Adjoining the borders of Eritrea and Djibouti, to the east of Tigrai highlands, the Danakil is an area of genuine desert that is one of the lowest lying places on earth. One part is 116 m below sea level. The temperature is often more than 50 degrees C. In other words, a hostile place in which to travel. The locals persistently demand fees and tips: if you don’t oblige, life could be made difficult for you and your party.

Overcome these local difficulties, and you will experience a fascinating and mesmerizingly beautiful desert environment. There are volcanic calderas, filthy smelling sulphur hot springs, black lava flows and endless dazzling white salt flats. Until about 2000, Danakil was well off the beaten track, with at most a couple of hundred visitors a year, but now it’s one of the best places to visit for adventurous travellers. Roads leading in and out have been much improved and quality tour companies such as Wild Frontiers will set you up with a trustworthy local guide to deal with local difficulties and take you on an unforgettable trek.