In a remote part of Ethiopia, in the area of the Horn of Africa, stands one of the most active volcanoes in the country. The so-called Erta Ale volcano rises 613 meters above the Danakil desert, in the Afar depression, and has been erupting since 1967.
This shield volcano -characterized by its great extension and low slope- has been formed from successive layers of recurring basaltic eruptions that can last for millions of years. Although the records of this volcano date back to the 1960s, Erta Ale was discovered in the mid-19th century.
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Commonly known as ‘The Gate of Hell’, the Erta has one of the longest lasting and largest lava lakes on the planet. The terrain surrounding the volcano, one of the most hostile on earth, also contributes to this name. In fact, the actor Fernando Tejero declared, in Jesús Calleja’s Planeta Calleja program, that Erta Ale “is the most radical and hostile place I’ve ever seen.”
The access to the crater of the volcano is done by 4×4 and on foot in a route that covers almost 100 kilometers between the volcano and the nearest city, Mekele. The first 80 kilometers are done by car up the slope of the volcano. And once there, the route passes on foot in a journey of about 15 km that is usually done in four hours. The result is a hostile place, hot, red in color and smell of sulfur. The crater is one kilometer in diameter and the lava lagoon is about 40 meters. It is possible to camp on the hillside.
Despite the very difficulties and dangers that this journey entails, the route to the Erta volcano crater is considered very dangerous due to assault by terrorist groups and violent natives. It is recommended to be accompanied by security and by connoisseurs of the area.
One of the best hotels in Mekele, according to TripAdvisor, is the Planet International. A modern hotel equipped with 80 rooms, restaurants, bars, cafeterias, lobby areas, reception and a wellness center. In addition, this hotel has a careful offer for business trips with spacious conference rooms, private security and Internet access.
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