Berhale

Berhale is a small market town in the northern Afar Region of Ethiopia, located in the Danakil Depression. It lies on a major salt-trading route and serves as a hub for the traditional salt trade from Lake Assale (Karum). The town's name is synonymous with the camel caravans that have carried salt slabs from the depression to the Ethiopian highlands for centuries.

The climate is extreme — Berhale is one of the hottest permanently inhabited places on Earth, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 45°C.

By Plane

The nearest airport is at Kombolcha (DSE IATA), about 200 km west. Charter flights can land at the Semera airstrip.

By Car / Road

Berhale is reached by a desert track from Chifra or through the Danakil Depression from Mekelle (to the west). A 4WD vehicle is essential. The route is rough and requires local knowledge or a guided tour.

Walking and camel are the primary means within Berhale. For the salt flats, 4WD transport is necessary.

• Salt caravans: The camel trains carrying salt slabs from Lake Assale are a sight unique to this part of the world.

• Traditional salt mining: Observe the age-old practice of breaking and shaping salt slabs at Lake Assale or Lake Afdera.

• Danakil Depression landscape: Vast salt flats, volcanic rocks, and colourful hot springs surround Berhale.

• Salt caravan trek: Travel with camel caravans across the Danakil for a truly off-grid experience.

• Visit Lake Assale (Lake Karum): A stunning salt lake at 120 m below sea level, about 30 km north-east.

• Photography: The otherworldly landscapes and the spectacle of the salt trade are a photographer's dream.

Very limited; travellers should bring supplies from Mekelle or Semera.

Bottled water is critical. Bring ample supplies.

Basic huts or tents. Most travellers visit on an organised tour that provides camping gear.

Salt slabs are the main commodity. Small shops sell basic provisions.

• Lake Assale (Karum) — 30 km north-east, the salt flats at 120 m below sea level.
• Mekelle — 150 km west, the capital of Tigrai region.
• Afdera — further into the Danakil, another salt-mining centre.