A TRIP TO THE MOON: THE DANAKIL DEPRESSION
Considered by many to be one of the most harsh and inhospitable places on earth, the Danakil Depression holds many surprises and will test the explorer’s appetite for adventure. Temperatures here reach up to 50 degrees; it is one of the driest and lowest place on earth (up to 100 meters below sea level).
The journey to the Danakil starts with a visit to Lake Assale, a former bay that was cut off from the Red Sea, after which most of the water evaporated (not to be mistaken with Lake Asal in Djibouti). For many years, the salt from these Lakes has been a source of wealth for the people living in the Afar region. The majority of the Afar people are pastoralists while some make a living from salt mining. The salt is cut by hand and loaded onto camels for transportation via impressively huge camel caravans to the city of Mekele.
The journey to the Danakil starts with a visit to Lake Assale, a former bay that was cut off from the Red Sea, after which most of the water evaporated (not to be mistaken with Lake Asal in Djibouti). For many years, the salt from these Lakes has been a source of wealth for the people living in the Afar region. The majority of the Afar people are pastoralists while some make a living from salt mining. The salt is cut by hand and loaded onto camels for transportation via impressively huge camel caravans to the city of Mekele.
The journey to the Danakil passes through an area called Dallol – a dramatic landscape suffused with sulphurous hot springs and geysers, which erupt acid brine. Beneath the scorching sun, steep conical rock formations and pools of rainbow coloured salt water shimmer and sputter while the scent of boiling sulphur hangs heavy in the air of this Martian environment.
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The Danakil Depression has a number of volcanoes, including the Erta Alle Volcano, which rises up from below sea level to an altitude of 613 meters. It is famous for its persistent lava lake, which has been active since it was first discovered in the 1960’s.
At this point of the trip you might find yourself satisfyingly mesmerised with what you have seen, as well as feeling in need of a shower. Travel tip - listen to the advice of your local guides, they know better. It is not the most attractive landscape but if you are fit and have the stamina to follow the local guides on the night hike you will reach the summit and you will never forget the sights you behold.
At this point of the trip you might find yourself satisfyingly mesmerised with what you have seen, as well as feeling in need of a shower. Travel tip - listen to the advice of your local guides, they know better. It is not the most attractive landscape but if you are fit and have the stamina to follow the local guides on the night hike you will reach the summit and you will never forget the sights you behold.
In a nutshell, the Danakil Depression is a hostile environment for humans but one of the most spellbinding and otherworldly places you are likely to ever visit.