· Organizing cultural experiences that respect and directly benefit indigenous communities
· Supporting local artisans by promoting handicrafts and traditional products
· Participating in and donating to community development projects, such as schools and conservation programs
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