4 / 5 - One review
How to get there
By 4x4 from Mekele for an expedition in the Danakil desert of 2 to 4 days.
When to go
From November to mid-May
Minimum stay
2 to 3 days
Birale (Ethiopia)
©
Ji-Elle - wikimedia commons
Practical information about Birale
Reviews of Birale
It is the last Afar village before the Danakil desert, the Dallol Depression and the Erta Ale volcano, on the Djibouti road not far from Eritrea. Usually groups stop here either before or after expeditions into the desert.
My suggestion:
Take the time to visit the village, you will receive a warm welcome. If you want to give something to the children, you can buy biros at the shop, which are always very popular
Summary:
I loved spending the night in a family home in this little village during a trip organised by a local agency (obligatory for this area because of the military escort). Upon leaving Mekele we visited the Erta Ale volcano (we slept up there) then we returned to Berhale for the night before heading for lake Assale and the Dalol Depression where we spent the next night. It is a necessary stopover for these expeditions.
Here we are on Afar soil, the nomadic Muslim cattle breeders some of whom have settled here in Berhale. It is a very lively pretty little village with dusty streets at the gateway to the desert: the inhabitants give you a very warm welcome, children play outside and when there is no school they will come over to talk to you.
In the evening, you can have a drink and dance in the little bar in the centre of the village. This bar is run by Christian Tigrayans (so who are allowed to sell alcohol as opposed to the Afar who are Muslims).
©
Ji-Elle - wikimedia commons
