The Hottest Places on Earth: 5 Burning Destinations for Adventurous Travellers
The earth is home to a plethora of unique geological phenomena, from fiery volcanoes to stunning beaches. Some parts of the earth are so hot that they have baked cities out of existence in a matter of days. These dry, arid regions are known as the hottest places on earth, and although they may seem inhospitable, they have a unique beauty that is worth exploring. Here are the five hottest spots you need to visit if you want to explore the hottest places on earth. Get your sunscreen, sunglasses, and thirst quenchers ready!
1. Dasht-e Lut, Iran
Dasht-e Lut is situated in the heart of the Iranian Plateau, spanning across an area of almost 52,000 square kilometres. The temperature here has been known to reach 70.7°C, which was recorded in 2005. The terrain here is made up of rugged sand dunes, which can reach up to 800 metres in height. The salty earth here is so dry that the only living organism that can survive is a scorpion, and even they seem to be struggling. However, despite being so harsh, the desolate beauty of this region is truly stunning, and a visit is a must for adventurous travellers.
2. Death Valley, California, U.S.A
One of the most famous of the hottest places on earth is Death Valley, the national park located in California. The temperature here has been recorded to be 56.7°C, making it one of the hottest on earth. Death Valley’s harsh landscape is characterized by its barren land, sand dunes, and rock formations, making it a great place for hiking and off-roading. When taking a tour here, you can also visit Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America, and see the mesmerizing salt flats.
3. Dallol, Ethiopia
Located in the Danakil Depression of Ethiopia, Dallol is a geological wonderland of acid pools, hot springs, and salt formations. The temperature here has been known to hover around 45°C and can rise significantly with the sun. The most unique feature of Dallol is the hot springs, which have a range of colors ranging from yellow to green, creating a psychedelic landscape that is unlike anything else on earth. Although the area around Dallol is one of the harshest on earth, it is also full of life, from the flocks of flamingos to camels and hyenas.
4. Timbuktu, Mali
The ancient city of Timbuktu is nestled in the West African country of Mali, where temperatures can soar to over 50°C. This city has one of the highest concentrations of adobe architecture in the world, which is well-preserved due to the arid climate. The city was once a major hub of the ancient trans-Saharan trade route, and it still boasts some of the most stunning examples of mud brick architecture in west Africa. A visit to Timbuktu is a step back in time, and a must for anyone interested in the history and culture of West Africa.
5. Furnace Creek, Death Valley
Furnace Creek is a town located in the heart of Death Valley, where the highest temperature ever recorded in the western hemisphere happened, clocking in at 134°F (56.7°C). It is worth visiting this small town to see how people live in such extreme conditions. The town has some attractions, like the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, which offers exhibits and interpretive programs about the history and geology of the area.
As much as these hottest spots offer surreal beauty, exploring them can come with some serious dangers such as dehydration, heatstroke, and quicksand traps (in some). Therefore, you should always ensure to travel with a reliable guide and carry plenty of water and protection from the sun. Nonetheless, these hottest places on earth will offer incredible experiences for the adventurous traveller, and it’s a bucket list item that you should consider ticking off.
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