Visit the Danakil Depression Ethiopia

Another adventure expedition in Ethiopia is to trek this geological depression. It’s where the earth is impacted by the divergence of three tectonic plates. In its simplest sense, it provides a chance to stand where ancient volcanic activities tore Asia from Africa! This is why visiting the Danakil Depression is sometimes referred to as seeing the “cradle of humanity”.

Stretching across north-eastern Ethiopia and a bit of Eritrea and Djibouti, Danakil is a vast depression popularly known for being one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, an arid, unwelcoming land, among the planet’s most tectonically active areas, home to more than 30 dormant volcanoes, and one which is crazily active.

Moreover, with an average daily maximum temperature of over 41ºC and, in some areas, dropping to 116m below sea level, Danakil is also, officially, the hottest inhabited place in the world because, despite being such a hostile environment and territory, this depression has been continuously occupied by a distinct ethnic group for more than 2000 years.

tourism has increased exponentially so, during your Danakil Depression tour, don’t be surprised if you see more than 25 4×4 all at once, transporting an average of 4 to 6 people each, which means that popular places such as the sulphur springs in Dallol, can get overwhelmingly busy during high season.

Best time to visit the Danakil Depression

Danakil is one of the hottest places on Earth, so it is obvious to think that winter, from mid-November until mid-March, would be the best time to come.

How to get to Danakil Depression

Alternatively, if you want to visit the Danakil Depression is a more off the beaten track way, something you can do is start your tour in Semera, one of the main Afar cities, located in the southern part of the Depression.

Where to stay while visiting the Danakil Depression

On day one, you sleep under the stars, on wooden woven beds. The tour guide will provide blankets for you.

On day 2, you basically camp at the foot of Erta Ale volcano.

Those who are not keen on the expedition can stay and operate early morning trips from Mekele town The 70 km distance may take about 5 hrs passing through changing landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand and occasional palm lined oasis.