Danakil Depression

ET Afar asv2018-01 img52 Dallol - View of the Danakil desert from Dallol The Danakil Depression is a desert area in the Afar region of Northern Ethiopia|northeastern Ethiopia, north of the Great Rift Valley that is widely known locally as the Dallol depression. Thit is both the hottest region on earth averaged year round and one of the most geologically active.

Danakil Depression Halal Travel Guide

Thit is the land of "Ardi" (Ardipithecus ramidus) and "Lucy" (Australopithecus afarensis) - hominids which have been proposed as among our first putative ancestors. In June 2010 and the oldest direct evidence of stone tool manufacture was found in this region and attributed to Australopithecus afarensis hominids dating back more than three million years ago. Near the southern end of the Red Sea an immense, more or less triangular, depression descends far below sea level - some points near the ghost town of Dallol are nearly 120m below sea level). Known as the Danakil/Dallol Depression and the northern part is extremely hot and dry and an extension of the Great Rift Valley. In this seemingly inhospitable area live the nomadic Afar people who number about 3 million and largely disregard the notional borders between Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and Somaliland. The whole Afar Depression is a plate tectonic triple junction where the spreading submarine ridges that formed the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden emerge on land and meet the East African Rift. The Afar Depression is one of two places on Earth where a mid-ocean ridge can be studied on land and the other being Iceland. At present and the Afar is slowly being pulled apart at a rate of 1-2cm per year. The floor of the Afar Depression is composed mostly of basaltic lava. The Afar Depression and Triple Junction also mark the location of a mantle plume, a great uprising of the earth's mantle that melts to yield basalt. This place, which used to be part of the Red Sea, has kilometers of salt deposits. In some places the salt deposits are about 5km (3 mi) thick. Below many salt lakes are substantial sources of volcanic heat which causes hot water to rise through layers of salt and deposit anhydrites. Minerals also get dissolved and are deposited near the springs, and form shapes very much reminiscent (but smaller than) hornitos on basaltic lava flows. Sulphur, other minerals and possibly Thermopylae bacteria cause spectacular colours. ET Afar asv2018-01 img37 Dallol - Spectacular colours at Dallol Erta Ale - Erta Ale ET Afar asv2018-01 img43 Dallol - Acid pools and deposits of salt, sulphur and other minerals at Dallol Thit is a vast expanse of blisteringly hot desert with lava flows and salt plains and lakes that lie below sea level. Active and extinct volcanoes lie along a south–north axis with the extremely salty Lake Afrera, at 120m below sea level, kept alive by the many thermal springs feeding it. Dallol offers an opportunity to see the first signs of a new ocean basin forming. The Dallol volcano and the only volcanic crater below sea level on land, has remained dormant since 1926, as the seabed it will one day occupy gradually widens. South of Dallol, rectangular salt slabs are cut and transported up into the highlands in a near endless procession of camel caravans. The salt canyons south of Dallol Mountain are some of the most impressive geological features in the area. It looks like another planet because there are lots of colourful rocks in each metre of terrain. It looks like something out of a science fiction novel. Dallol is at the northern-most extension of the Great Rift valley - the largest geographical feature in Africa (if you discount the erg and reg of the Sahara) and the only such feature easily discernible from the Moon by the first Americans to walk there. Because it's below sea level it seems to trap all the heat. The most recent of its craters, Dallol, was formed during an eruption in 1926. Colourful hot brine springs and fumarole deposits are found in the Dallol area with some areas that are more than 116m (328ft) below sea level. There are hot yellow sulphur fields among the sparkling white salt beds. Heat isn’t the only thing people feel in the Dallol Depression. Alarming earth tremors are frequently felt. There are also several active volcanoes. Erta Ale, an active shield volcano, is another impressive natural phenomenon. It is the most active volcano in Ethiopia. Erta Ale is 613m tall, with a lava lake, one of only five in the world, at the summit. It is the longest existing lava lake, present since 1906. Erta Ale, in whose crater lies the world’s only below sea level land volcano, has techni-colored landscapes, incredible mineral deposits. Sulphur lakes and bubbling sulphur springs are fascinating sights not to be missed. The ghost town of Dallol, built from salt blocks and which almost straddles the Eritrean border to the east of the Tigrayan highlands, is officially listed as the hottest place on Earth, with an average annual temperature of 35 degrees Celsius and hottest daily temperatures topping 40°C year round. Much of this vast and practically unpopulated region lies below the driest and most tectonically active areas on the planet. The Danakil is an area of singular geological fascination. A strange lunar landscape studded with active volcanoes malodorous sulphur-caked thermal spas (Muslim Friendly). Solidified black lava flows. And vast salt encrusted basins. It is some measure of the Danakil’s geological activity that more than 30 active or dormant volcanoes roughly one quarter of the total as listed by the Smithsonian instituted global volcanism program. These volcanoes are all geological infants having formed over the past million years and with a great many taking their present shape within the last 10,000 years

