Afar Region
A scorching lowland in northeastern Ethiopia, where the Danakil Depression's salt lakes, sulfur springs and lava lake are among the rarest sights on Earth.
Afar Region lies in northeastern Ethiopia, bordering Eritrea and Djibouti. It sits in the Afar Triangle at the northern end of the Great Rift Valley, a low-lying land with an extremely hot, dry climate, and its people are mainly Afar nomads. The Danakil Depression is the main draw: the colorful sulfur springs of Dallol, Lake Asale and its camel salt caravans, and Erta Ale, a volcano with a long-lived lava lake. The famous hominid fossil "Lucy" was also found in the region's Awash Valley. November to February is relatively cooler and is the only suitable season. Visits usually require joining a qualified tour group, typically departing from places such as Mekelle.