These pics are from the Danakil Depression in the Afar region of Northern Ethiopia. It is the lowest place in Africa and the hottest place on earth. Located next to a giant salt covered lake, this sulfur spring is the most alien landscapes I’ve ever seen. Ethiopia is still at war with Eritrea and as we were pretty close to the border, we had an local tribesman with an AK-47 with us at all times. I experienced this at a number of areas in Ethiopia. The country is basically a collection of tribes who govern themselves and don’t really give a shit about borders. Needless to say, Ethiopia is still years away from being a tourist friendly place - at least if you enjoy air conditioning and toilets…One benefit of this though, is that there are basically no rules. In the same way the borders are the Wild West, attractions like this have no regulations on where you can go. These hot springs spit steam and hot mud up all around you and it is very easy to break through the thin crust in parts. Also, there isn’t really a trail. My guide’s advice was just to not go in the water because it is very hot. Great advice.
Best of 2019 - Day 5 - Danakil Depression
