DANAKIL DEPRESSION

Where Earth reveals its molten heart in a symphony of fire and salt

Explore the Inferno
Danakil Depression landscape

The Hottest Place on Earth

The Danakil Depression is a geological wonder where the African continent is tearing itself apart at 1-2 centimeters per year. At 125 meters below sea level, it's one of the lowest and hottest places on the planet.

Temperatures regularly exceed 50°C (122°F), while acidic pools bubble with toxic gases and vast salt pans stretch to the horizon. This is Earth at its most primal and unforgiving.

50°C Average
-125m Below Sea Level

Volcanic Wonders

Erta Ale: The Gateway to Hell

One of only five permanent lava lakes on Earth, Erta Ale's fiery cauldron has been bubbling continuously for over a century. The Afar people call it "the smoking mountain" and "the gateway to hell."

At night, the lava lake illuminates the surrounding desert with an eerie glow, casting shadows that dance across the volcanic rock like ancient spirits.

Erta Ale lava lake

Dalol: Earth's Acidic Palette

The hydrothermal fields of Dalol look like an alien artist's canvas - neon yellows, deep greens, and rust reds swirl together in acidic pools that defy imagination.

These otherworldly colors come from extreme mineral concentrations: iron oxides, sulfur, salt, and other elements dissolved in near-boiling water that bubbles up from deep beneath the Earth's crust.

Dalol hydrothermal fields

Journey Into the Danakil Depression

Our Famous 3-Days Tour

Day 1: Semera – Lake Afdera – Erta Ale

Morning: Meet your guide at Semera Airport (usually around 9:00 AM) and depart in a 4x4 convoy. The drive toward the "Smoking Mountain" begins.

Midday: Stop at Lake Afdera, a hypersaline lake 100 meters below sea level. You can float in the salt-rich waters or enjoy the nearby natural hot springs. Lunch is typically served in the town of Afdera.

Afternoon: Continue the drive across rugged lava fields to the Erta Ale base camp (Dodom).

Evening: After an early dinner, you will begin the trek to the rim of Erta Ale.

Trek Duration: 30–45 minutes (the path has been shortened recently by new road access).

Experience: Spend the night at the crater rim watching the glow of the permanent lava lake—one of only a few in the world.

Overnight: Camping in basic open-air huts or on mattresses under the stars at the volcano's rim.

Erta Ale base camp

Day 2: Erta Ale – Lake Asale – Hamed Ela

Sunrise: Wake up early for a final view of the lava lake at dawn before trekking back down to the base camp for breakfast.

Morning: Drive toward the northern part of the depression. You will pass through vast desert plains and Afar villages.

Late Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Asale (Lake Karum). This is a massive salt flat that mirrors the sky.

Activity: Walk on the salt crust, witness the camel caravans (if timing aligns), and enjoy a sunset drink while the sky reflects off the shallow salt water.

Overnight: Basic camping at the Afar village of Hamed Ela. You will sleep on traditional Afar beds (wooden frames with mesh) under the stars.

Lake Asale salt flat

Day 3: Dallol – Salt Canyons – Semera

Early Morning: Drive to Dallol, the lowest point in Africa (125m below sea level).

Experience: Explore the psychedelic landscape of neon yellow, green, and red sulfur springs. Visit the "Salt Mountains" (massive salt pillars and canyons) and the bubbling oily lakes.

Late Morning: Observe the traditional Afar salt miners who hand-carve salt slabs from the earth to be loaded onto camels.

Afternoon: Begin the 4–5 hour drive back to Semera.

Evening: Arrival in Semera around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM, in time for evening flights back to Addis Ababa.

Dallol sulfur springs

Where Science Meets Mystery

The Danakil Depression is a living laboratory for geologists, astrobiologists, and climate scientists. Its extreme conditions mirror early Earth and even the surface of Mars.

Future Ocean

In 10 million years, this rift may flood with seawater, creating a new ocean as Africa splits in two.

Extremophiles

Microbes thriving here help scientists understand how life might exist on other planets.

Mineral Wealth

Vast salt deposits and rare minerals form through unique geological processes.

The Experience

"The heat presses against your skin like a physical weight. The air shimmers with rising thermals as your boots crunch across salt crystals that form geometric patterns stretching to the horizon. At night, the lava lake casts an unearthly glow, illuminating plumes of volcanic gas that twist into the star-filled sky. This is what Earth's birth must have looked like."

- Expedition Guide, 12 years in Danakil

Witness Earth Before It Changes Forever

The Danakil Depression is evolving daily as tectonic forces reshape this primordial landscape. Experience it now in its raw, untamed state.

About Us

We are a tour company dedicated to sharing the true beauty, history, and culture of Ethiopia with the world.

What sets us apart is our deep local knowledge and personal approach. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all tours. Instead, we listen to our guests, understand their interests, and craft experiences that feel personal and enriching. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, photography, or relaxation, we make sure every moment counts. We are committed to responsible tourism, supporting local communities, and preserving Ethiopia's natural and cultural heritage for future generations.