Ethiopia sits on the northern arm of the East African Rift, where tectonics have carved a varied volcanic landscape of cones, calderas and lava fields. These features affect local geography, ecosystems and human routes across the highlands and rift valley.
There are 12 Volcanoes in Ethiopia, ranging from Ado’Ale to Zuqualla (Zuquala). For each entry you’ll find below Coordinates (°N,°E),Elevation (m),Type & status, with the list spanning Ado’Ale,Zuqualla (Zuquala); you’ll find below.
Which of these volcanoes are currently active or historically eruptive?
The “Type & status” column flags activity: most Ethiopian volcanoes are dormant or extinct, but a few—such as those on the Afar rift—have recorded recent eruptions or persistent lava lakes. For up-to-date activity checks, consult regional observatories (e.g., the Ethiopian Geological Survey) or global monitoring services before planning a visit.
How reliable are the Coordinates (°N,°E) and Elevation (m) for navigation and research?
Coordinates and elevations are suitable for maps and basic field planning, but GPS readings can vary by datum and local surveying methods; use WGS84-compatible devices, cross-check with recent topographic data, and treat elevations as approximate when precise altimetry is required.
Volcanoes in Ethiopia
| Name | Coordinates (°N,°E) | Elevation (m) | Type & status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erta Ale | 13.60°N,40.67°E | 613 | Shield volcano; persistently active lava lake |
| Alu-Dalafilla (Alu) | 13.74°N,40.72°E | 1,220 | Fissure/stratovolcanic complex; recently active |
| Dabbahu (Boina) | 13.36°N,40.09°E | 1,136 | Stratovolcano/fissure; historic 2005 eruption |
| Manda Hararo | 13.23°N,40.50°E | 700 | Fissure swarm/volcanic complex; Holocene activity |
| Ado’Ale | 13.75°N,40.56°E | 1,130 | Cinder cone complex; Holocene eruptions recorded |
| Gada Ale | 13.82°N,40.95°E | 655 | Scoria cone; Holocene activity |
| Tat Ali | 13.97°N,40.85°E | 1,178 | Shield/cinder cone complex; Holocene activity |
| Afdera (Adafa) | 11.72°N,40.27°E | 1,209 | Shield/stratocone; geothermal and fumarolic activity |
| Fentale | 8.96°N,39.24°E | 2,007 | Stratovolcano; Holocene but dormant |
| Zuqualla (Zuquala) | 8.80°N,38.60°E | 3,126 | Extinct/eroded volcanic cone; crater lake present |
| Wenchi (Mount Wenchi) | 9.95°N,37.62°E | 3,000 | Volcanic crater complex; dormant |
| Corbetti Caldera | 7.78°N,38.74°E | 2,800 | Caldera complex; geothermal potential, Holocene vents |
Images and Descriptions
Erta Ale
A low shield volcano in the Afar Depression famous for its long-lived lava lake and frequent fissure activity. Active and potentially hazardous to nearby lowland communities; accessible by guided trek but remote and hot, best visited with experienced local operators.
Alu-Dalafilla (Alu)
A cluster of cones and fissures in the Erta Ale region that produced recent eruptions. Presents lava flows and scoria cones; hazards include lava and gas. Remote desert access requires guides and 4×4 vehicles; notable for dramatic fissure volcanism.
Dabbahu (Boina)
A prominent edifice in northern Afar that erupted in 2005 from a rifting fissure, drawing attention to continental rifting processes. Produces lava flows and fissures; remote, desert conditions and rapid ground changes make visits challenging and potentially hazardous.
Manda Hararo
A broad, active fissure-swarm complex in the Afar rift with Holocene eruptions and crustal rifting events. Produces fissure eruptions and basaltic lava fields; highly geologically active and remote, of interest to scientists and adventurous travelers.
Ado’Ale
A cluster of scoria cones and lava flows near the Erta Ale range, formed by relatively recent eruptions. Presents rugged lava fields and loose tephra; remote access, hot desert conditions, and unstable terrain require experienced guides.
Gada Ale
A small scoria cone in the Afar volcanic province, producing recent Strombolian-style eruptions and lava flows. Notable for its youthful morphology and contribution to the Erta Ale volcanic landscape; remote and best visited with local guides.
Tat Ali
A volcanic complex of shields and cones forming part of northern Afar rift volcanism. Shows young lava fields and cones; hazards include lava and gas. Remote desert location necessitates guided travel and precautions for heat and isolation.
Afdera (Adafa)
Volcanic center near the Afdera salt lake with past lava activity and ongoing geothermal manifestations. Noted for hot, arid surroundings and potential phreatic hazards; access possible from regional roads but conditions are harsh and saline.
Fentale
A central Ethiopian highland stratovolcano near the Rift with a prominent caldera and historic fumarolic reports. Vegetated slopes and accessible trails make it a popular hike; hazards are low but steep terrain and weather can be challenging.
Zuqualla (Zuquala)
A picturesque volcanic cone with a crater lake near central Ethiopia. Long-dormant, it’s culturally significant and accessible for day visits. Hazards are minimal; notable for scenic crater, local pilgrimage sites, and biodiversity.
Wenchi (Mount Wenchi)
A highland volcanic crater with a scenic lake and waterfalls in western Ethiopia. Dormant and popular for hiking and recreation; volcanic origin creates steep caldera walls and fertile soils. Access via local roads and trekking routes.
Corbetti Caldera
A large caldera in the southern Ethiopian Rift with geothermal manifestations and young vents. Important for geothermal exploration and local pastoralism; accessible from regional centers but involves rugged terrain and active land management.