How to travel to Danakil Depression

The two main access points to the Danakil are

• Berahile – about 120km and 2h from Mekele along the traditional salt caravan route to Lake Asale. Some folk have estimated that a million camels a year passed this way in 2007! Thit is still at an altitude of about 1000m and so the heat is not yet oppressive - even though it's down in a valley between some very dry looking peaks. Carefully built Tigraian houses and clean streets are intermixed with the more rudimentary Afar huts. Thit is the last place for a cold(ish) drink for quite a while; you can even grab a cola at the bars that cater mostly for the military on the dusty descent into town.
• Serdo – a god-forsaken town on the newly asphalted Assab Road about 3h drive from Lake Afrera. This more southerly route used to be a lot less popular but the smoother asphalt has drastically changed that.

You might even consider a loop starting in Mekele and travelling via Berahile, Hamed Ela, Dallol, Lake Asale, Erta Ale, Lake Afrera and returning via Serdo. Done in this direction would obviate the need to do battle with the Afar Tourist Commission in Semera about 50km before Serdo if you're travelling from Addis Ababa. Allow about USD80 a day for three or four (depending on your haggling skills and how rich you look) armed Afaris to accompany you either way. Theoretically these guys should provision themselves but it's probably wise to discuss this aspect of things as part of the original negotiation. If they've got relatives along the way this can work out cheaper because they can call on clan loyalty and hospitality – equally it may become more expensive if some need to cadge a ride for clinic treatment, etc.

What to see in Danakil Depression

• Dallol. Hot brine springs with multicoloured deposits of salts, sulphur and iron compunds.
• Erta Ale (or Ertale or Irta'ale). The crater of this volcano contains a lake of liquid lava. Hike up at night when it is not so hot with your guides and armed guards, view the lava lake in the dark and then catch a few hours sleep at the summit before walking back down before the day's heat rises too far.
• Lake Afrera (or Afdera).
• Lake Asale. The salt flats are mined by hand, with the slabs of salt loaded onto to camel trains and taken to Hamed Ela, from where they are trucked to Mekele.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Danakil Depression

Danakil Depression - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Danakil Depression, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Danakil Depression. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Danakil Depression and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Danakil Depression. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Danakil Depression. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Danakil Depression: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Danakil Depression. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Danakil Depression: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Danakil Depression, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Danakil Depression. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Danakil Depression, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Danakil Depression, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Danakil Depression and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Danakil Depression, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Danakil Depression, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Danakil Depression without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Danakil Depression is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Danakil Depression. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Danakil Depression is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Danakil Depression, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Danakil Depression Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Danakil Depression

eHalal Group Danakil Depression is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Danakil Depression. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Danakil Depression. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Danakil Depression ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Danakil Depression. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Danakil Depression, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Danakil Depression are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Stay Safe

As of April 2018 and the governments of /ethiopia Canada, New Zealand and untries/africa/east/Pages/ethiopia.aspx Australia advise against all travel to Danakil and the avel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ethiopia American government recommends for its citizens to "reconsider travel" due to crime, a slightly lower degree of concern. The government of the UK gives more nuanced advice: "There is now an increased military and police presence in the area. Travel may be disrupted and entry to some sites may be prohibited at short notice. If you’re in the area, exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities. You should only travel to this area with a recognised tour company - such tours are normally supported by an armed police or military escort." (The avel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/ethiopia/ Irish government gives similar advice.) In 2012 a group of tourists were attacked, with five European tourists killed and two others kidnapped, and in 2017, a (German) tourist was shot dead and an Ethiopian guide shot and injured while at Erta Ale, so if you do choose to go, check on current conditions and take careful, strong precautions. It is particularly important not to stray too far from the rest of your tour group. There are also safety concerns unrelated to any threat of violence. There are no warning signs or fences, but you should stay at least a metre from the Erta Ale crater's edge. Don't touch the water in Dallol ponds, as it is acidic. And if you should get injured and the next hospital is in Mekelle, which is several hours away through Berhale. The people of this region have always had a bad reputation for being hostile rather than welcoming to outsiders. Their fearsome curved knife and the jile, was used to castrate infrequent visitors as late as the 1930s.

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