Travel Guide As Eyla

42 km from Dikhil, 35 km from Lake Abbe. As Eyla, a small locality already of a certain size (about 2,500 inhabitants), is planted in the middle of the Gobaad. This group of mud houses (in the center), huts and thorn enclosures (around the village) is the last village before the bad track that leads to Lake Abbe. You will inevitably make a stop here. The different ethnic groups of the region live together there. The passage of a car of tourists (quite awaited the weekend but rare in week) is a small event which breaks a little the local rhythm. You will be able to make your last provisions here, before starting the crossing of the immense desert plain of Gobaad. Young locals will probably offer to guide you to Lake Abbe. They will also present you with handicrafts made on the spot and which, sold to tourists, constitute a significant income. Plunged, it seems, in a torpor and a heavy boredom, the village is also capable of a certain animation. The herds are everywhere. The women or children, who watch over the animals, wear sometimes very colorful outfits. With a bit of time on your hands, you can linger and discover the local rural life, watching the herds follow one another at the watering holes. In case of breakdown or fuel supply problem, it is better to spend the night (there will always be someone to offer you camping) in As Eyla, before setting off to tackle the bad track that leads to Lake Abbe. A track that requires an excellent 4x4 and an equally excellent driver.