The Otherworldly Danakil Depression

Photography by Svetlana Baghawan of Cologne, Germany

The Arabian, Somali, and Nubian tectonic plates have been moving apart for millions of years, creating an enormous rift or tear in the Earth’s crust. This northeastern African geological phenomenon is titled the Afar Triple Junction, named after the ancient nomadic Afar people who mined salt there for ages. On land above the junction is Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression, one of the strangest and deadliest places in the world. Danakil has sunk well over a hundred meters (328′) below sea level, creating a desolate, hostile depression full of acid lakes, salt flats, and volcanic hot spots.

The Danakil Depression is among the most inhospitable, nightmarish places in the world. This treacherous region is the hottest place on Earth, with an average daily temperature of 94°F (34°C) and summer peaks that reach over 122°F (50°C). Without shade and water, a person wouldn’t be expected to live a single day there.

Among Danakil’s threats are extreme heat, poisonous air, toxic pools of acid, treacherous terrain, and political tensions, plus the potential threat of violence. The closest drinking water, food, fuel, medical centers, and emergency services are hours away and only attainable in four-wheel-drive vehicles over dusty, bumpy roads.

Danakil’s Dallol geothermal area is a volcanic crater filled with boiling, bubbling pools of acid. The land is covered with a thin layer of salt and volcanic rock that can break underfoot into dangerously sharp edges, potentially trapping travelers in underground cavities filled with superheated acidic liquids. The air here contains highly corrosive chlorine and sulfur gas clouds that can quickly kill a person.

High concentrations of sulfur and potassium salts give Danakil brilliant yellows while iron oxides provide vivid oranges and reds, providing a surreal landscape. Copper salts yield intense greens and turquoises, whereas pure halite (sodium chloride) produces bright snow whites.

Visiting Danakil is only recommended for healthy, physically fit, heat-tolerant travelers who are accustomed to rudimentary conditions. All visitors are required to join a convoy with a registered tour operator. It is best to visit in the winter when temperatures are more tolerable.