Erta Ale volcano, with a base diameter of 30km and a 1km caldera at its summit is about 600m above sea level. The main pit crater is 200m deep and 350m across, whilst the lava lake itself is contained by its own smaller crater, about 120m across and perhaps 10m deep. This volcano last erupted in 2003, killing 250 livestock and causing tribesmen to flee.

Currently it holds one of only six of the world's permanently molten lava lakes. It is virtually impossible for individual tourists to explore the volcano on their own, as permits and obligatory security arrangements are complicated, involving police, army personnel and Afar tribesmen, all armed, and all of whom are quick to exploit inexperienced travellers. Also, the area is very inhospitable, remote and can only be reached with a 4WD.

Local tour companies offer excursions to the Danakil Depression, which include the Dallol area and the Erta Ale volcano.

ETT tours offers excellent service and leaves from Mekele on their four day excursion to the Danakil which is located in the northern part of the Afar Triangle, about 130km south-west of the Red Sea. The Danakil Depression is known as the hottest place year-round on the planet, holding the record high monthly average temperature for any inhabited area on earth at nearly 47 degrees Celsius. From Mekele the convoy leaves on the newly tarred road leading to the Djibouti border, then through Erepti, Kisrawate and Araboro before they stop at the Dodom army camp from where the hike starts to the volcano.

It takes about three and a half hours to hike the 9km from the camp to the volcano, under armed protection. Because of the heat it is a strenuous hike (many hikers suffer from heat exhaustion even though it only starts at sunset). Unfit and older people are advised to take the opportunity of renting a camel to carry them up.

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Ethiopia