Danakil Depression Travel Guide: Top Sights in Ethiopia, Tours &

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Danakil Depression- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Ethiopia; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 48 hours

The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is a strikingly unique destination that showcases the extreme forces of nature. Located in the northern Afar Triangle, this area is characterized by its surreal landscapes, including vibrant sulfur springs, expansive salt flats, and active volcanoes. With temperatures often exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), the region presents both challenges and breathtaking beauty. A highlight is the Erta Ale volcano, home to one of the few permanent lava lakes, offering a rare glimpse into Earth's geological processes. The Dallol hydrothermal field captivates visitors with its colorful mineral formations and acidic hot springs. Despite the harsh environment, the Afar nomads thrive here, demonstrating remarkable resilience as they continue their traditional practices of salt harvesting and camel herding, enriching the stark landscape with their enduring culture.

Danakil Tours

Ethiopia

Ethiopia Volcano Expedition

Tour by: Amazing travel ethiopia * Danakil, Erta Ale 4 Days · Camping

From 700＄ pp

Operators offering tours in Ethiopia

Attractions in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa

Lalibela

4.6

Simien

Lake Tana

4.2

Omo Valley

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Reviews of Danakil

Tiyanikfc Douglas

5
Reviewed: 2024-06-19

I wish to visit
Volodymyr Pozniy

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-04

First you drive on salt for an hour and then these sulfur mines. Special smell!
Abdii Mohammed

5
Reviewed: 2024-02-08

One of the gift of my country Ethiopia
ĐẠT MINH

5
Reviewed: 2023-09-02

The Danakil Depression in northern Ethiopia is one of the special geological regions with hot springs, sulfur springs, acid lakes and burning hot steam columns. The vibrant colors of the landscape here may be visually impressive, but they are also traces of the continental rift process, according to IFL Science. The Earth's crust is not a uniform thick layer of soil across the planet. In places like the Danakil Depression, the effects of continental spreading can be seen in vivid colors. Tectonic plates move apart, forming landscapes such as the Danakil Alps and the Ethiopian plateau. The rugged terrain and scorching heat have earned the area the nickname "Hell's Gate," but locals have mined salt here by hand for centuries. This is a stratovolcano, consisting of many layers of lava and ash. The most prominent feature of the Danakil Depression is the Dallol sulfur springs. Located at the foot of Dallol volcano, the dry salt flats are dotted with streams and craters of green, orange and neon yellow. That's a result of the unique topography, which causes salt water to mix with volcanic minerals including sulfur, iron and copper. Despite the chlorine and sulfur-rich environment, in 2017, researchers discovered that life could grow in the water at Dallol. They found evidence of bacteria living in water that can withstand heat, salinity and acidity at the same time.
Mesud Ahmed

5
Reviewed: 2023-04-09

Ok