3 days Danakil Depression and 1 Day trip to Debre Libanos

Start/End: Addis Ababa
Style: Adventure & Culture
Best Season: October – March (cooler & dry)

🗓️ Day 1: Addis Ababa – Fly to Semera – Drive to Afdera (Danakil Entry Point)

Highlights: Rift Valley flight, Afar Desert, Salt Lake Afdera

• Morning:

  • Early flight from Addis Ababa to Semera

  • Meet your 4×4 crew and local Afar guide

• Afternoon:

  • Drive through the Danakil desert toward Lake Afdera

  • Visit Afar salt workers, see traditional mining techniques

  • Optional: Swim in the lake or nearby natural hot springs

• Evening:

  • Dinner and overnight camping near Lake Afdera under the stars

Overnight: Basic desert camp – Lake Afdera
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Flight Time: ~1.5 hours
Drive Time: ~4–5 hours

🗓️ Day 2: Afdera – Erta Ale Volcano (Night Trek)

Highlights: Lava Lake, Volcanic Landscape, Night Hike

• Morning:

  • Drive deeper into the Danakil toward Erta Ale, Ethiopia’s most active volcano

  • Enjoy dramatic scenery of basalt fields and lava plains

• Late Afternoon:

  • Prepare and begin sunset/night hike (~3 hours) to the volcano’s summit

  • At the crater rim, witness the lava lake (if active) glowing at night

• Overnight:

  • Sleep in a basic shelter near the crater

Overnight: Volcano rim shelter (very basic)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek: ~3 hours up / 2.5 down
Drive Time: ~4 hours

🗓️ Day 3: Erta Ale – Dallol – Semera – Fly back to Addis Ababa

Highlights: Dallol Sulfur Springs, Salt Flats, Camel Caravans

• Early Morning:

  • Descend from the crater, have breakfast at base camp

• Midday:

  • Drive to the kaleidoscopic landscape of Dallol:

    • Colorful sulfur fields, acid pools, and salt chimneys

    • Visit camel caravans transporting salt

    • Short visit to a traditional Afar village

• Evening:

  • Return to Semera Airport

  • Fly back to Addis Ababa

Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa (optional, depending on flight time)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Flight Time: ~1.5 hours
Drive Time: ~6–7 hours

🗓️ Day 4: Addis Ababa – Day Trip to Debre Libanos Monastery

Highlights: 13th-Century Monastery, Portuguese Bridge, Scenic Canyon Views

• Morning:

  • Depart Addis Ababa early for Debre Libanos (~110 km north)

  • Visit the Debre Libanos Monastery (founded by Saint Tekle Haymanot, 13th century)

    • Explore the church, the saint’s tomb, and cave hermitage

• Midday:

  • Walk to the nearby Portuguese Bridge – scenic spot with waterfalls and gorge views

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch or dine at a local lodge with panoramic views

• Afternoon:

  • Return to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon

  • Optional: Souvenir shopping or visit to a coffee house

End of Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours each way

✅ Included in the Tour:

• Domestic flights: Addis ↔ Semera

• 4×4 vehicles with fuel, driver, and local guide in Danakil

• All meals in Danakil

• Camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag)

• All entrance fees and permits (Danakil, Erta Ale, Dallol)

• Bottled water and snacks

• Professional guide for Debre Libanos day tour

• Hotel in Addis Ababa (1 night, if needed)

⚠️ Things to Know:

• Danakil Depression is one of the hottest and most remote places on Earth – bring sun protection, sunglasses, electrolytes, and lightweight long clothing.

• Facilities are extremely basic—no running water, very limited toilets.

• The tour requires basic physical fitness, especially for the volcano trek.

• Debre Libanos is suitable for all fitness levels and offers a peaceful end to an intense desert expedition.