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Ethiopia, the pearl of East Africa, is a place where primitiveness and civilization collide, and wildness and simplicity blend. It is the birthplace of coffee and is home to a Blue Nile River civilization spanning nearly a thousand years.
To the north, pilgrims flock to the rock-hewn churches. To the south, in the Omo River basin of the East African Rift Valley, Earth's last remaining primitive tribes live, following an ancient way of life and unleashing the charm of African wildness. They rise at sunrise and return at sunset, dancing under the stars, and dwelling peacefully in this paradise.
Ethiopia is located in northeastern Africa, adjacent to Somalia, and is the hometown of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The plateau, known as the "Roof of Africa," covers two-thirds of the country's land area, with an average elevation of 3,000 meters. Its capital is Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is one of the world's least developed countries, with an economy primarily based on agriculture and animal husbandry and a weak industrial base.
Ethiopiacheck the details
Ethiopia is located on the vast Ethiopian Plateau in eastern Africa. Following the independence of the Eritrean province in May 1993, it became a landlocked country, bordered by Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia. Two-thirds of Ethiopia's territory consists of the Ethiopian Plateau, with an average elevation of 2,500 to 3,000 meters. It is the highest of the African countries and is known as the "Roof of Africa." The southeastern part belongs to the Somali Highlands. The Great Rift Valley runs through the center of the country, and deserts and semi-deserts account for 28% of the territory. Formerly known as "Abyssinia," Ethiopia boasts abundant tourism resources, including numerous cultural relics, historical sites, and wildlife parks. The Great Rift Valley, located in the central plateau, features a complex and diverse terrain, ranging from towering peaks and overlapping mountains to secluded canyons and picturesque lakes. The 11 churches of Lalibela, hidden in the green olive groves in the north, are located in huge deep pits in the rocks. The construction of these churches has made the city of Lalibela a religious center and has been listed as a World Heritage Site. There are also seven other world heritage sites in the area, including the Fasil Ghebbi Castle and ancient buildings, the Aksum archaeological site, etc.
Recommended months: November to February
8759 recommendations, 7623 visits
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is one of the most geodynamically active regions on Earth. Mounds of yellow sulfur make it look like an alien planet, and the surging magma lights up the dark night.
This hike leads to Erta Ale and Daggar, the lowest point in the Danakil Depression. Erta Ale lies just 50 meters below sea level, and its oval lava lake is the oldest of six in the world. After reaching the summit, you can try a circumnavigation of the crater, surrounded by lava splashes.
The symbol of Dagur is the "alien land" formed by volcanic activity. Dagur is a volcano buried beneath a kilometer-thick salt layer. The land is dotted with salt ponds, geysers, and sulfur pools, interspersed with conical volcanic vents. Under high temperatures, the salt and sulfur liquids gradually crystallize. The strangely shaped crystals, after oxidation, create a psychedelic combination of red, green, orange, and white. The view is particularly beautiful in the early morning and evening, reminiscent of the surface of Jupiter.
Camels are one of the few animals that can survive in such a harsh environment. On this hiking route, you can see camel caravans going to collect salt or returning from collecting salt.
The Afar people who have tenaciously survived in this barren area make a living by raising camels and mining salt. They carefully cut the salt blocks into the size of floor tiles, then put them in bundles on the backs of camels, walk 400 kilometers across the desert, and transport them to Mekelle for distribution.
Watching rows of camels carrying salt blocks crossing the calm salt lake is like walking on a mirror in the sky.
Tips:
English name: DANAKIL DEPRESSION THRU-HIKE
Location: Afar region, Ethiopia
Length: 15 km
Best time to hike: November to February
Important tip: When you reach the crater, it is best to wear a gas mask because the sulfur gas emitted by the magma is somewhat toxic.
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa - Jinka - Turmi
Day 2: Dassenech - Turmi
Day 3: Karo Tribe - Turmi
Day 4: Mago National Park - Addis Abeba - Mekele
Day 5: Mekele - Dalol
Day 6: Dalol - Erta Ale
Day 7: Erta Ale - Mekele
Day 8: Mekele - Lalibela
Day 9: Lalibela
Day 10: Lalibela - Addis Ababa
1. Although the Alpha region where the Danakil Depression is located is a disputed area, it is still relatively safe, but it is not recommended to go there alone; the local tourism industry is supported by armed groups, and travel companies to the area can tour it safely under the escort of armed police or military.
2. Theft is common in the area; do not leave valuables such as cameras and passports out of sight. Be especially careful in crowded public places, especially at night.
3. Mekelle is the main entrance to the Danakil Depression and the starting point for the Danakil Depression hike.
4. The temperature in the Danakil Depression is very high, so be sure to bring sun protection items such as a hat and sunglasses before going. It is recommended to bring more wet towels to be prepared.
5. The ground in Dagur is very fragile, especially the sulphur pools, which may cause stagnation, so you must be cautious when trekking.
6. Due to the high local temperature, hiking to Erta Ale Volcano usually starts in the evening. When climbing Erta Ale Volcano, you must wear hiking shoes, bring a headlamp and sleeping bag, camp on the volcano at night, and walk to the crater again at dawn the next day to admire the terrain that is difficult to see at night.
7. When you arrive at the crater, be sure to wear a gas mask because the sulfur gas emitted by the magma is somewhat toxic.
In the northeast corner of Ethiopia, the Great Rift Valley of East Africa crosses the Red Sea. God overturned the palette here. The harshest high temperatures and the lowest desert depressions gave birth to colorful salt lakes and sulfur lakes; they also formed the famous "Gate of Hell". There is also the ancient active volcano Aita Ale, which has one of the only six remaining lava lakes in the world. Standing at the crater and watching the magma churning, the splendor and heat, the wonder and the emotion are all experiences not to be missed when traveling to Ethiopia!
