The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia could be a rare but fascinating remote destination. Visitors might feel as if they’d landed on a unique planet. The Danakil Depression is extremely hot and features bubbling volcanoes and a singular landscape.

The Danakil Depression is believed to be one of the foremost inhospitable places in the globe. It’s far and away from the most well-liked – with a mean daily temperature of over 34° Celsius (with peaks going overflow 50°), at about 125 meters below water level, the area has a minimal amount of rain per year.

The area where the Danakil is found sits on three tectonic plates, which are constantly shifting. As a result, the Danakil is scattered with rock formations, springs and geysers. you’d expect that such an inhospitable place is totally desert. Alas, it is not.

Those inquisitive about visiting the Danakil Depression are advised to rent a tour, especially considering that it’s a somewhat hostile environment. it’s best to go to with an expert and someone who knows the world well.

What is shocking is that the indisputable fact that there actually is life during this region. this can be where the famous Lucy, a hominid skeleton, was found. And it’s where the Afar people, one among the numerous indigenous peoples of Ethiopia, live.

These are nomadic those who still live a reasonably traditional lifestyle of cattle or goat herding. Some add the salt mines scattered around the Dallol.

Danakil Depression Overview:

When you arrive at the Danakil Depression, the most important things that are must-see are as follows:

Dallol:

20 km north from Hamedela, Dallol maybe a cinder cone volcano. There are hot springs here discharge brine and acidic liquid. Visitors will see small, temporary geysers that produce cones of salt. the bottom of the hills is that the lowest place in Ethiopia furthermore because the hottest place on earth. 

The Dallol comes from the people of Afar and means dissolution or disintegration. In fact, the Afar people hack blocks of salt out of the bottom during this area. Travelers are likely to determine camel caravans loading up with salt here.

Irta’ale Volcano:

Irta’ale, also referred to as Erta Ale, is a vigorous shield volcano. this suggests that the volcano consists almost exclusively of lava flows. Erta Ale has been in a very state of continuous eruption since 1967. The volcano’s southerly crater is one in every of the sole permanent lava lakes on the world. The road to the Volcano is 15 km and can take you 2-4 hours.

Tours take visitors on the hike within the evening, generally after dinner. While the climb in itself isn’t too steep, the darkness and warmth make it harder. it’s possible to ride a camel and tourists should have a torch to run. At the summit, the temperature is going to be cooler.

Lake Afdera:

Lake Adfera or Lake Afrera could be a hypersaline lake, with a surface of 100 square km. A hypersaline lake is one that has high concentrations of common salt or other salts, making saline levels on top of those within the ocean. The lake isn’t as visited as Dallol or Erta Ale. Visitors can actually swim within the nearby springs, and salt is extracted from its green waters.

Things to consider when you visit the Danakil Depression:

1. When to Visit:

The Danakil Depression is hot year-round. The place is very hot there is no way you can escape the heat but we advise you visit between November and January, during this time the temperature is at least on the place human can handle compared to other months, though it’s still very hot

2. Bring….

– a headlamp,
– a small backpack for the volcano trek,
– sunglasses and a hat,
– It’s a volcano area so it will be nice to bring something to cover your face/mouth.
– toilet paper and baby wipes,
– A small cloth for cleaning your hands

3. Drinks:

The place is extremely hot so dehydration is very important you will drink a lot of water so make sure you bring enough water during your safari

4. Electricity:

Only happens to be available when you are in Abaala Village & standby generator in Hamed Ela military camp but you have to pay a small fee to use it.

5. Be ready for:

A very high (over 40 degrees) temperatures non-stop for some days. Not sleeping on a standard bed for 3 nights and not sleeping much generally. The sleep at the volcano is merely 3-4 hours long and you sleep on a mattress placed on the bottom under the night sky. The night at the Abaala Village is spent on a mattress in an exceedingly shared room in an exceedingly local homestay and also the night in Hamed Ela camp is spent on an Afar bed ( a wooden platform with thick ropes tied between its sides and also the mattress placed on top of it).

It’s good to own a sleeping capsule with you after you sleep in Hamed Ela because the sleep is kind of long (over 8 hours) but the warmth, donkeys making noises and folks arousal early to arrange breakfast might keep you awake. – not having a standard shower and not employing a normal toilet for four days – there’s an African cold bucket shower and drop toilet in Abaala Village. In other places, you would like to use the ‘natural toilet’ as you go.

6. Water and Food:

Water and food are provided but are very basic and sometimes you can repeat the same food for days so bring extra food or snacks in case the food is not your favorite.

7. Be strong and be prepared:

For an unforgettable adventure and astonishing views!!!