Explore the Danakil Depression

The Danakil Depression, located in northeastern Ethiopia, is an extreme geological wonder where three tectonic plates converge. This dramatic landscape is dotted with volcanoes, vast salt flats, acidic pools, and bubbling lava lakes, making it one of the hottest places on Earth—temperatures often soar above 48°C (118°F). Situated several hundred feet below sea level, it is not only a geological marvel but also a window into Earth’s deep past. The region is renowned for its surreal scenery, unique geology, ancient hominid fossils (including the famous “Lucy”), and the resilient Afar people, who continue the centuries-old tradition of trading salt via camel caravans. Visiting the Danakil Depression is challenging, yet it offers an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers.

The Danakil Depression is a vast, low-lying desert basin located in the northern part of the Afar Triangle in northeastern Ethiopia, near the border with Eritrea.

Geologically, it is one of the most active and unusual places on Earth. It sits at the “Afar Triple Junction,” where three tectonic plates (the African, Arabian, and Somali plates) are slowly pulling away from each other. This process is literally tearing the continent apart, creating a sunken landscape that is largely below sea level.

Key Geographic Facts

• Location: Afar Region, Ethiopia (stretching slightly into Eritrea and Djibouti).
• Elevation: It reaches approximately 125 meters (410 feet) below sea level, making it one of the lowest points on the African continent.
• Climate: It is consistently ranked as the hottest place on Earth in terms of average year-round temperatures, often soaring above 50°C (122°F) in the summer.
• Environment: A hyper-arid landscape of salt pans, hydrothermal fields, and active volcanoes.