Expedition · Afar Lowlands
Danakil Depression
A tectonic triple junction where three plates are slowly pulling apart, leaving behind an active lava lake, sulphur fields at Dallol, and salt flats still worked by hand.
Why We Go
One of the lowest, hottest points on the continent, and one of the most geologically active.
This basin sits well below sea level, at the point where the African and Arabian plates are separating — the reason the crust here is thin enough to keep a lava lake permanently open and hot springs running mineral-bright yellows and greens.
We treat it as an expedition rather than a sightseeing day: reinforced vehicles, a guide trained in field medicine, an Afar community liaison, and a pace that respects a landscape with genuinely no margin for improvisation.
Highlights
- 01The mineral terraces of Dallol at sunrise, before the heat sets in
- 02A night ascent to the rim of Erta Ale, in near-continuous eruption since 1906
- 03Afar camel trains cutting slabs of salt from Lake Karum for the highland trade
- 04A sky with no artificial light for hundreds of kilometres in any direction
Best combined with a stay of 3 – 4 days, travelling November – February.
Journeys Including Danakil Depression
Routes that pass through here
Plan This Destination
Build Danakil Depression into your journey
Nothing here is fixed. Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see, and a designer will draw the route — including the flights, the guides and the hours that matter.
Speak With a Designer
Speak to someone who has been there this season
Our designers travel these routes themselves. Ask about road conditions, festival dates or which lodge has the better view — you will get a straight answer.
Or call us directly on +1909-450-7246