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Volcano Tourism in Ethiopia and the Danakil Rift Zone 53

convoys. Furthermore, there is the risk of mines Further, even today, tourist activities are beginning
on all tracks leading to the north, as evidenced by to damage the fine crystalline structures at Dallol,
several recent incidents with injured soldiers and which raises questions about the sustainability of
wrecked cars. Erta Ale lies further to the south, the area if tourism increases without a sound
and is reached by driving cross-country through development strategy.
salt plains, sandy desert areas and finally over a
rough track to the parking site. Orientation is References
difficult at times, especially when one of the Acocella, V. (2006) ‘Regional and local tectonics at
frequent sand-storms is encountered. Hence, for Erta Ale caldera, Afar (Ethiopia)’, Journal of Structural
many reasons the use of reputable local agencies is Geology, vol 28, no 10, pp1808–1820
advisable. Most international agencies cooperate Barberi, F. and Varet, J. (1970) ‘The Erta Ale volcanic
with these, but direct bookings are possible. One range (Danakil depression, Northern Afar,
of the most recommendable tourist agencies in Ethiopia)’, Bulletin of Volcanology, vol 34, no 4
Ethiopia is Origin Ethiopia Tours and Travel, Hardie, L. A. (1991) ‘The roles of rifting and
hydrothermal CaCl brines in the origin of potash’,
2
based in Addis Ababa (www.originsethiopiatours. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences,
com). pp131–168
Conclusions Holwerda, J. G. and Hutchinson, R. W. (1968) ‘Potash-
bearing evaporites in the Danakil area, Ethiopia’,
A significant boost to tourist development in the Economic Geology, vol 63, no 2, pp124–150
Danakil Depression would be the development of LeGuern, F., Carbonelle, J. and Tazieff, H. (1979) ‘Erta
a road system. Work is in progress on a tarmac road Ale lava lake: Heat and gas transfer to the
from the south as far as Lake Afdera. It is possible atmosphere’, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal
that this road will eventually be extended as far Research, vol 6, pp27–48
north as the Dallol area, especially in view of Mohr, P. (1960) The Geology of Ethiopia, Poligrafico,
Asmara, The University of Addis Ababa Press, Addis
renewed interest in the development of the natural Ababa
resources at the site. This could lead to a substantial Weber, C. (2009) ‘Report on expeditions to Erta Ale
increase in tourism in the area, yet at the same and Dallol in 2002, 2008 and 2009’, www.v-e-i.de,
time may remove much of its rugged charm. accessed 19 July 2009

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