Not much is known about Erta Ale , and the surrounding terrain is some of the most inhospitable on Earth , making travel difficult and dangerous . The Afar region also experiences intermittent ethnic violence due to unification struggles by the native Afar people . On January 16 , 2012 , a group of European tourists was attacked at Erta Ale . Five tourists were killed , two taken as hostages and seven others wounded . The Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front ( ARDUF ) claimed responsibility for the attack and released the two kidnapped tourists in March 2012 . One travel guide recommends hiring " one or maybe two armed guards or police " as guides to visit Erta Ale . Commercial tour companies offer tours to Erta Ale which are generally accompanied by military escort
was attacked
2012 Afar region tourist attack
Erta Ale