Danikil Depression
At 410 feet below sea level, resting along the horn of Africa, the vast tortured landscape of the Danikil Depression is the hottest place on earth. With an average of 94 degrees celcius and records reaching 122 degrees celcius, the area is completely inhospitable. Yet, the desolate moonscape and exquisitely colourful mineral laden lakes make this place an awe inspiring and must see destination in Northern Ethiopia.
The area has formed above the divergence of three tectonic plates, causing volcanoes and earthquakes to continuously rip the landscape apart. Noxious gases and geysers spew alongside acidic pools and sulphur springs.
Raw and resembling a moonscape or mars-like surface, the Danikil Depression is home to the tribal Afar people who have inhabited the area for centuries. The people traditionally live in areas spanning several countries, and in doing so have no political rights or borders to call home.
What to See
If you’re brave enough to visit what the Afar locals consider “The Gateway to Hell”, there are a few must see spots in this wildly inhospitable place.
Siting at night on the edge of Erta Ale Volcano
Twisted sulphur and ironoxide make up the cinder cone volcano called Dallol. Dominated by brilliant yellows, oranges and greens, this hot spot was formed by the intrusion of basaltic magma into Miocene salt deposits. It is here where visitors can witness the Afar tribe mining chunks of salt by hand and loading them onto their camels, who carry ip to 100 kilos of salt, to join the caravan that will trek through the desert. Dallol’s depth of colour and incredibly textured rocks and salt deposits, not to mention witnessing the oldest salt harvest on earth, are something visitors simply can’t miss.
The Irta’ale volcano has been in in a constant state of eruption since 1967. The small crater is one of only a few permanent lava lakes on earth. You will likely climb the 15 km to the top of the volcano at night, as this is the best time to experience the raw ferocity and startling beauty of the red lava flow.
Lake Afdera, a 100 square kilometre hypersaline body of water, is located south of the Irta’ale volcano. Here, mounds of salt that could be seen as snow if it weren’t for the extreme heat, are extracted from crystal clear green waters. A refreshing swim in a nearby spring is part of the experience at Lake Afdera.
Getting Around
Visiting the Danikil Depression is an expedition like no other. Multi day tours in true caravan-style desert travelling will have you camping out under the stars by night and traversing the area by jeep, came, or on foot by day. Tours usually start in Addis Ababa or Mekele, and since private travelers are no longer allowed in the area, booking a tour is imperative. Two days minimum is recommended, however three, four, five, or six day tours would allow a greater expanse of land to be covered, immensely adding to the overall experience of this formidable area.