Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
The little-explored territory and the
salt lakes
scattered around Asaita are something of a
holy grail for serious adventurers, but an exploration here shouldn't be undertaken lightly.
This area remains one of the most inhospitable corners of the Horn, appearing much the
same as when explorer Wilfred Thesiger laid eyes upon it in the 1930s. The scenery is as
stark, desolate and surreally beautiful as it is foreboding.
To explore this region independently you'll need stamina and patience. Start by obtain-
ing permission papers from the tourist office in Semera (
Click here
)
, which is easy
enough. Then you'll have to arrange armed Afar escorts (who almost certainly won't
speak English) in either Asaita (at the Tourism Bureau across from Asaita Hospital) or the
village of Afambo near the lakes. You'll be asked high prices for the privilege and there'll
be other monetary demands at the start and along the way, including a necessary boat
crossing on a reed raft. Buy everything you'll need in Asaita, or better still in Addis, as
there are no real shops after this, and bring camping gear as there's no lodging. The Afar
will know where to find water along the way.
The easiest way to do things is as a day trip from Asaita to Lakes Afambo and Gumare
using your own vehicle or the government-workers bus from Asaita to Afambo (Birr20,
one hour) that leaves at 8am and returns at 4pm. It's not possible to drive beyond Afambo,
so you'll have to go on foot or camelback. The legendary
Lake Abbe
, the ultimate destin-
ation of the Awash River's waters, is at least a three-day trip. Called Lac Abbé in French-
speaking Djibouti, it can be approached much more easily from that side (
Click here
)
.
Sleeping & Eating
Basha Amare Hotel $
( 0336-550119; bed in courtyard Birr50, d/tw without bathroom Birr80/160)
The best
option by far is this friendly hotel on the cliff above the Awash River, where you might
see crocodiles in the day and hear hippos at night. It has small rooms and better than aver-
age shared facilities. If the slow-mo fans can't cool you off, use the natural air-con and
sleep in the courtyard. Omelettes, rice,
tibs
(sliced lamb) and fresh yoghurt are available
in the restaurant (mains Birr25 to Birr35) out front.
HOTEL
Lem Hotel $
HOTEL
