Is this the world’s hottest tourist location?
<p>If you’re ever feeling a bit hot under the collar spare a thought for people living in the Danakil Depression, in northern Ethiopia.</p>
<p>With an average year-round temperature of 34.4 degrees (frequently tipping 50) the Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, least hospitable place on earth. It’s also one of the most beautiful.</p>
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<p>The only way to visit the Danakil is vial Mekele, a town about 700 kilometres north of the capital Addis Ababa, where tour guides will take you via 4WD to the amazing site.</p>
<p>Crumbly black volcanic rock, geothermal mineral deposits and glowing lava pits frequently capture your gaze as you explore this desolate region that can at times feel like a sensory overload.</p>
<p>But it’s a feeling that’s well worth it, and visiting this region will give you a newfound appreciation of our comfortable surrounds, and a newfound respect for the Danakil salt miners, who work hunched over in the blazing sun for weeks at a time as they hack slabs of salt from the ground.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.ethiotravelandtours.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ethio Travel and Tours</span></strong></a> frequently runs trips to the Danakil region, but make sure you check in with the Australian Government’s <a href="http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/ethiopia"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Smart Traveller resource</span></strong></a> before planning your tip.</p>
