3 Days Danakil Depression Tour





Description
The Danakil Depression is the northern part of the Afar Triangle or Afar Depression in Ethiopia, a geological depression that has resulted from the divergence of three tectonic plates in the Horn of Africa.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We offer complimentary pickup from nearby around.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(177)
People say the Danakil Depression is otherworldly and they are not incorrect. It was beautiful - and I swear George Lucas got his idea for Tatooine from this location and the AT-ATs from the camels that roam. It was beautiful and HOT! Seriously if you are sensitive to heat this might not be for you. Additionally, if you have young kids, in my opinion, this is not the trek for them. Having said that, our guide, Aman, was fantastic and very knowledgeable about the salt flats, Erta Ale, and the surrounding area. He was very friendly and engaging and helped us communicate effectively with the citizens of the towns where we stopped to overnight and have lunch. Our driver, Dani, was expert at getting the Land Cruiser over the rough terrain. There is a section of the drive where there is no road so you literally are riding over sand and volcanic rock. He was also very receptive to needs for bio breaks and water. Our chef, Hadgu, made delicious meals - and lots of it. You will not go hungry with him around. I recommend you eat if only a little. The treks up the volcano and to the depression are strenuous when combined with the heat. You will need the fuel. I recommend this team as they did their absolute best to take care of us. I will reiterate it was HOT. The team had plenty of water for us to drink and an air conditioned car.
Good arrangement and help, thanks for ETT tours
We booked a 3-day Tigray Churches & Danakil Depression itinerary with ETT, which they customized to our requests on very short notice. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. In Mekelle, we had an amazing experience climbing Abuna Yemata Guh Church in Hawzen. Our guide, Abel, was extremely knowledgeable and shared fascinating information throughout the tour. The second day in the Danakil (Afar) Depression was equally incredible. We would especially like to thank our guide, Aman, who managed the schedule perfectly despite some delays, making sure we didn’t miss any of the highlights. We are also grateful to our driver, Adisalem (Shegit), for safely getting us from Mekelle to Semera, and to our chef, Hadgu, for taking such good care of us. We highly recommend ETT to anyone looking for a well-organized, memorable experience in northern Ethiopia.
I had an amazing experience on the Danakil Depression trip with Ethio Travel and Tours. A huge thank you to Guide Aman, Driver Ermyas, and Chef Awet—they are an incredible team. They went above and beyond to make the trip smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. What I appreciated most was that they always gave me options and let me decide based on what I was comfortable with. I never felt pressured, and they genuinely cared about making sure I had the best experience possible. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication truly set them apart. I highly recommend this team to anyone planning the Danakil Depression trip. Thank you again, Aman, Ermyas, and Awet, for making this adventure absolutely worth the travel!
It was beyond amazing! Everything was so well planned from start to finish. The team was incredibly hospitable, attentive to everyone's individual needs, and took great care of us throughout the trip. Our guide, Aman, was on top of everything. He kept the energy high, made sure everyone was having a great time, and always looked out for the group. Our driver, Dani, is simply the best! His driving skills are exceptional, and he's such a kind, fun, and wonderful person. He brought so much positive energy and made the whole tour even more enjoyable. A special shoutout to Chef Hadgu—his soups, crepes, and fried fritters were absolutely delicious. Every meal was flavorful, and he made sure we were always well fed. This experience exceeded my wildest expectations. The tour group was professional, respectful, and made me feel safe and comfortable the entire time. I would absolutely love to travel with them again!
ETT tour staffs are so kind. Aman,our tour guide is very kind and friendly. He always did his best and support our members. Ermyas,our driver is good personality and drove safely. Hadge, our chef cooked traditional food and the taste and amount was so nice! I miss our members.if I join the tour again, I want to go with these staffs.
What an incredible journey this was to hike through sulfuric lakes, drive through salt flats, hike up an active volcano, and swim in salted ponds. Aman is a fantastic, thoughtful, and brilliant guide who showed us a great time; really trying to understand our needs and adapt the tour accordingly. Daniel was a great driver as well, who helped us tour Semera to look for some local food and shops. Would highly recommend booking with these guys.
I recently visited the Afar region in Ethiopia and it was an unforgettable experience. The landscapes and natural beauty are simply breathtaking — from the otherworldly salt flats and shimmering lakes to the rugged, dramatic terrain that feels truly unique. Every moment was filled with wonder. What made the trip exceptional, though, was the warm hospitality and care from our team. Guide Aman, driver Abiti, and chef Hadgu treated us like family from the very first minute. Aman’s knowledge, friendly manner, and safe guidance helped us fully appreciate the area’s history and natural wonders. Abiti drove confidently across challenging roads and always made sure we were comfortable and safe playingthe musicwe enjoyed make us feelwe ar partingon theroad. Hadgu’s meals were delicious and generous — a real highlight after long days of exploring. Together they created a welcoming, joyful atmosphere and attended to every detail so we could relax and enjoy every bit of the adventure. If you’re considering visiting Afar, do it — and ask for Aman, Abiti, and Hadgu. Their professionalism, kindness, and skill made our trip truly special. Highly recommended! 🇪🇹
This is a hot place,but the tour guide and the view here is wonderful and special.The journey is safe and happy,I highly recommend then. Guide Aman Driver Ermyas Chef Awet
Our trip to the Danakil Depression (Dallol, Lake Assale, and Hamed Ela) was absolutely incredible, thanks to this amazing team who took exceptional care of us: Guide Aman: Highly knowledgeable, attentive, and gave brilliant explanations that made the sights come alive. Driver Ermyas: Superb driving skills. Navigated the challenging desert terrain smoothly and made us feel 100% safe. Chef Awet: A true artist in the desert! The food was incredibly delicious, fresh, and well-prepared every day. Thank you, Aman, Ermyas, and Awet, for your professionalism and hospitality in making this journey so special. Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



