Ethiopia Volcano Safari

Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Ethiopia Volcano Safari
Safari Information
  • Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
  • Duration; 4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Lodging; Lodges
  • Group Size; Minimum 1
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Afdera Village

  • Early morning, your divers will pick you up in Mekele and you will proceed driving into the Danakil Depression.
  • Today’s journey will be mostly by asphalt road to Afdera via Abala town, where the local Afar regional police will accompany the trip.
  • Continue to Afdera.
  • Overnight camping/sleeping under the stars in Afdera village (very basic accommodations).

Day 2: Volcano

  • In the morning, visit Lake Afdera, a salt lake nearly 100 km2.
  • Here you can see the modern way of salt mining, as this place provides most of the salt for Ethiopia.
  • You can swim in the lake as well as the nearby hot spring.
  • After the visit, depart from Afdera to Erta Ale via Kursuwad.
  • The Erta Ale volcano has been in a constant state of eruption for over 40 years.
  • As the sun goes down you will start the 3-hour hike up to the crater rim of the Erta Ale volcano.
  • The hike may be done by camel or on foot.
  • At the top you will descend into the caldera and proceed to the crater’s edge.
  • Here you will see the permanent lava lake inside the volcano (the only permanent lava lake in the world).
  • Overnight on the rim of the volcano caldera in a crude hut.

Day 3: Hamed Ila Village

  • Today is an early morning start to witness the sun rise over the horizon.
  • You will have your last look at the volcano’s lake of lava before descending from the volcano.
  • After breakfast, return driving to Hamed Ila through the arid desert land of the Afar people.
  • In Hamed Ila you will see the life of the local Afar people.
  • You will also see the camel caravans on their way in and out from the salt lakes.
  • Overnight camping/sleeping under the stars in Hamed Ila village (very basic accommodations).

Day 4: Safari Ends

  • After breakfast, depart for Dallol, which at 116m below sea level is the lowest point on the African continent.
  • Admire the stunning landscape, the ground many shades of red, yellow and orange from the hot water, acids and minerals spurting up from the ground.
  • Continue to Lake Asale, which is the salt lake from which the Afar nomads extract salt.
  • You will witness (and even try) their laborious task of removing salt from the ground as hundreds of camels relax before the long trek back to Mekele.
  • After the visit, proceed back to Mekele, with your last views of this desert and the camel caravans dotting the horizon.
Rates From

From US$ 1000.00 pp sharing

Rates Information

The Above Rates should be used as a guideline only.

  • Rates are based on four people per safari
  • All rates are subject to availability
  • Rates may vary according to season
  • Lodging may change depending on your budget
  • All rates may change without notice
  • Single supplement may apply
Rates Include
  • Minimum two (2) 4WD vehicles including driver, driver’s allowance (food and accommodation), fuel, insurance and governmental taxes
  • English-speaking guide
  • Permits to travel in Afar region
  • Local Afar road leaders, armed scouts, and security, as needed
  • All food and water while camping in the Danakil Depression
  • All cooking and camping materials, including cook to prepare food for entire expedition team
  • All other costs associated with travel in the Danakil Depression
Rates Exclude
  • All costs outside of the Danakil Depression including transport to/from Mekele, accommodation, meals, etc
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Camera and/or photo fees
  • Items of a personal nature
Book Your Ethiopia Safari Now
Ethiopia Safaris
Ethiopia Travel Info
Ethiopia Blog Posts
Popular Ethiopia Destinations
  • Fasil Ghebbi
    Positioned right in the heart of the modern city of Gondar ones comes across Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), with over 70 000 square metres of castle ruins. Now to say that this is a fascinating place to explore is probably the understatement of the year, a photographers paradise, to be honest.
  • Bet Giyorgis Church
    Bet Giyorgis is the most famous of Lalibela's rock hewn churches and gets its name from the patron saint of Ethiopia, St George. The church lies uncovered unlike all the other churches and is accessible by a short walk from either of the clusters (often described as the "8th Wonder of the World").
  • Lalibela Churches Northern Cluster
    We explore the "Northern Cluster" of Lalibela's rock hewn churches on this page, by Northern Cluster, we mean the grouping of Churches north of the River Jordan. These Northern churches are from what we were told, are older than the southern cluster and the workmanship shows that to be true (ish).
  • Entos Eyesu Monastery
    The boat ride from the main land to the monastery island is maybe 20 to 25 minutes in duration but a scenic boat ride over Lake Tana all the same. The walk through the Entos Eyesu Monastery and up to the church is all through thick tropical forest stopping along the way to see a small museum and crafts stall.
  • Lalibela
    Lalibela is approximately 2500m above sea level which is rather high but most standards and as we found rather lacking in oxygen levels. So when walking between the churches do not be surprised that one's lungs take a bit of strain, just ask your guide for a minute or two's rest and you will start feeling good again.
  • Debre Birhan Selassie Church
    Located in the heart of Gondar, is one of Ethiopia most beautiful churches, the famed Debre Birhan Selassie. As one enters the compound one first notices the stone wall surrounding the church grounds, again it is a good idea to walk the wall and take in those 12 amazing rock towers.