The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is one of the most extreme places on Earth. It's a long drive from Mek'ele (Tigray) with a jeep caravan in the desert of remote Afar region. It's spectacular!
First of all, Dallol. Highly vulcanic, feels like walking on the planet Venus.
Second, Erta Ale. After a difficult climb with experienced guides, only possible after sunset because of the extreme heat during daytime, we reached the spectacular lava lake on top of the vulcano.
Last but not least, the camel caravans, transporting salt from the salt plains for hundreds of years.
Dallol, in the Danakil Depression, is the hottest year-round spot in the world. While a few places, in particular Death Valley (US) and Lut Desert (Iran) face even higher temperatures in summer, the average high temperature in January in Death Valley is for example just 19 degrees Celsius. However, Dallol has the hottest temperatures all year round with a minimum average high temperature in January of 36 degrees Celsius. Erta Ale is one of the only 7 persistent lava lakes in the world.
I visited the Danakil Depression with a friend in October 2016.
