Djibouti's Footsteps of the Afar
11 days from Djibouti to Djibouti
From $ 3800
Duration11 days
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See Lac Assal and Ardoukoba Volcano as you hike, snorkel and swim through Djibouti. With its mix of hiking and snorkelling, this trip is not for the faint hearted. However, if you want to experience life like a nomad as we traverse the Djibouti landscape, float on one of the world’s saltiest lakes and go in search of whale sharks then this trip is right up your alley. The scenery is diverse and spectacular, passing everything from volcanoes, hot springs and salt flats to beaches and forests. Hikes to Lac Assal, Ardoukoba Volcano and Foret du Day National Park are rewarded with free time on the beach at Plage des Sables Blancs and sleeping “Belles Étoiles” (under the stars) at Allouli.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 11 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Djibouti
    Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ends in: Djibouti
    Ages: 15+
Djibouti's Footsteps of the Afar - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Djibouti City

Start place: Djibouti

Salaam aleikum! Welcome to Djibouti! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 3 pm, 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.
Meals: D
Day 2: 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: 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 3 hours, before jumping back in the 4WDs and heading to Lake Assal. You will pass by Dikhil, Yoboki and Gagade on the way.
Lac 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 float in the lake if you’d like, but remember you've got a night of camping ahead and no hot shower to clean off!
Tonight we camp under the stars on military beds with no tents.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: 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. 
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Foret du Day National Park
Rise early and leave for Foret du Day National Park after breakfast. The dead forest here creates a stunning 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Plage des Sables Blancs
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 Blancs, 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Plage des Sables Blancs
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!
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: 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.
Meals: B
Day 11: 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.

End place: Djibouti

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Djibouti City - Leader Led Walking Tour
  • Arta Beach - Whale Sharks Tour
  • Lac Abbe - Cultural Dance
  • Lac Abbe - Guided sunset walk to Chimneys
  • Lac Abbe - Morning Hike to the lake
  • Ardoukoba - Volcano Hike
  • Foret du Day - Hike
  • Ras Bire - Lighthouse & Maket Visit
  • Obock - Godoria Mangrove boat trip

  • Transport

    4x4 Safari Vehicle, Ferry

  • Accommodation

    Bungalow (3 nights), Bush camp (no facilities) (1 night), Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Hotel (3 nights)

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