What's the most dangerous place on earth?

There’s a region in Africa that offers a variety of ways to die: starvation, fire, suffocation, drought, dissolving or gunfire. Can you guess where this terrifying place could be?

Lake of swirling lava

Located in Ethiopia, this area is officially known as the Danakil Depression. Many call it the gateway to hell.

Danakil is the hottest location on earth, based on the highest average temperature over a calendar year. The area has been locked in a heatwave for centuries, with temperatures sometimes rising to 50 °C.

Barely any plants or edible crops grow here. Drinking water is scarce, as the only rivers that don’t dry up are filled with scorching hot lava.

The active volcano Erta Ale is home to a lake of swirling lava that constantly spews out toxic smoke clouds. Fall in, and you’d burn like a log in an open fire.

Danakil’s green-and-yellow sulphur lakes are just as deadly. They’re so acidic that you’d dissolve like a Mentos in a glass of Coca-Colaif you fell in.

Danger!

Yet people live in this region. And they know exactly how and where they can survive. But they’re also at war with each other and aren’t afraid to use a machine gun, either. Any outsiders best watch out – or else.

So, if you’re still wondering where to go on holiday, why not give Danakil a try?

Answered by Sebastiaan van de Water