Summary
If you were present during the 1980s when Belinda Carlisle exuberantly stated that “heaven is a place on Earth,” it may not be surprising to discover that there is, indeed, a hellish location on Earth as well. Specifically, this place is Dallol, Ethiopia, known for its average daily temperature of 94 degrees Fahrenheit, designating it as the hottest location globally.
How Hot is Dallol, Ethiopia?
Dallol, Ethiopia, claims the title of the hottest place on Earth based on average year-round temperatures. This means that when aggregating the temperatures from around the globe for an entire year, Dallol consistently ranks the highest. While other locations may experience higher temperatures at specific moments, Dallol remains the warmest on an annual basis.
Moreover, what exacerbates Dallol’s extreme heat is its high humidity, averaging around 60 percent, and the hazardous fumes emitted from its sulfurous pools. Additionally, temperatures in Dallol do not significantly decrease during the night, with average low temperatures around 87 degrees Fahrenheit, which surpasses the maximum temperatures in many regions worldwide.
Do People Live in Dallol, Ethiopia?
Officially designated as a ghost town, Dallol does not have any permanent residents. Historically, various commercial activities, primarily related to mining potash and salt, took place in and around Dallol, but these endeavors ceased in the 1960s due to the area’s remote location.
Dallol’s remoteness is notable; although a railway existed between Dallol and the port of Mersa Fatma, Eritrea in the early 20th century, the current means of accessing Dallol is predominantly through camel transport, particularly for independent travelers. However, this might change due to renewed diplomatic relations between these historically rival nations.
Is It Possible to Visit Dallol, Ethiopia?
It is indeed possible to visit Dallol; however, as previously mentioned, traveling independently can present significant challenges. If you find yourself in northern Ethiopia, hiring a camel and a local guide to journey to Dallol is feasible.
Realistically, several challenges exist regarding this option. First, Ethiopia’s infrastructural limitations can make it difficult to locate a suitable place to hire a guide amid the vast expanses of the country. Furthermore, safety concerns are paramount when undertaking such travels.
Second, the camels currently operating in and out of Dallol primarily serve the salt mining industry in the Afar region rather than transporting tourists, which raises questions about their availability for civilian tours.
Tours of Dallol and the Danakil Depression
A more practical approach would be to participate in a guided tour, which is a common practice among visitors to Ethiopia. Most travelers choosing to explore the country often rely on a mixture of organized excursions designed to showcase key attractions, considering the state’s infrastructural challenges. Numerous tour operators provide trips to Dallol, such as Wonders of Ethiopia.
The advantage of these tours lies in the opportunity to explore other prominent features of the Danakil Depression region where Dallol is situated. Most notably, participants can hike to the crater of Erta Ale, a volcano that hosts one of the few known persistent lava lakes worldwide.
It is crucial to remember that regardless of the method employed to access Dallol, one should remain with their guide at all times. In the absence of guidance, exercising common sense is vital, as the climate poses significant dangers. Additionally, the vibrant liquid pools visible are not water; they consist of sulfuric acid potent enough to damage footwear. Therefore, touching or stepping into these pools is highly discouraged!
