3Danakil Depression, Ethiopia – The Hottest Inhabited Place on Earth

The Danakil Depression, located in northeastern Ethiopia, is one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth. Temperatures in this desert region regularly exceed 122°F (50°C), and it is home to active volcanoes, sulfur springs, and vast salt flats. The landscape is dotted with colorful mineral deposits and bubbling lava lakes, making it look like something from another planet. Despite the extreme heat and harsh conditions, the Afar people have lived in the region for centuries, extracting salt from the earth and surviving in one of the world’s most extreme environments. The Danakil Depression is a popular destination for adventurous travelers, but the harsh conditions make it a dangerous place to visit.