Where is hell?
The Danakil has the highest average temperature of an inhabited place ( 35ºC ) . Here there is no vegetation or animals, only an arid land of bright colors and strange shapes can be seen. When you enter this area you have the feeling of walking on an impressionist painting.
There is a huge contrast between the harsh climate and the charm of this place. In this depression situated 150 meters below sea level there are salt lakes, sulfur plains painted yellow and green, and sulfur scree dyed deep red. It is a landscape of another planet.
You have the feeling of walking on an impressionist painting
This area has a poisoned beauty . It is impossible not to be surprised by its vivid colors and strange shapes generated by the great volcanic activity and exceptional weather conditions. But don't fool yourself stepping foot into one of those green geysers or touching one of the bubbling red puddles can do a lot of damage . The acidic composition of this soil is completely corrosive.
The Afar have lived here for centuries, a people as hard as the land they inhabit. under a scorching sun, that reaches 60ºC At certain times of the year, these men break through the earth to extract blocks of salt that they will later transport on camels to sell in the nearest towns. The working conditions of these people are inhumane, possibly one of the toughest jobs that exist.
Salt block workers
Traveling to this area is quite an adventure. It is advisable to do it in a group, go well equipped (there is no electricity, drinking water or any other type of service) and it is necessary to be accompanied by a military escort.
In addition to extreme weather conditions, this region of the horn of africa it suffers from great political instability and a high risk of assaults. Recent incidents include the murder of five tourists in 2012 at the hands of a rebel group or the kidnapping in 2007 of several European travelers.
Traveling to this area is quite an adventure... dangerous
ERTA ALE, THE HEART OF THE DANAKIL
But if all this landscape is surprising, the most impressive is in the heart of the desert itself: the Erta Ale volcano.
The heat in this area is so intense that the last part of the journey should be done at dusk. When there is little left to reach the top, you begin to see a small thread of smoke and a weak light that tells you that you are going in the right direction.
Stepping on Danakil is like being in another world
Finally, reaching the edge of the crater, the image does not seem real. An immense black and red pit slowly boils in front of you. It throbs, it gives off a strong smell of sulfur and you feel its scorching heat on your face. Suddenly, and without warning, the volcano roars and spits, save yourself!
The Erta Ale it is one of the few volcanoes in the world that has a permanent lava lake. The boiler has been active since 1967, although some studies speak of the beginning of the 20th century. It constantly registers small eruptions that pour lava fragments for which you should not fear if you are not right on the edge of the crater. Anyway, as with all beasts, don't stop staying alert because you never know when you can get angry and take out all your rage.
Erta Ale, the heart of the Danakil desert
This is the Danakil desert, a piece of hell on earth . An inhospitable place with an enemy climate, poisonous soils and permanent instability. In exchange for all these dangers, this area offers unique landscapes, an overwhelming beauty and the opportunity to know what the bowels of planet earth are like.
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Geysers can spring into action at any time
Erta Ale, in full rage
The Danakil Desert is the hottest inhabited place on earth.
Cattle on the Danakil Esplanades