Erta Ale is a continuously active basaltic shield volcano in the Afar Region of North-eastern Ethiopia. It is situated in the Afar Depression, a badland desert area. Erta Ale is the most active volcano in Ethiopia. It is 613 metres high, with one or sometimes two active lava lakes at the summit which occasionally overflow on the south side of the volcano. It is notable for holding the longest-existing lava lake on Earth in present since the early years of the twentieth century (1906).
Erta Ale was for years on the top of my wishlist of destinations until 2011 when I decided to go there with South African expedition following year. Unfortunately tragical history of German Expedition following year (described in the documentary) when 5 members of group were killed and 2 kidnaped on the top of Erta Ale stopped all tourism in this North part of Ethiopia which was particularly dangerous during lengthy Ethiopia/Eritrea war.
When boarder was open again in the beginning of 2015 I’ve registered immediately with German volcano-geological agency “Volcano Discovery” for trip to two favourite Ethiopia Volcanoes Erta Ale and Dallol (both in Danakill Depression) for trip in November-December 2015. (Programs about Dallol Volcano and Danakil Depression – the hottest place in the World will follow shortly)
Four day and three nights on the top of Erta Ale are presented in this documentary and video which will not leave doubt in your mind what was the trip about. Definitely one of the highlight of my travel history and whole trip to Ethiopia - which I extended to 5 weeks - is still best trip I have ever done. Beside two above mentioned volcanoes there were two extensive hiking trips in Ethiopian Mountains – both above 4,000 m – ruins of historical cities, same as “Lucy” a 3.2 million-year old fossil skeleton of a human ancestor – since Ethiopia is considered cradle of our civilisation.
There are other lava lakes in the world but they are all very difficult to be reach since they are located either in super dangerous areas as Nyiragongo in Eastern Congo, or they are located in so remote area as Mount Erebus in Antarctica which could be reach only with support of major expedition.
So for a time being all you volcano fans enjoy this document of one of four permanent volcano lava lakes in the World.
Cheers
Jiri
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