Super User 17 July 2023

Best Travel Guide To Danakil Depression In Ethiopia

Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is one of Earth's most unusual environments. Renowned as the 'hottest place on the planet' and home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes, and colorful acidic springs - it's a wonderful, alien environment.

This remote area in Northern Ethiopia features extraordinary geological formations including its active volcanoes. In contrast to the cool, temperate Ethiopian highlands, the Danakil Depression is one of the lowest, driest, and hottest places on earth. Starting and ending in Addis Ababa, this tour takes you to the world-famous Danakil Depression as well as a variety of cultural experiences along the way.

Danakil Depression is one of the hottest and dried-up places in the world with no rain for most of the year round. It lies in the north of the Afar region of Ethiopia bordering Eritrea and it’s a plain of over 200 by 50 km. It is also one of the lowest places on the earth at just about 125 m (410 ft) below sea level; the lowest in Africa and 2^nd to the Dead Sea in the world. It also borders the Ethiopian Plateau and Danakil Alps.

The Danakil Depression lies at the triple junction of three tectonic plates created as a result of Africa and Asia moving apart, causing a rift and volcanicity. It has a lunar-like landscape covered with active volcanoes such as Mt Ayelu, lava crater lakes, hot springs such as Dallol sulfur hot springs, and salted basins all of which create a scenic view nowhere else on Earth and are therefore worth a visit.

The area is also regularly referred to as the cradle of humanity with many fossils of ancient hominins being uncovered, prompting many researchers to propose that this area is where the human species first evolved.

The area is also host to the Dallol, a unique, terrestrial hydrothermal system around a cinder cone volcano in the Danakil Depression, northeast of the Erta Ale Range in Ethiopia. It is known for its unearthly colors and mineral patterns, and the very acidic fluids that discharge from its hydrothermal springs.

Characterized by bright, multi-colored springs, fissures, and geysers, and with average annual temperatures of 35°C (95°F), Bubbling Supersatured Springs Dallol is one of the most visually compelling and geologically fascinating destinations on Earth.

As incredibly inhospitable as the depression is, it has been home to the Afar people for centuries, a nomadic tribe who live a basic life moving around the Danakil with their small herds of cattle, goats, and camels.

The expedition Journey requires a bit of planning, as the climate may turn harsh if not prepared for, however, the mystery and appeal of the area's surroundings are worth it.

Arrange with ULTIMATE WILD SAFARIS for this lifetime expedition.

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