Africa's Salt Flats: 5 Ultra-Runs

• Chad's Salar de Ounianga has salt lakes and dunes.
• Ethiopia's Danakil Depression is extremely hot.
• Namibia's Etosha Pan has abundant wildlife.

Lace up your shoes for an extreme challenge! Explore Africa's surreal salt flats, pushing your limits on vast, otherworldly landscapes. Discover five incredible ultra-running routes that will test your endurance and reward you with unparalleled beauty.

Botswana's Vast Expanse

Prepare for an awe-inspiring run across Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pan, a colossal salt desert stretching over 12,000 square kilometers. This immense, flat landscape presents a surreal running environment with an endless horizon and a stark, captivating beauty. As you traverse this ancient lakebed, you might encounter remnants of prehistoric water systems and, in the surrounding areas, the chance to observe fascinating wildlife like meerkats and even elephants. The optimal period for exploring this immense terrain is during the drier months when accessibility is at its peak, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted running experience through this natural wonder.

Chad's Desert Oasis

Discover the Salar de Ounianga in Chad, a captivating series of interconnected salt lakes nestled within vast desert dunes. This unique route offers a dynamic running experience, alternating between the firm salt crust and the yielding sands of the desert. The visual spectacle is remarkable, with the vibrant blues of the water starkly contrasting against the brilliant white of the salt formations, creating a picturesque panorama as you navigate this remote and stunning region. Runners should be prepared for the intense heat during daylight hours, which can transition to cooler temperatures as evening approaches, requiring appropriate gear and hydration strategies.

Ethiopia's Extreme Zone

For the truly intrepid, Ethiopia's Danakil Depression beckons with its notoriously extreme heat and unforgiving environment. This region is a geological marvel, featuring active volcanoes, an astonishing array of colorful mineral deposits, and unpredictable shifting sands that combine to create an exceptionally challenging yet profoundly rewarding ultra-running destination. Participants must be meticulously prepared with an ample supply of water and robust sun protection, as ambient temperatures frequently exceed 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), demanding peak physical and mental resilience to endure the harsh conditions.

Namibia's Wildlife Spectacle

Experience the Etosha Pan in Namibia, a location renowned for its abundant and diverse wildlife, being an integral part of the famous Etosha National Park. While the pan typically remains dry for most of the year, it undergoes a dramatic transformation during the rainy season, filling with water and attracting vast flocks of vibrant flamingos and numerous other bird species. This presents a magnificent opportunity for runners to blend their passion for ultra-running with incredible wildlife viewing, all within the breathtakingly beautiful and expansive landscape of the pan.

Iran's Receding Sea

Traverse the captivating salt flats of Iran's Lake Urmia, a body of water that has experienced significant shrinkage due to climatic shifts, creating an ideal, albeit poignant, landscape for ultra-running. The stark white salt crusts laid bare by the receding waters offer a striking visual contrast against the brilliant blue of the overhead sky, providing unforgettable vistas as you journey across this evolving terrain. It is important for runners to remain aware of the dynamic environmental conditions present in this region, as the lake's gradual recession continues to reshape the running routes year after year.