Erta Ale is an active shield volcano located in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia. It is the most active volcano in Ethiopia. Erta Ale stands 613 metres tall, with a lava lake, one of only four in the world, at the summit.
It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century (1906). The name of the volcano means "smoking mountain" in the local Afar language and its southerly pit is known locally as "the gateway to hell".
It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century (1906). The name of the volcano means "smoking mountain" in the local Afar language and its southerly pit is known locally as "the gateway to hell".