3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 65 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours worth booking?
3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours is a 72-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $400 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 65 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (65)
- Duration
- 72 hours
- From
- $400 per person
The Danakil Depression is in the Afar region of northern Ethiopia, is one of the hottest and lowest place on the planet. A searing hot, brutal desert landscape dotted with stunning geological formations, salt lakes, acid springs, volcanoes, salt canyon and salt flats. Danakil Depression (or Afar Depression) exhibits some uncommon wonders: lava that burns blue, bright yellow hot springs, and lakes of bubbling mud.
What you get
About this experience
The Danakil Depression is in the Afar region of northern Ethiopia, is one of the hottest and lowest place on the planet. A searing hot, brutal desert landscape dotted with stunning geological formations, salt lakes, acid springs, volcanoes, salt canyon and salt flats. Danakil Depression (or Afar Depression) exhibits some uncommon wonders: lava that burns blue, bright yellow hot springs, and lakes of bubbling mud.
What's included
Included
- Entry/Admission Dallol/Danakil Depression
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Dinner
- Plenty of Bottled water
- All Entrance fee
- Entry/Admission Dallol Danakil Depression
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- Entry/admission Erta Ale
Not included
- Alcohol beverage
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Addis Ababa
1.in front of Medhanialem church,The opposite side of best western plus hotel,of Cameron Street, Cameroon Street, Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2. You will be picked up at Semera airport and Dini Hotel Semera Afar
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
1.in front of Medhanialem church,The opposite side of best western plus hotel,of Cameron Street, Cameroon Street, Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2. You will be picked up at Semera airport and Dini Hotel Semera Afar
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Danakil Depression Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 65 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
6 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
65 verified traveler reviews for 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience in the Danakil Depression
We spent 3 days exploring the Danakil Depression and it was honestly one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip to Ethiopia. The landscape is incredible — huge salt flats, colorful mineral formations, desert scenery, and places that look like they belong on another planet. The journey is not always easy because of the heat and long drives, but that is also part of the adventure. Our driver and guide were friendly, helpful, and always made sure we were comfortable and safe. The food and camping arrangements were also better than we expected considering how remote the area is. What I enjoyed most was seeing such a completely different side of Ethiopia and experiencing a place that feels so far away from everyday life. If you are adventurous and want to see something truly unique, I would definitely recommend doing the 3-day Danakil trip. It was an experience I will remember for a long time!
via Tripadvisor
One of the most dangerous tour companies in Ethiopia
One of the most dangerous tour companies I have ever dealt with. They advertised that we would visit the volcano, but we never went and were then lied to about it. Even more concerning, they took us into 50+ degree desert in an extremely remote area with no spare tyre. This is an unacceptable and potentially life threatening safety failure. The Danakil Depression is already an incredibly harsh environment. A tour operator taking tourists into these conditions without basic vehicle contingency planning is completely reckless. The driver (Danny) was also rubbing another female tour member on the thigh inappropriately. When the boss Mick was informed, he blamed the female tourist... I would strongly recommend avoiding this company. Your safety is not something worth gambling on.
