Planet Hotel

The Planet Hotel stands tall amid the buzzing northern city of Mekele. A mid-rise by big city standards, it nevertheless reflects a respectable exterior – modern and well-maintained. Expect a decent range of facilities, from a heated pool, fitness centre, spa and restaurant that serves mostly international fare (of varying quality). There’s even a small grocery store that supplies last-minute provisions for the journey north.

Rooms here range from the Standard, which sleeps two guests in either a double or two twin beds, and has a footprint of 28 square metres, to the Executive Suite, which sleeps four guests in a king and two twin beds and spreads across a roomy 98 square metres. In between are Queen and the Suite – offering a king-sized bed. All rooms have wi-fi (if intermittently), minibars, aircon and en-suite bathrooms.

Danakil is the hottest place on Earth. So why visit at all? First, the landscape is pure drama – with radiant, snaking fissures, steaming hot springs, geysers, colourful mineral deposits tie-dying the desert red, yellow and vivid green, and lava lakes lighting up the night sky. Second, you're not alone – the nomadic Afar people make their home here, harvesting salt and camel-trekking it to market. Guided tours are popular, but do your due diligence before booking anything.