In recent weeks the ratcheting up of tension and conflict between Tigray and Federal forces seems to have bought Eritrea into the conflict. Afar is a crucial area which connects the Red Sea coast to Ethiopia. At the same time a critical road runs through the region from the port at Djibouti to Addis and major towns across Ethiopia. There has already been some conflict from Tigray across eastwards into Afar, but until now this has not got in the way of tourists visiting the area using Semera as the start and end of the trip.

With the apparent entry of Eritrea into the conflict, and keeping in mind the proximity of the long Ethio/Eritrean border in northern Afar, it is hard to see how the northern part of Afar can be safe for tourism at this time.

We will continue to monitor the situation and hope that we can again recommend visiting this incredible area. But this does threaten to affect the security of such trips if the impact extends further from these border areas.

Addition risks beyond the security exists at all times. First of all the geology, keeping in mind that the Danakil is a volcanic zone in the heart of the Great African Rift Valley. Of course, you knew that, which is why you want to go there: to climb a volcano called Erta Ale and watch lava bubbling 25 meters away from you! I am not a vulcanologist, but I would expect that is a lot more risky than sitting at home on your sofa watching the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing (I never watched it, maybe it has a health warning!).

Then there is the climate, the intense heat. Danakil is one of the hottest places, if not the hottest, on earth. I know that at least 2 tourists have been left behind by oversized and badly run tour companies in the last 12 years, and although they realised after a time and went back, one died on her way to Mekele and the other was never found, presumed dead! But with that extreme temperature (it’s not always that hot, but can be), comes risks. If peoples’ hearts are not that strong, or they have another underlying health issue, the Danakil climate could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, more likely a block of salt here.

Another risk is traffic accidents. It shouldn’t happen in an empty place like Danakil, but a car did suffer a blowout and overturn, killing one of the people riding on the roof.

But you know what is crazy is that the majority of these accidents have happened to one tour company! So booking with a reputable tour operator is key. We can arrange a trip for you!

Finally, the Danakil is in the Afar region of Ethiopia, and the ethnic group, Afar people, populate a continuous territory that crosses into Eritrea and runs to the Red Sea. They can move freely across the desert border and are mostly armed. Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could be played out in Afar, with Ethiopia’s claims on the Red Sea port of Asseb adding to the issues. I also keep in mind that the Danakil is the only place where tourists have been targeted over the last few decades, as mentioned above.