We are on our way to the Danakil Depression in northern Ethiopia’s aptly named Afar region, meandering through the hills, with panoramic views of stunning escarpments, barren canyons eroded by rivers and peaks sculpted by tectonic movements. The further we drive, the more sporadic the greenery becomes. Soon we’re surrounded by rocks, dust and brown hues, as we enter deeper into the belly of this Mars-scape.
Cathy Sani
Our first camp is in the town of Hamed Ela, where temperatures soar to a cooler-than-average 43°C. Here we explore the nearby salt mines surrounding saline Lake Afrera, at 100m below sea level. As the sun wanes, we pass camel trains carrying salt, an activity that has taken place for more than 2000 years. We also see miners carving out salt bricks from the hard bed in the scorching heat.