The Dallol (Danakil) Depression

The Danakil / Dallol depression located in the northeastern part of the Ethiopian Great Rift Valley roof with several points below sea level has a reputation as one of the earth’s most inhospitable and yet most outstanding places. Temperatures can hit above 50°C, and with violent volcanoes, blistering air temperatures, gases and land masses being ripped apart by enormous planetary forces this natural wonder, both magnificent and terrifying, is not suited for the faint-hearted! The area is peppered with countless colorful sulphurous springs as well as an astonishing quarter of Africa’s active volcanoes. Among these, Erte Ale certainly stands out, hosting several crater lakes and spitting out bubbling molten rock from the earth’s core. As a continually erupting volcano Erte Ale casts a spectacular image across the sky looking like a scene of biblical destruction. This is the reason why one of its pits is popularly known as the ‘gateway to hell’.  Another destination in this so called Afar region allows sightseers to take in a massive sulphuric lake, nicknamed Yellow Lake because of its striking color. The phenomenon is caused by high sulphur in the volcanically active region. Nearby Yellow Lake are huge salt plains. With almost no life there – because the salt kills vegetation – it makes the Danakil seem even more extra-terrestrial.