Ethiopia Afar Dallol

Dallol

A hyper-arid and hot region in Ethiopia known for its otherworldly landscapes, vibrant colors, and extreme temperatures, featuring acidic hot springs.

Tips from the community

You’ll wonder whether being the ham in a heat sandwich has finally got to you at the sulfur hot springs of Dallol. With serious warmth coming from the sun above and the springs below, you might be confused as to whether the vibrant colors of this alien landscape are the work of nature or heatstroke. Let me assure you that it’s (almost definitely) the former. Name a color of the rainbow, and these springs will likely serve it up. While the Danakil Depression is known for being one of the most yellow places in the world, shades of reds, blues and greens also litter the landscape. And more than make up for the unmistakable tang of rotten egg offered up by the sulfur, which takes a good hour to get used to. Make sure your camera batteries are charged for this photographer’s paradise.

michaelcatford 3 years ago

There’s nothing mild about the Danakil Depression. The color, the temperatures, the surrounding landscape — it’s all hardcore. It all started with the divergence of three tectonic plates, and now we’re here. Earning the title of one of the world’s harshest landscapes, this unique place clocks in an average yearly temperature of 94 degrees fahrenheit. In between breaks of wiping sweat off your forehead, you’ll be able to enjoy the views of colorful hydrothermal pools and otherworldly-looking salt lakes.

sarahlempa 4 years ago

You’re looking at one of the world’s harshest landscapes. Pretty to look at but semi-terrifying to touch, Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression, located in Dallol, is quite literally the hottest place on Earth (and one of the Earth’s most colorful places!). Crusty salt lakes and multicolor hydrothermal pools might distract you from the fact that the average yearly temperature is nearly 94 degrees fahrenheit.

sarahlempa 4 years ago

Dallol Guides

  • Yellow Colored Places Around the World

    seeker (Seeker Editors)
    From otherworldly volcanic landscapes to fields of cheerful sunflowers, check out these banana-colored yellow destinations around the world.

  • The Most Colorful Places Around the World

    seeker (Seeker Editors)
    Discover some of the most otherworldly and ethereal landscapes gleaming in heavy pigments, from alkaline red lakes to banana-colored volcanic landscapes. For Pride month we wanted to select the most vibrant destinations across the planet in every shade of ROYGBIV to create the ultimate rainbow-themed bucket list. Let your rainbow flags fly this summer while taking a look at some of the most colorful places on earth. Happy Pride Seekers!

  • The Most Colorful Places on Earth

    seeker (Seeker Editors)
    From Red to Black, here are the most colorful places on Earth. Stroll through picturesque lavender fields glowing with soft purple in southern France or discover the dynamic fiery reds of Antelope Canyon in Arizona. Our world is rich in color, and we have selected the most pigmented destinations for your list.

Dallol Articles

  • 9 Yellow Places You Need to Add to Your Bucket List

    Singer-songwriter Donovan knew exactly what he was talking about when he wrote that song “Mellow Yellow.” This color is an absolute mood booster. And when the sun shines, these locations brighten up our days even more than usual. So grab a banana for the road (to match your surroundings, duh) and explore 9 of the […]

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  • Danakil Depression: 5 Reasons to Visit the Hottest Place on Earth

    There’s a place on this beautiful earth of ours that experiences average daily maximums of 41.1C (106F). I’m not talking the average in the height of summer. I’m talking every single day of the year. Dallol, Ethiopia is the hottest inhabited place on earth. It can be found in the very heart of the Danakil […]

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