Erta Ale Volcano

Trek to the edge of one of the world's few permanent lava lakes

Overview

Erta Ale is an active shield volcano in the Danakil Depression, part of the Afar Region — one of the hottest and lowest-lying places on Earth. Its name means 'smoking mountain' in the local Afar language.

The volcano hosts one of only a handful of persistent lava lakes on the planet, making the overnight trek to its crater rim a genuinely rare experience: standing above churning, glowing magma under an open desert sky.

This is a serious adventure trip — expect a nighttime hike, basic camping, and extreme heat during the day — best suited to travelers who want their Ethiopia trip to include something truly out of the ordinary.

Gallery

Key Attractions

The Lava Lake: One of the few consistently active lava lakes in the world, visible from the crater rim after a nighttime ascent.
Danakil Depression: A surreal, otherworldly landscape of salt flats, sulfur springs, and colorful mineral formations surrounding the volcano.
Dallol Hydrothermal Field: Often combined with an Erta Ale trip, Dallol's acid pools and mineral terraces are among the most alien landscapes on Earth.
Afar Salt Caravans: Encounter camel caravans still used by the Afar people to transport salt slabs across the desert, a tradition centuries old.

Trip Notes

Physical Demands: The final ascent to the crater is done at night on foot over rough volcanic rock, typically taking 3-4 hours. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Climate: Daytime temperatures in the Danakil regularly exceed 40°C (104°F). Trips typically run in the cooler months to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion.