DikikaDikika at a Glance
About Dikika
Dikika is a paleoanthropological and palaeontological locality in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia, within the Afar Depression. The site is known for early Pliocene fossil deposits that have yielded hominin remains and associated fauna.
Most prominently, Dikika produced the juvenile Australopithecus afarensis specimen nicknamed “Selam,” recovered in fieldwork around 2000 and subsequently described in scientific publications; the specimen is dated to about 3.3 million years ago. The site has also produced animal bones, stone tool traces and other material that inform research on environment and behaviour in the early Pliocene.
Excavations at Dikika have been led by international teams under Ethiopian leadership, with major field campaigns in the early 2000s that brought the site to wide scientific attention. Findings from Dikika are cited in studies of Australopithecus anatomy, development and palaeoecology.
Dikika lies in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, within the broad Afar Depression and Rift landscape of northeastern Ethiopia, and is visited primarily by researchers rather than general tourists.
- Selam (A. afarensis): Location where the juvenile Australopithecus afarensis specimen nicknamed “Selam” was recovered; the fossil is dated to about 3.3 million years old.
- Research significance: Excavated in the early 21st century by teams led by paleoanthropologist Zeresenay Alemseged, the site has produced hominin and abundant faunal remains important to studies of early hominins.
Nearby Attractions to Dikika
Best Time to Visit Dikika
Best visited in the cooler, dry months for fieldwork; logistics in the Afar region are demanding and require coordination with research teams.
Weather & Climate near Dikika
Dikika's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in June) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 18°C to 37°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 19° - 28° | 23° | 16 mm | mostly sunny | 49% | 2.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| February | Ideal | 19° - 28° | 24° | 27 mm | mostly sunny | 46% | 2.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Excellent | 21° - 30° | 25° | 48 mm | mostly sunny | 44% | 2.6 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Ideal | 22° - 32° | 27° | 41 mm | mostly sunny | 47% | 2.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Ideal | 23° - 34° | 29° | 23 mm | mostly sunny | 37% | 2.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.5h |
| June | Ideal | 25° - 37° | 31° | 10 mm | some cloud | 29% | 2.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.7h |
| July | Very Good | 25° - 36° | 31° | 65 mm | partly cloudy | 43% | 2.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.6h |
| August | Very Good | 24° - 35° | 31° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 53% | 2.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| September | Excellent | 24° - 34° | 29° | 32 mm | some cloud | 47% | 1.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Ideal | 21° - 32° | 27° | 7 mm | mostly sunny | 39% | 2.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 24° | 9 mm | clear | 43% | 2.7 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.5h |
| December | Ideal | 18° - 28° | 23° | 8 mm | clear | 47% | 2.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.3h |
How to Get to Dikika
Dikika is located in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, accessed via long overland journeys from regional centers such as Awash or Semera and then by coordinated jeep and foot travel. Access is typically organized by research institutions and requires permits and logistical planning for remote field conditions.
Tips for Visiting Dikika
- Visits are typically part of paleoanthropological field programs-coordinate with academic institutions if seeking access.
- The site is remote; bring sun protection and reliable communication equipment when in the Afar region.
- Respect local regulations and the sensitivities around fossil export and sampling-fossil finds are often subject to national scientific oversight.