Danakil Depression
Walk through the rainbow of geology
No matter how long you have been traveling the world, nothing compares to the geological journey into the Danakil Depression. The Danakil is located in the northern part of the Great Rift Valley and home to some of the most astounding terrain in the Horn of Africa. Over 100 meters below sea level, this inverted world of rock and heat is harsh yet beautiful. Despite the average temperatures of 40° Celsius, the Afari people have survived through a nomadic
existence and a local economy based on salt trading. Go to Dallol, where a volcanic explosion has created a crater of mineral pools that have painted the landscape a vivid palette of greens, oranges, yellows, and reds. Climb over surreal salt formations, and trek through the night to Erta Ale volcano. Sleep near the massive crater and peer into an active lava lake boiling in its caldera. These are the places that make Ethiopia more than just history and culture.