Trips

Djibouti City

Salaam aleikum! Welcome to Djibouti! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 3pm, followed by a walking tour of the city. See the European Quarter (home to Moorish and European architecture), L'Escale harbour walk and Hamoudi Mosque in the African Quarter. Tonight’s dinner will feature traditional Djiboutian and Ethiopian food.

Djibouti City

Today we’ll head to Arta Beach for a potential thrilling whale shark encounter in the Bay of Ghoubbet. This is one of the world’s most reliable spots for seeing these giant, gentle creatures in the wild. Between November and January whale shark sightings are common although not guaranteed. They are wild animals after all! Then it’s time to head back to the city where we spend the night.

Lac Abbe

Take a 4x4 journey through the Grand Bara Desert to the otherworldly Lake Abbe, which lies on the border between Ethiopia and Djibouti. Keep your eyes peeled for mirages, antelopes and gazelle. After enjoying a traditional dance during dinner, you’ll sleep in a traditional Afar hut at Campement Touristique d’Asboley. The cluster of permanent nomad-style tents is perched on a hill with views of the spectacular and surreal desert landscape.

Lac Assal

Wake early to catch sunrise over the shores of Lake Abbe, which featured in the 1968 movie Planet Of The Apes. Marvel at the famous chimneys, salt flats and hot springs. Then hike to the lake, where you may be able to spot flamingos. The morning hike should take around 3hrs, before jumping back in the 4x4s and heading to Lake Assal. You will pass by Dikhil, Yoboki and Gagade on the way. Lake Assal, also known as the honey lake, is a crater-lake that sits atop the Great Rift Valley. It’s one of the world’s saltiest lakes and also the lowest point on land in Africa. Take a dip (or a float) in the lake if you’d like. Tonight we camp under the stars on military beds with no tents.

Bay of Ghoubbet

Early morning departure for our hike to Ardoukoba Volcano, which erupted in 1978 after lying dormant for around 3000 years. Take a 4x4 across extremely rugged terrain and then hike (moderately strenuous) to the top of the volcano (approximately 5 hours hiking). Continue to the scenic bay of Ghoubbet at the Gulf of Tadjoura and the entrance of the Red Sea. The afternoon is free to relax on the beach. The camp tonight is a basic standard and can often be windy.

Foret du Day National Park

Rise early and leave for Foret du Day National Park after breakfast. The dead forest here creates a stunnning landscape. Take a short (4km) hike through the forest towards our camp, then visit the Day Village. Here we witness village life and visit a traditional local house for tea/coffee.

Obock

This morning we depart after breakfast to stop for lunch in Tadjoura. After lunch we head to the Red Sea Village Camp in Obock; a historic town of colonial times. Here we visit the market and the lighthouse at Ras Bire. Tonight's accommodation consists of huts on the beach.

Plage des Sables Blanc

This morning we drive to visit the Godoria Mangroves. Here we take a scenic boat ride around the mangroves. After lunch back in Obock, head towards Plage des Sables Blanc, considered to be one of the best beaches in Djibouti. Your afternoon is free to splash around and enjoy the beach before spending the night in comfortable rooms. While the rooms do have air-conditioning they are not connected at this time of year as it is one of the countries coolest months.

Plage des Sables Blanc

Today is another free day beachside. You can take part in kite flying with locals, swim, snorkel or simply catch up on some sleep after all that hiking!

Djibouti City

After breakfast we start our journey back to Djibouti City. Hop on the 11am ferry back to Djibouti City and arrive by around 2pm this afternoon. The rest of the afternoon is free before a final group dinner tonight.

Djibouti City

This trip comes to an end after breakfast. There is no accommodation included for tonight, but speak to us if you’d like to extend your stay.