It might look like a distant planet from Star Wars, but this pretty country where temperatures are the hottest on Earth reaching up to 49C is actually a real place.
Ethiopia is home to the Danakil Depression, a geological feature which was created as a result of the divergence between three tectonic plates in the Horn of Africa.
The depression features green lakes, orange Mars-like craters and protrusions, and even the ghost town of Dallol where no one lives full-time due to its remote nature and sweltering temperatures.
Dallol once had a railway station in the early 20th century when it was a functioning mining town, but now it can only be reached by camel or car and takes more than four hours to reach from the nearest populated town, Mekele.
Since mining operations in the town stopped in the 1960s no one has lived in the town on a full-time basis.
Visitors brave enough to travel to the Afar region where the Danakil Depression is based can hike to the crater of Erta Ale, which is home to a permanent lava lake.
While its green and blue lakes look stunning, these are almost as dangerous as those consisting of lava as they are actually made up of sulphuric acid strong enough to dissolve the sole of a shoe.
But despite it being one of the most dangerous environments in the world, a trip to visit is still possible, although it is not recommended to visit alone.
A number of companies offer a guided tour of the area and warn visitors to expect a lot of time in a car and extreme heats.
Visitors to the site say it is “otherworldly” but “very hot and remote” urging potential travellers to the region to ensure they have a good professional guide.
One review on Tripadvisor said: “It’s the only place on the planet where you can experience this otherworldly site but it’s very hot and remote terrain so you will need a good guide.”
For those looking to brave the extreme conditions, a flight to Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa capital costs around £700 in January flying with Ethiopian from Heathrow while tours of the Danakil Depression will set visitors back about £400 for a four-day trip.
