Dallol: Visiting the hottest place on earth

Veröffentlicht:

Aktualisiert:

Von:

We visit Dallol, a collapsed volcanic crater full of acidic ponds, toxic chlorine and sulfur gases in the Danakil-Senke in Ethiopia.

I was not intimidated by the view of visiting Dallol, which is called the hottest place on earth. Although the temperatures regularly reached 45 ° C (113 ° F), I knew that after visiting the volcano Erta Ale, I would be a walk in the region- if the park were a collapsed volcanic crater full of acid ponds and geysers, poisonous chlorine and sulfur gases.

dallol is 116 m (380 ft) below the sea level in the Danakil-Senke of the Afar region in Ethiopia and is part of the East African trench, where three continental plates are torn apart.

alt = “Dallol is one of the hottest and deepest places on earth”> Atlas & Boots Dallol is one of the hottest and deepest places on earth

dallol itself is a dizzying frenzy of colors, which is generated by rain and sea water from the nearby coast and heated by magma. The sea salt reacts with volcanic minerals in the magma and creates bright colors. Sulfur and salt react in the hottest pools and form light yellow chimneys. In cooler pools, copper salts mix in lively turquoise.

alt = “Salt and volcanic minerals generate living colors”> Atlas & Boots salt and volcanic minerals create living colors

At Dallol I had my doubts. I thought that the colors - like the shining green of the northern lights - would not appear as lively with the northern eye as with the camera.

The fluorescent yellow and deep-sea green tones were certainly an illusion that was brewed by the large openings and long exposure of experienced photographers.

not that. When Dallol appears on the extended horizon of the Danakil desert, I see that the colors are very real.

It is clear that Dallol could be a scene from another planet. In fact, it is unique with us. While active hydrothermal zones like Yellowstone in the USA is a bit similar, it is much hotter and much more acidic. In fact, the water has an average pH of 0.2-almost unmatched in nature.

The heat is of course noticeable. It not only shines from the sun; It hisses through the ventilation slots, sizzles in the sulfur puddles and knocks out of the ground with force. The smell is sometimes overwhelming and covers our throats like fabric.

We fight the heat and the gas and spend an hour with exploring the attraction, of course accompanied by our Fiihrer Hab.

Sometimes the delicate salt crust crackles under our feet and adhesion pushes us away from the edge. If we were to fall into the 100 ° C (212 ° F) acidic water, little help would be at hand. The nearest hospital is in Mekele for hours.

Here, in Dallol, it is not difficult to believe Ethiopia's claim to the cradle of mankind. Scientists Lucy discovered here in the Danakil depression, the oldest and most complete hominids ever found.

Lucy has endured extensive research and tests, but here at Dallol you hardly need any evidence of their existence. If you are in the middle of this mystical primeval world, it seems feasible that not only death, but also life itself could rise from the depths of Dallol.

sights and scenes around Dallol

Those who go to Dallol should be aware that it is a day trip from Erta Ale. We booked a 3-day tour with 2 nights and spent the first day in Erta ale, the second day by trip to Dallol and the third day with exploration of Dallol and the surrounding sights.

That shouldn't mean that the second day is a waste of time. We held on the salt lakes of Lake Asale and observed exceptional scenes of camels that were led over the Salzstrasse.

to Dallol we explored "mountains", which were created by salt deposits, a salt mine that was manned by Afar people, oily bubbling lakes and air-reflected water that appeared in the ground-all a worthy bonus for Dallol itself.

  • Alt = "Camels on the Salzroute">
  • Alt = "Salinen of Asalese">
  • Alt = "Sunset over the saltes of Asalese">
  • Alt = "Salzberge">
  • Alt = "Formations of Salzbergen">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
Atlas & Boots

dallol: The essentials

was: Visit from Dallol in Ethiopia as part of a 2-day, 3-day tour through the Danakil-Senke.

Where: Our tour through the Danakil depression was booked with a stay in the Wukro Lodge in the city of Wukro. This cozy eco-lodge uses solar energy and offers a traditional decor and an excellent view of the surrounding hills. There is free WiFi in public areas, a bar and a restaurant on site and a pool under construction.

  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
  • Alt = "">
Atlas & Boots

The accommodation on the tour through the Danakil-Senke itself is extremely easy. At Erta Ale (first night) we tented on thin mattresses in a stone hut. On the second night we slept under the stars on provisional wooden beds.

We recommend that you pack your own sleeping bag. While the area is known for rising temperatures, the nights become windy. Note that there is no chest of drawers, so you have to walk comfortably to follow the call of nature.

When: The best travel time for Dallol is between October and February when the rising temperatures are the most bearable.

like: We visited Dallol with Smiling Ethiopia, which is recommended by Lonely Planet Ethiopia. We both were accompanied by an English-speaking guide, two drivers, two chefs and a two-person military, which were transported in two 4 × 4 vehicles.

The tour was well organized and as comfortable as it was possible in the area of ​​the lack of infrastructure in the area. (We recommend packing a bright headlamp, a sleeping bag, handkerchiefs/moisture cloths and an antibacterial gel.) Our off -road vehicles were robust and strong, and thanks to our talented cook Yidnak and his assistant we ate very well.

We paid $ 300 per person for a 3-day tour with 2 nights and Gema ale, Dallol and the salt levels of Lake Asale. It's expensive, but worth the money. An extended tour with 3 nights and 4 days costs $ 400 per person. Book Mulugeta Gebrhiwot: smilingthiopiatravel.com, smilingthiopiaravel@yahoo.com, (251-1) 150694.

Skybus and Selam run comfortable buses between Addis Ababa and Mekele, the starting point for Danakil tours. If you choose the Wukro Lodge, you can take a local bus from the Mekele bus station to Wukro (15 ETB / 0.5 USD per person; 48 km) and then take a tuk tuk to the base. The lodge is a five-minute trott uphill.

domestic flights are the fastest way to travel to Ethiopia (check the latest routes here). It is much cheaper to book flights in an Ethiopian Airlines office in the country. Be sure to state whether you have flown internationally with you because you are entitled to a significant discount.

Addis Ababa is the most important international airport in the country. Book international flights via skyscanner.net.

alt = “>

LONELY PLANET ETHIOPIA is a comprehensive travel guide for the country, ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights and take less busy roads. If you prefer to travel on a tour, we recommend G Adventures and their Ethiopia tours in small groups.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots 
 .