Dabbahu Volcano
Volcano Shield volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region with fissure eruptions
A volcano in the Afar Rift of Ethiopia known for rifting and fissure activity; geologists and adventure travelers visit to study lava fields, rift morphology and remote desert landscapes.
Dabbahu (also spelled Boina/Dabba Hu in some sources) is a stratovolcano in Ethiopia’s Afar Region, part of the East African Rift system. It is notable among rift volcanoes for a major recent episode of dike intrusion and fissuring.
The mountain includes a summit caldera and a system of fissures and cones linked to rift activity, and it sits within a tectonically active part of the Afar Depression. The area is remote and visits require off-road vehicles and local guides.
In the 2000s Dabbahu experienced a significant rifting and eruption episode that produced a large magma intrusion and surface fissures; the event was the subject of international scientific attention. The volcano is monitored by volcanologists because it lies on an active continental rift.
Dabbahu stands in northern Ethiopia’s Afar Region within the broader Danakil/Afar Depression. The terrain around it is arid rift country with nearby salt flats and volcanic plateaus typical of the Afar lowlands.
- 2005 rifting event: The volcano was the site of a major rifting and magma-intrusion event in the 2000s that attracted international volcanological study.
What to See #
- Caldera and fissures: A summit caldera and associated pyroclastic cones and fissure zones tied to the Afar Rift system, often studied for rifting processes.
How to Get to Dabbahu Volcano #
Dabbahu is remote in Ethiopia’s Afar Region. Access typically requires coordination with local authorities and guides, 4x4 vehicles, and permissions for travel in the Afar Depression. The nearest larger towns are Semera and Mek’ele; from there arrange guided overland transport.
Tips for Visiting Dabbahu Volcano #
- Dabbahu is in a remote region-coordinate travel with local guides who know the Afar landscape and its security considerations.
- Bring water and sun protection-Afar lowlands can be intensely hot, and services are scarce.
- If interested in volcanology, arrange contacts with Ethiopian geological surveys or universities for informed visits and safety briefing.
Best Time to Visit Dabbahu Volcano #
Best during the Ethiopian cool season (November-February) when temperatures are lower and travel is safer.
Weather & Climate near Dabbahu Volcano #
Dabbahu Volcano's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in June) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 15°C to 34°C. Moderate rainfall (568 mm/year).
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (129 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 18 mm and clear sunny skies.
