Danakil Depression Christmas & New Year Expedition 2026

This Christmas and New Year, experience the planet at its most raw and powerful with our “Danakil Depression Adventure” Timed for the ‘cooler’ December weather, this 3-day journey takes you into the heart of the Danakil Depression, where you can witness the spectacular activity of Erta Ale, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, which has seen dramatic changes and an elevated state of eruption in recent weeks. Danakil Depression Adventure is a true expedition—reserved only for the most intrepid—where safety is paramount, ensuring your New Year’s Eve camping under the stars near the persistent lava lake, and exploring the psychedelic sulfur springs of Dallol, are secured by professional guides and mandated security escorts.

Day 01: Fly Addis Ababa to Semera and drive to Ahmed Ella

You will meet upon arrival at Semera airport and drive to Ahmed Ella visiting beautiful landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand and occasional palm lined oasis after you pass several small hamlets start visiting Ahmad Ella village total population of more than 500 people to see the life style of the local Afar people. Finally, precede to Salt Lake Asale a huge salty lake where you will swim in a natural pool while enjoying sunset reflections of the salty ground.

Overnight camping at Ahmed Ella

Day 02:  Visit Dallol Then Drive to Erta Ale

The morning tour includes a drive to Ragad (Asebo) to observe local salt mining activities, where salt is extracted, cut into pieces, and loaded onto camels. Next, visit Dallol, known for its unique volcanic landscapes, colorful salt formations, and bubbling lakes, situated 125 meters below sea level. After lunch in Ahmad Ella, proceed to Erta Ale, a shield volcano featuring the world’s only permanent lava lake. At 613 meters high, Erta Ale is one of the rare volcanoes with a lava lake, which has existed since the early 20th century, providing a dramatic night experience of boiling lava.

Overnight camping at Erta Ale

Day 03: Drive Erta Ale – Lake Afdera – Semera and Fly to Addis

After Breakfast we will drive to Afdera it is used for salt extraction. It is named after the saline Lake Afdera, located in the southern part of the Afar Depression. It is a major source of salt extraction in Ethiopia, where the Lake water is pumped to saltpans for solar evaporation. After lunch we will continue the trip to Semera airport your flight to Addis Ababa. Your Danakil Depression Adventure ends here.