With more than 30 active and dormant volcanoes, the Danakil Depression is a geological marvel. This remote area in northern east Ethiopia features extraordinary geological formations. It is one of the warmest and one of the lowest (up to minus 125mM), driest, and most unreal places on earth. The play of colors of the salt lakes and the sulfur mineral springs around Dallol will cast a spell over you.
This inhospitable land has been home to the Afar (Denakil) people for at least two thousand years. Afar men were renowned for their ferocity and xenophobia as recently as the 1930s until which time loping off the testicles of male intruders was customary!
Traditionally the Afar are nomadic pastoralists and, together with the Tigrians, are still involved in mining salt bars from the lake in the Dallol depression and carrying them by camel caravan up to Tigray, along age old routes.
The hike to the volcano Erte Ale, in the crater of which the lava is bubbling red hot and together with sleeping under the dome of the African starry sky in this unreal landscape will remain a unique and unforgettable experience
Overview
ourney to the cradle of hominids, the hottest place on earth, the lowest point on the planet, Denakil Depression. Discover this geology paradise gone-wild as you stand in awe at its flaming volcanoes, burning magma lakes, mineral deposits, and acid pools, caravan traders and Afar Tribe.
