This 5-day adventure showcases Djibouti’s unique position at the junction of three tectonic plates, delivering an extraordinary landscape of contrasts. The tour starts in the cosmopolitan Djibouti City before venturing into the interior to witness the surreal, steam-belching limestone chimneys of Lac Abbé and the dazzling salt plains of Lac Assal, the lowest point in Africa. The final days are dedicated to the Red Sea coast, providing the opportunity to snorkel or dive with the gentle giants—the juvenile whale sharks—in the Gulf of Tadjoura (seasonal). The trip combines challenging overland travel with unparalleled geological and marine experiences.
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport (JIB). Transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the capital, a blend of French colonial and African architecture. Visit key sites like the *Place du 27 Juin* (formerly Place Ménélik), the Central Market, and the Hamoudi Mosque, observing the local Qat trade (if applicable). Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, sampling local seafood and Yemeni cuisine. Overnight in Djibouti City.
Depart early in a 4×4 vehicle for the long drive inland. The journey takes you across the *Grand Bara* desert—an ancient lakebed—and through the town of Dikhil. The drive is scenic but demanding. Arrive at **Lac Abbé** in the late afternoon. This surreal landscape is famous for its hundreds of tall, steam-belching limestone chimneys (or ‘fumaroles’). Witness and photograph the magnificent sunset over this otherworldly landscape, often accompanied by local Afar nomads. Overnight: Basic Tented Camp/Afar Hut near Lac Abbé.
Wake up before dawn to witness and photograph the unforgettable sunrise over Lac Abbé and its chimneys. Take a guided walk to the hot springs and look for wildlife like gazelles and, often, large flocks of flamingos. After breakfast, drive to **Lac Assal** (approx. 3–4 hours). Visit the **Ardoukoba Volcano** and the *Goubet al-Kharab* (the Devil’s Abyss). Lac Assal is the lowest point in Africa (155m below sea level) and is surrounded by dazzling white salt flats. Have a unique (and necessary) float in the highly saline water before driving back toward Djibouti City via the scenic *Canyon Adaleh*. Overnight in Djibouti City.
Take a morning boat trip into the Gulf of Tadjoura (often near Arta Plage or Maskali Island) for the primary marine experience. If traveling between November and February, you will snorkel or dive with the juvenile **whale sharks** attracted by the plankton bloom. If traveling outside this season, the day will be dedicated to snorkeling or diving over the magnificent, healthy coral reefs of the area. Spend the day enjoying the warm waters and return to the city in the late afternoon. Overnight in Djibouti City.
Enjoy a final Djiboutian breakfast. Depending on flight times, you may visit the *Rue de Rome* for souvenir shopping, grab a final coffee at a local café, or visit the nearby *DECAN* (an animal rescue centre). Transfer from your hotel to Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport (JIB) for your international departure, concluding the tour.
At Safrisway, we prioritize flexibility and customer satisfaction. Our cancellation and booking policy blends standard, promotional, and flexible options to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Please review our cancellation and refund policy for details.
From$1,600.00
From$1,600.00
Don't just get there, get there in style.
Kazanchis Nega City Mall 1st floor,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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