Start in Afar: Ethiopia’s otherworldly salt and heat
Ethiopia, the video explains, can feel like a different planet—where volcanoes and strange colours shape a landscape you won’t forget. The adventure begins in the Afar Region in northern Ethiopia, in one of the hottest places on Earth, with the air described as “like an oven”.
In Afar, you’ll see salt miners at work in searing conditions. The men extract salt from thick layers left behind by ancient sea water, using traditional methods that resemble those used for centuries. The work is described as extremely tough, and the salt blocks are loaded onto camels for long transport journeys.
- Salt mined by hand in temperatures exceeding 50°C
- Salt blocks loaded onto camels for journeys lasting about two days
- Salt as historic trade value, once considered as valuable as gold and even used as currency in trade (as mentioned in the video)
Even the senses are part of the experience: intense heat, bright white salt ground, and the raw effort of people who still depend on age-old routes.
Dallol and the Danakil Desert: acidic colours beneath the earth
The journey continues to the Danakil Desert, where the video presents Dallol volcano—a landscape not of lava, but of acidic springs and toxic gases. We’re taken to a place described as 126 metres below sea level, where volcanic activity can release gases containing compounds of sulfur and chlorine.
Here, the ground is said to form through chemical reactions: carbon dioxide mixing with iron and sulfur, producing vivid and unusual terrain. Sulfur is highlighted as the yellow mineral found in the area, helping create the “toxic and dangerous” colours that make Dallol feel almost unreal.
It’s a reminder that in this part of the world, nature can test humanity’s ability to survive—both in the landscape itself and in the way people move through it.
Arrive in Harar: an ancient city where hyenas belong to the night
From the Danakil Desert, the video heads to Harar, described as the city of hyenas. Harar is presented as ancient and walled, with a reputation for coexistence with wild animals—especially hyenas—that enter the city at night.
Harar’s character is also deeply cultural and religious. The video states that the old town is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and that the city received a UNESCO “City of Peace” award due to the coexistence of different religions and cultures within the city.
Moons of history: walls, mosques, languages and learning
Inside Harar, we’re shown how the city’s heritage is woven into daily life. The video mentions 82 mosques within the city walls, painted in green and white, and references the city’s historic links to Yemen and the Hejaz—described as reasons Harar became known as a city of knowledge and scholars.
Even the architecture and inscriptions are part of the atmosphere. Arabic writing appears as you walk through the streets, and the video shares how residents learn Arabic for reading the Qur’an.
“City of Peace” and the Grand Jamia Mosque
Another detail the video highlights is the proximity of religious sites: it mentions the Grand Jamia Mosque, next to a Catholic church. The theme is coexistence—different communities living side by side in the same historic space.
Night in Harar: feeding hyenas at the Hyena Gate
While waiting for sunset, the video focuses on Harar’s gates—stating that there are five gates around the city. Visitors are guided to see the Hyena Gate and the older walls where, as described in the video, hyenas may walk through streets and even enter some houses.
The day’s final invitation becomes clear: stay for the hyenas.
The Hyena Man: a 50-year relationship with wild neighbours
Outside the city walls, the video meets Yusuf Mume, known as the “Hyena Man”. He has been feeding hyenas for 50 years, and is described as the last remaining person maintaining this daily practice.
Rather than waiting passively, the video explains that he calls the hyenas using a special language of sounds and tones, and that each hyena even has its own name. The hyenas recognise his voice and come close.
Yusuf is portrayed not as someone who fears the animals—but as someone who treats them as part of his life and responsibility. The video includes a clear warning from residents: if the hyenas were not fed, they could become aggressive and attack people—so feeding is framed as a way to manage coexistence.
- Feeding tradition passed down through certain men, with Yusuf Mume continuing the practice
- Special calling sounds used to attract hyenas
- Daily routine: hyenas gather as they do every day
Safety, respect and the reality of wildlife
The video repeatedly underlines that hyenas are extremely fierce predators, and includes descriptions of powerful bites and behaviour. The message is not “danger doesn’t exist”—it’s that in Harar, residents have built a long-standing method of living alongside wildlife through observation, routine and cultural knowledge.
For travellers, the takeaway is simple: when encountering wildlife in any setting, you should follow local guidance and respect both animals and communities.
What to expect from this Ethiopia itinerary
This video offers a compelling route that blends dramatic environments with living culture. Based on the places and moments shown:
- Afar Region: salt miners in extreme heat, plus camel transport of salt blocks
- Danakil Desert & Dallol Volcano: acidic, toxic-colour landscapes and the powerful forces of geology
- Harar: a UNESCO World Heritage old town, a city known for coexistence with hyenas
- Hyena Gate night: the tradition of feeding hyenas in the city’s nightly rhythm
Plan your Ethiopia journey with Sakina Tours
If you’re searching for a destination that feels extraordinary—where volcanic colours, salt deserts and ancient walled streets all meet—Ethiopia is calling. At Sakina Tours, we specialise in curated experiences designed to help you travel confidently and responsibly.
Ready to make it real? Share your travel dates and your interests (Afar heat, Danakil landscapes, or Harar’s heritage and night-time traditions) and we’ll help craft an itinerary that matches your pace.
