6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour worth booking?
6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour is a 144-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $4,800 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 144 hours
- From
- $4,800 per person
The Afar, Erta Ale, and Dallol tour is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Ethiopia’s most extreme and otherworldly landscapes. This journey takes visitors deep into the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest, hottest, and most geologically active places on Earth. Travelers will witness the Erta Ale volcano, home to a rare, continuously active lava lake, where molten rock glows beneath the night sky. In Dallol, vibrant mineral formations, steaming geysers, and acid pools create an alien-like scenery found nowhere else. Visitors also experience the traditional Afar salt caravans, where camel traders extract and transport salt as they have for centuries. This unique tour offers thrilling adventure, breathtaking photography opportunities, and a rare glimpse into Ethiopia’s natural wonders and ancient cultures. Ideal for explorers, photographers, and geology enthusiasts, this unforgettable journey showcases the raw beauty of one of Earth’s last untouched frontiers.
What you get
About this experience
The Afar, Erta Ale, and Dallol tour is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Ethiopia’s most extreme and otherworldly landscapes. This journey takes visitors deep into the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest, hottest, and most geologically active places on Earth. Travelers will witness the Erta Ale volcano, home to a rare, continuously active lava lake, where molten rock glows beneath the night sky. In Dallol, vibrant mineral formations, steaming geysers, and acid pools create an alien-like scenery found nowhere else. Visitors also experience the traditional Afar salt caravans, where camel traders extract and transport salt as they have for centuries. This unique tour offers thrilling adventure, breathtaking photography opportunities, and a rare glimpse into Ethiopia’s natural wonders and ancient cultures. Ideal for explorers, photographers, and geology enthusiasts, this unforgettable journey showcases the raw beauty of one of Earth’s last untouched frontiers.
What's included
Included
- - 15% government tax.
- - Regular meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- - Camping equipment
- - Local helpers such as village elders.
- - All entrance fees as per the program.
- - Ground transportation for the with insured 4x4 car with AC with fuel and driver’s allowance .
- - Accommodation on Twin/Double room sharing in local 4 star hotels in all destinations and camping.
- - Professional English speaking guide
Not included
- - Alcoholic drinks
- - Tips to the guides, hotel staff and other service providers and Personal telephone calls.
- - Laundry service. Video and photo camera fees.
- - Single Room Supplements(SRS)
- - Other services not mentioned under “Service Included”
- - International and local flights
What you'll see and do
Semera
Day 01: In the morning Meet our guide and Discover the vibrant heart of Ethiopia with a city tour of Addis Ababa, a dynamic blend of history, culture, and modern life. Visit the iconic National Museum, home to the famous fossil "Lucy", and explore the ancient relics at Holy Trinity Cathedral, a significant religious and historical site. Experience the lively atmosphere of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of Ethiopia’s bustling trade scene. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from Entoto Hill, the city’s highest point, offering a glimpse into Addis Ababa’s past as the seat of emperors. Stroll through Unity Park or the newly opened Science Museum, showcasing Ethiopia’s progress and innovation. This tour provides an enriching mix of history, culture, and local life, making it ideal for first-time visitors, history lovers, and cultural explorers. Overnight in Addis Ababa
360 minutes here
Day 2: Arrival in Semera – Gateway to Afar Arrive in Semera, the capital of the Afar region. Meet your guide and drive to Afdera – Salt Lakes & Hot Springs Journey through the Afar desert to Lake Afdera, a striking saltwater lake surrounded by volcanoes. Experience the natural hot springs and witness traditional salt mining. Camp near the lake under the starry sky.
480 minutes here
Erta Ale
Day 3: After breakfast in Afdera, embark on an adventurous drive toward Erta Ale, Ethiopia’s most active volcano, located in the heart of the Danakil Depression. The journey takes you through vast desert landscapes, passing small Afar settlements and dramatic volcanic formations. Arrive at the base camp in the late afternoon, where you’ll rest and prepare for the challenging evening trek to the summit. As the sun sets, begin your ascent, a 3–4-hour hike over rocky terrain, guided by experienced locals. Upon reaching the crater rim, witness the breathtaking Erta Ale lava lake, one of the world’s few continuously active lava lakes, glowing with molten rock beneath the night sky. Feel the heat and hear the bubbling lava, an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Spend the night camping near the crater, experiencing the surreal beauty of this remote volcanic landscape under a star-filled sky. Overnight in camp
360 minutes here · Admission included
Ethiopia
Day 4: Wake up to the surreal sight of Erta Ale's smoking crater and enjoy a light breakfast before beginning your descent from the volcano. The early morning trek back to the base camp takes about 3–4 hours, allowing you to experience the changing colors of the desert at sunrise. After a short rest and refreshment, embark on a scenic drive toward Hamed Ela, a small, remote village at the edge of the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Along the way, marvel at the shifting desert landscapes, passing hardened lava fields, salt flats, and rugged volcanic terrain. Arrive in Hamed Ela, where you will experience the traditional Afar way of life, learning about their resilience in this harsh environment. In the evening, enjoy a stunning desert sunset before settling in for the night at a local guesthouse or desert camp, preparing for the next day’s adventure into the heart of Danakil. Overnight in a local guesthouse or camp.