via Tripadvisor
An Extraordinary Family Adventure Through Ethiopia's Most Surreal Landscapes
Our family joined the 3 Day Danakil Depression, Erta Ale and Dallol Tour with Danakil Depression Tours, and it was an experience we'll never forget. From witnessing the glowing lava at Erta Ale Volcano to exploring the colorful geothermal formations of Dallol, every day felt like an adventure on another planet. The scenery was unlike anything we had ever seen, and our guide made the journey even more enjoyable by sharing fascinating facts about the region's geology, history, and Afar culture. Despite the challenging environment, everything was exceptionally well organized, and the team made sure we were comfortable and well cared for throughout the trip. Thanks to Danakil Depression Tours, our family created unforgettable memories while discovering one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your continued trust in Danakil Depression Tours. We’re truly delighted to know this was your third trip with us and that you were completely satisfied with the food, accommodation, and travel arrangements. Your appreciation for Mr. Yonas professionalism means a lot to us—he will be thrilled to hear your kind words. Thank you for your support and for being a valued part of the Danakil Depression Tours family. We look forward to many more amazing journeys together. Warm regards, Team Danakil Depression Tours
via Tripadvisor
Trip gone wrong
I was prepared to give 5 stars because coordination with the operator (Mickey) went so smoothly at the beginning and I’ve only read good things about them, but several things got horribly wrong during our trip. 1. The tour is listed as “3 Days Danakil Depression, Erta Ale, and Dallol” but when we got there, the local guide informed us that Erta Ale has no longer been visited for the past 6 months due to unfavorable conditions (so much smoke coming out, magma lake not visible, pointless to go, etc.) and that they’ll change the 2nd night to stay in Semera and have you visit just some random hot springs for the 3rd day instead. It’d be perfectly understandable if the volcano started acting up a few days or trips prior since nature is unpredictable—but as this has been going on for 6 months already, I find it hard to believe that the operator didn’t know about it and highly sketchy that they didn’t modify the tour/price to reflect this. It is literally on the tour name. The tour itinerary and the price should reflect this change. On top of this, after Mickey was informed that our 4x4 already had its tires punctured with no spares available (at that point we had already been stranded the first time), he insisted with the local guides that we still proceed to Erta Ale despite knowing we wouldn’t be able to see anything, that the surrounding landscape would suffice—which is not what we paid/signed up for? Then of course, our tyre punctured a 2nd time in the desert leaving us stranded again for hours with no nearby rescue. I can’t imagine how worse that could have been if we had indeed proceeded to Erta Ale and our tyre punctured along the volcanic trail with no reception. That’s a real risk of death. They completely disregarded our safety in the process. 2. Our driver Danny was the worst. Our 4x4’s tires got punctured but he didn’t prepare for even one spare. What could’ve been a simple fix led to us being stranded twice in the middle of nowhere for hours. It was completely reckless and irresponsible. Also a note to female travellers: he kept coming onto me since the first day (hands lingered on my thigh/knee without consent and explicitly asking if I wanted to “get to work right after dinner”) and I couldn’t sleep properly the first night terrified he might do something. Being in a very isolated area, my priority was just getting back safely in the airport so I didn’t raise the alarm bells for everyone during the trip. I raised this with Mickey only afterwards, and only got an apology with no real reparations. Dallol is exceptional and our guide Aman was fantastic. But a horrible experience overall.
via Tripadvisor
An Unforgettable 3-Day Escape to One of the World's Most Extraordinary Landscapes
My partner and I booked the 3-Day Excursions to the Danakil Depression in Ertale and Dallol with Danakil Depression Tours, and it was truly the adventure of a lifetime. Watching the glowing lava at Erta Ale under the night sky and exploring the colorful geothermal formations of Dallol felt like stepping onto another planet. Every part of the journey was carefully organized, and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, making sure we were safe, comfortable, and informed throughout the trip. We also appreciated learning about the Afar culture and the unique environment that makes the Danakil Depression unlike anywhere else on Earth. Thanks to Danakil Depression Tours, this challenging adventure became one of the most memorable experiences we've ever shared together.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time traveling with Danakil Depression Tours. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to hosting you on more fantastic journeys in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 72 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Danakil Depression Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.3.
See everything Danakil Depression Tours runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Addis Ababa.
How much does 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours cost?
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Prices start at $400 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Addis Ababa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours take?
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Plan for about 72 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Addis Ababa is not rushed.
Is 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 65 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Addis Ababa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 72-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours?
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Around 23 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Addis Ababa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Addis Ababa and add a light layer if any part of the 72-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Addis Ababa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Addis Ababa?
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On Outty we rank every Addis Ababa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour, Addis Ababa Guided City Tour With Airport & Hotel Pick Up, Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Addis Ababa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours?
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Included: Entry/Admission Dallol/Danakil Depression; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; Dinner; and Plenty of Bottled water. Not included: Alcohol beverage. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 234 listed pickup locations in and around Addis Ababa. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Addis Ababa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about 3 Day Danakil Depression Ertale and Dallol Tours?
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Across 65 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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