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Ethiopia🇪🇹 | hikesErta Ale Volcano TrekLava lake, night crossing, caldera rim camp, Afar camel caravans | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Erta Ale Volcano Trek
🏆 Top pickhike ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Everything is arranged for you, which makes Erta Ale Volcano Trek one of the easiest remote treks to book: a 4x4, an armed Afar escort, camp mats and water come with the tour. The volcano sits in the Danakil Depression of the Afar Region, in the northeast of Ethiopia, beyond Mekele. No public transport reaches the Dodom trailhead, so you go with an operator. The walk crosses black, ropy basalt that crunches like broken pottery, ending at a caldera rim where a lava lake spits and glows red. Dust, sulfur and a faint smell of hot metal follow you the whole way. At camp, the cook who flipped my flatbread over the coals tapped the ground and said the mountain was “awake tonight.” Then he handed me a tin cup of sweet tea. The walk is moderate, and the sleeping is rough, on a mat in a wall-less stone shelter. It suits curious, flexible travelers who like raw places. It won’t suit anyone who needs a bed, a shower or a guaranteed polished experience.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Ethiopia Travel Guide.
Best time to go: October - April
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 20 kilometers
Total ascent: 500 meters
Safety warning

The current risk level for Ethiopia is high. Check the advice before going.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 hike in EthiopiaWhat makes this hike worth hiking

Erta Ale Volcano Trek is one of the few places on earth where you can stand on a rim and look down into an active lava lake without a helicopter or a technical climb. That is the main draw. The walk is a single night out, with no gear beyond a headlamp and a sleeping bag, so it fits into a longer Ethiopian route that includes the Danakil Depression and the sulfur colors of Dallol.

The second reason is the surroundings. The caldera sits on a shield volcano that rises only a little above the surrounding salt and lava plains, so the glow is visible from far away in the dark. You walk toward it across lava that cooled in twisted ropes and slabs, and the ground itself feels alive, sometimes warm and hollow under your boots.

The third is the people. The Afar camel caravans, the guards and the … read more 👉
Erta Ale Volcano Trek is one of the few places on earth where you can stand on a rim and look down into an active lava lake without a helicopter or a technical climb. That is the main draw. The walk is a single night out, with no gear beyond a headlamp and a sleeping bag, so it fits into a longer Ethiopian route that includes the Danakil Depression and the sulfur colors of Dallol.

The second reason is the surroundings. The caldera sits on a shield volcano that rises only a little above the surrounding salt and lava plains, so the glow is visible from far away in the dark. You walk toward it across lava that cooled in twisted ropes and slabs, and the ground itself feels alive, sometimes warm and hollow under your boots.

The third is the people. The Afar camel caravans, the guards and the camp cooks are part of the experience. You will probably share the shelter with a handful of other travelers. Scenery per hour of walking is exceptional, and the distance is short enough for most reasonably fit hikers who pack carefully.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while hiking the Erta Ale Volcano Trek

  1. The Erta Ale Lava Lake: The reason anyone comes. A small lake of molten basalt sits in the pit crater at the summit and shifts between a crusted skin and fountaining orange. Lava lakes this accessible are rare on earth. You stand on the crater edge, hearing it hiss and slap.
  2. The Night Walk Across the Lava Fields: The trail starts on a plain of cooled flows that range from smooth sheets to jagged ropes. By headlamp, the black crust glitters faintly and rings underfoot. Dusk starts are common because the ground is much more comfortable to cross after the sun drops.
  3. Summit Caldera Camp: Basic stone shelters with no roofs on the caldera rim, where you sleep on a thin mat only a short distance from the glow. Sulfur drifts through the night air, and the glow changes as you wake. It is rough, and that
… read more 👉
  1. The Erta Ale Lava Lake: The reason anyone comes. A small lake of molten basalt sits in the pit crater at the summit and shifts between a crusted skin and fountaining orange. Lava lakes this accessible are rare on earth. You stand on the crater edge, hearing it hiss and slap.
  2. The Night Walk Across the Lava Fields: The trail starts on a plain of cooled flows that range from smooth sheets to jagged ropes. By headlamp, the black crust glitters faintly and rings underfoot. Dusk starts are common because the ground is much more comfortable to cross after the sun drops.
  3. Summit Caldera Camp: Basic stone shelters with no roofs on the caldera rim, where you sleep on a thin mat only a short distance from the glow. Sulfur drifts through the night air, and the glow changes as you wake. It is rough, and that is part of the appeal.
  4. The Northern Pit Crater: Beyond the active lake is a quieter area of steaming vents and cracked ground. The surface here is dotted with small cones and fumaroles, and you see how the entire caldera is built from layers of earlier flows. Daylight is best for it.
  5. Afar Camel Caravans at Dodom: Camels carry supplies, water and gear toward the volcano, and the Afar guides who lead them know every stretch of the route. Watching them load up gives you a close look at a way of life shaped by this desert.
Erta Ale Volcano Trek costs nothing extra for the camel caravans at Dodom, which you simply watch as you start, while the lava lake itself is the item you are really paying the tour for.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