360 minutes here
Dallol
Day 5: Rise early to embark on an unforgettable journey into Dallol, one of the most surreal and geologically fascinating places on Earth. Located in the heart of the Danakil Depression, Dallol is renowned for its vibrant mineral formations, bubbling acidic springs, and steaming geysers, creating an alien-like landscape of intense colors—yellows, greens, and deep oranges. Walk carefully around this otherworldly terrain, guided by experts who explain the unique geological processes at play. Next, travel to the vast salt plains of Lake Assale, where you will witness the centuries-old Afar salt caravans. Watch as Afar nomads and their long lines of camels extract and transport large salt blocks, continuing an ancient trade tradition that has sustained local communities for generations. After this remarkable experience, drive back to Semera, reflecting on the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness of Danakil. Overnight stay in Semera, preparing for departure the next day.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Semera
Day 6: Wake up in Semera and enjoy a relaxed breakfast, taking in the final moments of your incredible journey through the Danakil Depression. If time allows, you may take a short stroll around the town or visit a local market for a last glimpse of Afar culture. Your guide will then assist with your transfer to Semera Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa or your next destination. If you are continuing your adventure, we can arrange optional excursions or additional travel services to extend your exploration of Ethiopia. Reflect on the extraordinary experiences you’ve had—from the glowing lava lake of Erta Ale to the vibrant landscapes of Dallol and the timeless salt caravans. This journey into one of the planet’s most extreme environments will leave you with unforgettable memories of nature’s raw beauty and ancient traditions. Farewell from Afar, until your next adventure! Transfer to airport. End of service
480 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 180 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, zh-TW, en, zh-CN, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Sun
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Golan Tours Ethiopia
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note: "For the best service experience, we recommend booking at least 10 working days before the tour start date."
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful experience
We had a fantastic day in Addis Ababa thanks to Golan Tours Ethiopia and our exceptional guide, Bete. From the very first moment, Bete was professional, likeable and super prepared. He accompanied us to discover the most iconic places of the city: from the National Museum with Lucy, to the cathedral, passing through the colorful Addis Market and the breathtaking view from Mount Entoto. His passion and knowledge made us appreciate every corner of the city. Thanks to him we felt comfortable, well received and really involved in the heart of Ethiopian culture. I highly recommend Golan Tours and the Bete guide to anyone who wants to live an authentic and memorable experience in Addis Ababa! Thank you very much, it was all wonderful!
Response from the operator: Grazie di cuore per la splendida recensione! Siamo felici di sapere che la vostra esperienza ad Addis Abeba con Golan Tours Ethiopia e la nostra guida Bete sia stata così speciale. Il nostro obiettivo è farvi scoprire il meglio dell’Etiopia con passione e professionalità, e sapere che vi siete sentiti accolti e coinvolti nella cultura locale è per noi la più grande soddisfazione. Bete sarà entusiasta di leggere le vostre parole! Speriamo di potervi accompagnare in nuove avventure alla scoperta delle meraviglie dell’Etiopia. A presto e grazie ancora per aver scelto Golan Tours!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 144 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Addis Ababa.
How much does 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $4,800 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 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour take?
+
Plan for about 144 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 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 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 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour?
+
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 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 144-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour?
+
Around 0 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?
+
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 144-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour?
+
Included: - 15% government tax; - Regular meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner); - Camping equipment; - Local helpers such as village elders; and - All entrance fees as per the program. Not included: - Alcoholic drinks; - Tips to the guides, hotel staff and other service providers and Personal telephone calls; - Laundry service. Video and photo camera fees; and - Single Room Supplements(SRS). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 12 listed pickup locations in and around Addis Ababa. Be ready about 180 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour offered in?
+
It is offered in German, Chinese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour?
+
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.
What happens to 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour if the weather is bad?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 6 Days Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano Tour.
Pick your date
