Discover the Danakil Depression

One of the world's few permanently active lava lakes bubbles in the crater of this shield volcano. A nighttime hike to the crater rim reveals the glow of the lava in striking contrast to the surrounding darkness.

Brilliant yellow, orange and green mineral formations of sulfur and salt make this hydrothermal landscape one of the most colorful and inhospitable on Earth — Africa's lowest point lies close by.

For centuries, the Afar have mined salt slabs from the dried-up lake basins and transported them across the desert in long camel caravans — a traditional way of life that continues to this day.

With average temperatures above 34 degrees year-round, the Danakil Depression is among the hottest inhabited places in the world, further underscoring its stark, surreal landscapes.

The starting point is usually the town of Mekele, reachable by flight from Addis Ababa. From there, only organized multi-day tours with 4x4 vehicles continue into the remote depression.

The Afar people living there speak their own language, Afar. Guides on organized tours generally speak English and Amharic.

November to March is best, as temperatures can rise above 50 degrees for the rest of the year, and the region is among the hottest inhabited places on Earth.

A visit is only recommended with experienced, locally registered tour operators who continuously monitor the route, equipment and security situation — extreme heat and remoteness require careful preparation.