November to February is the window for Erta Ale Volcano Trek, when the Danakil Depression is merely brutal instead of lethal.
  • Cool Season (November to February): Daytime highs reach 33 to 38°C (91 to 100°F) in the lowlands, and the crater rim at night drops to roughly 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). Walking starts in the late afternoon and finishes in darkness, so you see lava glow with a headlamp-lit trail. Daylight runs about 11 to 12 hours. Expect the most groups and the highest tour demand, especially around Ethiopian Christmas in early January and Timkat later that month.
  • Shoulder Months (March and October): Heat climbs past 40°C (104°F) by day. Tours still run, and slots are easier to book, though some operators trim prices slightly.
  • Hot Season (April to September): Lowland highs of 40 to 47°C
… read more 👉
November to February is the window for Erta Ale Volcano Trek, when the Danakil Depression is merely brutal instead of lethal.
  • Cool Season (November to February): Daytime highs reach 33 to 38°C (91 to 100°F) in the lowlands, and the crater rim at night drops to roughly 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). Walking starts in the late afternoon and finishes in darkness, so you see lava glow with a headlamp-lit trail. Daylight runs about 11 to 12 hours. Expect the most groups and the highest tour demand, especially around Ethiopian Christmas in early January and Timkat later that month.
  • Shoulder Months (March and October): Heat climbs past 40°C (104°F) by day. Tours still run, and slots are easier to book, though some operators trim prices slightly.
  • Hot Season (April to September): Lowland highs of 40 to 47°C (104 to 117°F) make the approach dangerous, and many operators pause trips. Rare summer rain can flood the tracks.
Book your tour at least two to three weeks ahead for December and January, and ask your operator to confirm that the road in from Mekele is open.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: below average for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: below average for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

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🥾 Hike detailsEverything you need to know before hiking Erta Ale Volcano Trek

