The Danakil Depression, located in the Afar region of Northern Ethiopia, is a place with extremely high temperatures and natural formations resembling hell. This location, named as the cruelest place on Earth, is only suitable for those with an adventurous spirit, a strong and flexible body, and a resilient mind. For more information about the Danakil Depression, continue reading.
The famous human fossil "Lucy" (Australopithecus afarensis), dating back 3.2 million years, has been found here, making the Danakil Depression renowned for archaeologists and paleontologists.
The local Afar people believe that the salt in the Danakil region is actually tons of pure gold. According to legend, the local people used to live in this area like kings, but over time, they became greedy and lazy, forgetting the gods. As revenge, the gods turned all their gold into salt. The legend states that when the local people stop being greedy, their punishment will end, and the salt will turn back into gold.
Where is the Danakil Depression?
The Danakil Depression is part of the Afar Triangle in Ethiopia, close to the borders of Eritrea and Djibouti. It is a geological depression within the larger geological rift in the Horn of Africa. The Danakil Depression formed as a result of the activities of the tectonic plate in the region.
Hell's Gate on Earth: The Danakil Depression!
Situated 100 meters below sea level, this flat, salty area has broken the record for the highest average temperature on Earth, reaching approximately 35 degrees Celsius. On some extremely hot days, the temperature can soar to 60 degrees Celsius. Known as the gate to hell, the Danakil Depression is one of the least hospitable places on the planet. When the vast salt flats, scorching sands, sulfuric odor, active volcanoes, and mineral beds combine with excessive heat, the region truly earns its nickname.
Who are the Afar People?
Despite challenging climate conditions, people from a tribe known as Afar consider this region their home. The Afar people are known for their pride and lack of hospitality towards outsiders. Until World War II, the Afar people used to attack and enslave those who entered the region without permission. Although conditions are much safer now, visitors seeking to explore the region safely still need to hire armed military escorts.
The Afar people make a living by extracting salt from the scorching deserts and lakes. They load the extracted salt onto numerous camel caravans and sell it to nearby cities and towns. Salt miners earn approximately 150 Birr (7.5 dollars) per working day.
Interesting Formations in the Region:
In the region, you can see one of the most intriguing formations offered by our planet: acidic hydrothermal pools. There is a vast area consisting of orange, red, green, and yellow hydrothermal pools, occasionally turning colors. These pools are part of the Dallol volcanic crater. However, it is essential not to enter these pools under any circumstances because the water in them is highly acidic and can cause severe burns.
There is also a volcano named Erta Ale in the region, known as the jewel of the Danakil travel routes. The temperature in this region is so high that passengers standing near the crater can feel their shoe soles melting slowly.
Animal and Plant Life:
In this hellish place, animal and plant life is sparse. Apart from camels, you might rarely encounter wild donkeys, antelopes, small birds, lizards, and insects. Most of these creatures live among scattered low thorny shrubs and small trees in the desert.
How to Reach Danakil?
For brave adventure enthusiasts, Danakil is a must-visit place. The closest city to Danakil is Mekele, and air travel is the means of reaching there. In Mekele, travel agencies organize package trips to Danakil, including transportation and security. Some individuals from the Afar community also arrange accommodation in traditional thatched huts through travel agencies.