Dallol Hydrothermal Field
Dallol
A volcanic geothermal area below sea level, where sulphur, iron and salts have built colourful yellow, green, orange and white pools and salt pillars on the salt crust.
Dallol sits on a salt mound about 45 metres below sea level in the northern part of the depression. Magma heats salty groundwater underground, and the hot springs that rise to the surface deposit sulphur, iron and potassium salts. These deposits form pools, terraces and chimney-like salt pillars in bright yellow, emerald green, orange-red and snowy white, which change colour over the day as they oxidise, giving the landscape an alien look. Guides usually lead visitors on a walk of about 20 minutes up the salt mound early in the morning, before the heat sets in. The pool water is strongly acidic and gives off toxic gases. Stay on the guide's route, do not touch the pools, and do not step on the thin salt crust. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Opening hours
Tour groups only; visits in early morning