Danakil Depression

Plunging to 125 meters below sea level in the Afar Triangle, the Danakil Depression is one of the most extreme, terrifyingly beautiful, and geologically active environments on planet Earth. Formed by the pulling apart of three tectonic plates, this desert furnace holds the world record for the highest average year-round temperatures. At Dallol, hydrothermal vents erupt in a surreal kaleidoscope of fluorescent neon yellow, acid green, copper orange, and turquoise brine pools atop delicate salt chimneys. Nearby, vast blinding white salt flats stretch to the horizon, where Afar miners cut salt blocks by hand and transport them across the desert via endless camel caravans in an ancient trade that predates written history. The ultimate highlight is Erta Ale ('Smoking Mountain'), an active shield volcano featuring one of only five persistent lava lakes on the planet. Camping on the crater rim at night and peering down into churning, glowing red magma is an unforgettable bucket list adventure.