LES ALLOLS

40,000 years ago, Assal, Gaggadé and Allols formed a single 1,100 ^km2 lake, with a shoreline at an altitude of 160 m. Today, Assal is separated from the grabens of Sakalol (whose name means "rising sun") and Harralol ("setting sun"). Today, Assal is separated from the grabens of Sakalol (whose name in Afar means "rising sun") and Harralol ("setting sun") in particular. These parallel salt depressions (north-west/south-east direction) are located at an average altitude of 5 m above sea level. They are supplied with seawater via underground fractures. The water evaporates, but the salt remains.

The Allols are well highlighted by the basaltic cliffs that delimit them. Made up of vast expanses of salt, they offer a very different landscape from that of Lake Assal. Occasionally, the area floods, but this is a rare occurrence. In addition to the clear, salty expanses, there are numerous hot springs, small marshes (appreciated by the herds), and surprising little green areas where the tree from which palm wine is made grows. Among the animals that inhabit these depressions are warthogs (although they are said to be rare), mongooses, hyenas..

The tracks (4x4 only) leading to these areas start from Gaggadé in the south, and Dorra in the north. The one that passes through Randa, Bolli, Dorra and Malaho is longer, but safer. It is now impossible and dangerous to drive on the pack ice of Lake Assal. Just north of Sakalol, you can reach Wadi Balho and its beautiful rock paintings (just behind the military barracks).