Photo essay: Danakil Depression, Ethiopia - in pictures

  • Local guides take hardy visitors to the dry lava field of Erta Ale volcano, in the Danakil Depression of the Afar region. All photos: AFP
    Local guides take hardy visitors to the dry lava field of Erta Ale volcano, in the Danakil Depression of the Afar region. All photos: AFP
  • In the heart of the Horn of Africa, the Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, most inhospitable place on Earth
    In the heart of the Horn of Africa, the Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, most inhospitable place on Earth
  • The Afar people are nomadic and keep camels to help survive in the hostile terrains
    The Afar people are nomadic and keep camels to help survive in the hostile terrains
  • The hydrothermal system of Dallol
    The hydrothermal system of Dallol
  • The area, including around Lake Afrera, is rich with salt mines
    The area, including around Lake Afrera, is rich with salt mines
  • Many of those who live in the area are Muslim, with Ramadan prayers taking place in the middle of the salt lake Karum
    Many of those who live in the area are Muslim, with Ramadan prayers taking place in the middle of the salt lake Karum
  • Prayers next to a salt canyon, near Dallol
    Prayers next to a salt canyon, near Dallol
  • Camels can reach the top of Erta Ale
    Camels can reach the top of Erta Ale
  • Tourists at the volcano's lava fields
    Tourists at the volcano's lava fields
  • The active lava caldera of Erta Ale
    The active lava caldera of Erta Ale
  • The Erta Ale volcano's lava lake
    The Erta Ale volcano's lava lake
  • Guides support themselves and their families by running tours around the volcano
    Guides support themselves and their families by running tours around the volcano