There are some extraordinary places on the surface of our planet, unique in their own right, which are completely different from all others. Among these, the incredible Danakil holds a prominent place; geologically, it is the northern part of the Afar Triangle, from where three major systems of fractures in the Earth’s crust radiate outwards, moving away from one another. In this process, magma from the mantle reaches the surface, creating new oceanic crust; so you are literally walking on the lava of a new ocean in the making.

This volcanic region, one of the most extreme in the world partly due to its high temperatures, is characterised primarily by large volcanic massifs; within one of these, the Erta Ale volcano, two vast lava lakes bubble away, forming one of the main destinations of our journey. A window into the Earth’s interior, where, if volcanic conditions permit, admiring the incandescent lava at various times of day leaves anyone utterly awestruck. Further north lies the vast expanse of the Salt Plain, a basin which, in terms of volume, is probably the largest in the world. It is thrilling to travel by 4×4 and on foot across this blindingly white expanse, not least for the chance to witness the local people extracting salt, which they then transport – once in long caravans of dromedaries – to the markets on the plateau.

At its centre lies another incredible and unique site: the Dallol area. This hill, formed by the interaction of underlying volcanic fluids and surface salt, is an incredible riot of colours surrounding its acidic lakes and geothermal areas, where nature has run riot with geological formations of the strangest shapes. A trip to Dallol is an unforgettable experience!

Another highlight of the trip is meeting and getting to know the Afar (Dancali) people, who have found the strength to live in these deserts; their character reflects the harshness of the environment, yet when approached with respect, they prove to be welcoming and peaceful people.

The trip is led by volcano expert Luca Lupi.

A scholar and science communicator, he has travelled extensively and explored African regions in particular. During his university studies in geology, he organised scientific and natural history expeditions to a wide variety of volcanoes around the world. He has authored books on volcanoes and earthquakes that have been translated into four languages. He has delivered dozens of lectures and courses on his specialist subjects throughout Italy and abroad. Today, he is regarded as the leading multidisciplinary expert on the Danakil Depression, a region straddling Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti. He also specialises in historical-geographical research and edits the ‘Explora’ series, for which he has personally authored volumes on various Italian explorers. He has been repeatedly honoured by the Italian Geographical Society for his contributions to the field.