Dankalia

Dankalia is the name of a short strip of land roughly 50 kilometers wide that spans 600 kilometers south of Massawa to Djibouti. On the map, it appears as a lengthy peninsula projecting from the country's southernmost point. It's a volcanic desert with strange lunar landscapes that will leave you speechless.

It's recognized as being one of the hottest and most inhospitable areas on the planet, with little to see, nothing to do, and no spectacular destination on the other side. Few travelers come here since the route is hot, exhausting, and hard. Even aboard the decrepit old bus that operates twice a week from Massawa, the thrill of discovery is palpable. If you drive, the journey will almost certainly be one of the highlights of your trip. Dankalia is one of the few places in Eritrea where travel is done for the sake of travel. As if that weren't enough, Dankalia is also home to the mythical Afar or Danakil people, who have been considered one of the most ferocious tribes on the planet.

Location: south of Massawa to Djibouti