Total Distance: Erta Ale Volcano Trek is roughly 20 kilometers as a round trip, with about 10 kilometers each way between the Dodom base camp and the summit caldera.
Duration: The ascent takes around 3 to 4 hours at a steady night pace, and the descent about 2 to 3 hours the next morning. Most people spend one night on the rim.
Difficulty: Moderate. The slope is gentle, but the sharp, uneven lava surface, the load of gear and the rough sleep make it tiring.
Starting Point: The trail begins at Dodom.
  • Access: Public buses do not reach it. You arrive by 4x4 on a tour from Mekele.
  • Requirements: Local escorts
… read more 👉
Total Distance: Erta Ale Volcano Trek is roughly 20 kilometers as a round trip, with about 10 kilometers each way between the Dodom base camp and the summit caldera.
Duration: The ascent takes around 3 to 4 hours at a steady night pace, and the descent about 2 to 3 hours the next morning. Most people spend one night on the rim.
Difficulty: Moderate. The slope is gentle, but the sharp, uneven lava surface, the load of gear and the rough sleep make it tiring.
Starting Point: The trail begins at Dodom.
  • Access: Public buses do not reach it. You arrive by 4x4 on a tour from Mekele.
  • Requirements: Local escorts are part of the arrangement, and independent entry is not practical.
Major Landmarks:
  • Dodom Base Camp: The starting point, where camels are loaded with water and supplies.
  • Lava Plains: The long middle stretch across dark flows.
  • Summit Caldera: Holds the active lava lake and the sleeping shelters.
  • Northern Pit: A calmer crater with steaming vents.
Terrain and Scenery: Hardened basalt in ropes, slabs and loose chunks, with a slow climb onto the shield volcano. In daylight you see a huge expanse of dark desert and salt flats. At night the glow guides you the last stretch.
Vegetation: Almost none. Occasional hardy desert shrubs grow near the lower slopes, and the upper volcano is bare rock.
Wildlife: Very little. Camels and goats of the Afar herders are the animals you meet, with a few desert birds and insects near the base.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Erta Ale Volcano Trek is well managed in season, but the heat and the political climate in Afar deserve respect. Tours move in convoys with an armed escort, and you should treat that as standard. Check current travel advisories for the Afar region before booking, because access has been closed at times. The 10 to 12 kilometer (6 to 7.5 mile) trail crosses black, sharp lava with loose rock, so wear closed boots rather than sandals. Start at dusk, carry at least 3 liters of water per person, and bring a headlamp with spare batteries. Winds can shift gas toward the crater rim, so stay upwind, keep back from the edge, and follow your guide’s instructions on where to stand. Nights on the rim are warm, so a thin sleeping mat and light blanket are enough. Camels carry gear and mattresses, which is … read more 👉
Erta Ale Volcano Trek is well managed in season, but the heat and the political climate in Afar deserve respect. Tours move in convoys with an armed escort, and you should treat that as standard. Check current travel advisories for the Afar region before booking, because access has been closed at times. The 10 to 12 kilometer (6 to 7.5 mile) trail crosses black, sharp lava with loose rock, so wear closed boots rather than sandals. Start at dusk, carry at least 3 liters of water per person, and bring a headlamp with spare batteries. Winds can shift gas toward the crater rim, so stay upwind, keep back from the edge, and follow your guide’s instructions on where to stand. Nights on the rim are warm, so a thin sleeping mat and light blanket are enough. Camels carry gear and mattresses, which is easy to arrange. Expect no phone signal, and bring a basic first-aid kit with rehydration salts.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Erta Ale Volcano Trek

Most Erta Ale Volcano Trek tours take three to four days from Mekele, including the long drive across the Danakil Depression. The hike itself is roughly 10 to 12 kilometers (6 to 7.5 miles) round trip from the base camp near Dodom, and the walk up takes about 2.5 to 4 hours. You sleep on the crater rim and descend before sunrise or in the morning, and many itineraries then continue to Dallol and Lake Afdera.
Moderate is the fair rating, with the heat causing more trouble than the gradient. The climb gains only about 600 meters (about 2,000 feet) over lava fields, but the footing is rough and the air stays warm even after dark. Reasonably fit walkers manage it in 2.5 to 4 hours, and camels can carry your bag and mattress to the rim for a small fee.
Yes, you must go with a registered tour operator, because independent access is not practical in the Afar region. Permits and an armed escort are arranged by the operator, and the standard 3 to 4 day Danakil package from Mekele costs roughly US$400 to 600 per person. It covers transport, food, guide, scouts, camel support and camping gear, and you should confirm that the permit fees are included.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Erta Ale Volcano Trek works best as a single overnight on the rim. I would stay the whole night, since the lake changes after dark and again toward dawn, and leave once the light is up. Bring a warm layer, enough water and a sturdy pair of boots. A longer stay adds little, because the rim has no shade.

✈️ When did I visit Ethiopia?
Ethiopia I visited back in October 2017. I combined the trip with a visit to Sudan. Ethiopia was a pure surprise with the magical scenery like the Danakil Depression and the Simien Mountains.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Ethiopia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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