The mining is incredibly hard work and it's fascinating watching the men cut the rough slabs into perfectly shaped and uniform size slabs which are all the same weight. Extracted from the sun-blasted earth in the vast Danakil Depression.
Danakil was amazing.....we have lived in Ethiopia and travelled extensively and Danakil is not to be missed. The conditions are rugged (as one would expect) and there is a lot of garbage en route and human/animal waste to contend with but the sights are so interesting and unique that this becomes a part of the adventure. Choose your tour leader wisely (you must take organized travel)....we used Trip Advisor for reviews and advise and were disappointed with the lack of professionalism of our well reviewed tour guide (ETT). Details in the Ethiopia forum. The heat and conditions are such that amiable and professional guides, and precision organization make a world of difference.
4 day trip to the Danakil Depression. Hard to describe the incredible natural wonders you will see if you do this. Searingly hot salt plains, out-of-this-world bubbling sulphur springs and a jaw-dropping boiling volcano. Thoroughly recommend using ETT (Ethio Travel and Tours). Our guide Yohannes, driver Birhan, cook China and the rest of the team were all fantastic.
The hike to the top of Erta Ale was the hardest thing I've ever done! We set out at dusk because of the heat and scrabbled our way up and over uneven footing for an assent lasting about 4 hours where we found ourselves completely exhausted but elated that we'd made it to base camp. After a brief swig of water, we climbed another 10 minutes to the very rim of a roiling, splashing, live volcano!! The only words that would come repeatedly out of my mouth were Oh MY GOD. It sounded like waves crashing against cliffs but it was lava. It was worth sleeping on a 3 inch flea ridden mat under the stars with no running water in the hottest place on earth. Would I do it again? nope.
It was totally gorgeous.
Of course, trekking was hard( tales mor than 3-4hours) but the result was.. Terrific!
And aki (the guide) always try to do his best. And the others, too.
