Meet people in Digih Habar Es

The Afar Depression is a vast, low-lying geological basin where three tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. This dramatic landscape features salt pans, volcanic craters, and bubbling geothermal springs. Visitors can witness the raw power of earth-shaping forces in a terrain that looks more like another planet than a typical terrestrial environment. The sheer scale of the depression provides a sense of immense geological time and natural complexity, making it a destination for those interested in earth sciences and extreme landscapes.

Always travel with a local guide who understands the terrain and climate.

Located on the edge of the Afar region, this park serves as a transition zone between the highlands and the desert. It features the spectacular Awash Falls, where the river plunges into a deep gorge, and vast savannahs teeming with oryx, gazelles, and baboons. The park provides a necessary contrast to the starkness of the deeper desert, offering a glimpse into the diverse wildlife that survives in this challenging ecosystem. It is a vital stop for those looking to understand the broader ecological context of the region.

Visit during the early morning to see wildlife when they are most active.

These settlements represent the traditional way of life for the Afar people, who are historically nomadic pastoralists. The architecture consists of portable, dome-shaped structures made from woven mats and wooden frames, designed for ease of transport during seasonal migrations. Engaging with these communities provides insight into the social structures, oral histories, and survival strategies that have sustained the Afar for centuries. It is a place to observe the intersection of ancient tradition and the realities of modern environmental change.

Always seek permission from community elders before taking photographs.