Expedition Djibouti - Footsteps of the Afar

  • Days 13
  • Style Original
  • Travellers rating

    based on 471 reviews

  • djibouti

    86°F

    86°F

  • From HKD 0 +

Start

16 Dec 2016

Finish

22 Dec 2016

OR
HKD 0 +
Tour Code:922905

See Lake Assal and Ardoukoba Volcano as you hike, snorkel, swim and camel-trek through Djibouti.

With its mix of hiking, snorkelling and camel riding this trip is not for the faint hearted. However, if you want to experience life like a nomad as we traverse the Djibouti landscape alongside a camel; hike to the top of a volcano; float in one of the world’s saltiest lakes and come face-to-face with whale sharks then this expedition 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 Lake 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.

Schedule & Pricing Details

  • Date
  • Start

    16 Dec 2016

    Finish

    22 Dec 2016

    OR
  • Options

Attention

Bungalow (3 nights)
Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights)
Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights)
Hotel (4 nights)

  • Highlights

    Location

    City:djibouti

    Name: See Lake Assal and Ardoukoba Volcano as you hike, snorkel, swim and camel-trek through Djibouti.

    Address:djibouti

    Tel: 00852-31158515

    Itinerary

    Day

    1

    Welcome
    adventure
    welcome

    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. Special Information

    Day

    2

    we’ll
    thrilling
    encounter

    Today we’ll head to Arta Beach for a 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 almost guaranteed. Then it’s time to head back to the city where we spend the night. Special Information

    Day

    3

    journey
    through
    otherworldly

    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.

    Day

    4

    sunrise
    featured
    flamingos

    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 can spot flamingos before jumping back in the 4x4s and heading to Allouli passing by Dikhil, Yoboki and Gagade on the way. It is here that we meet our nomad camel caravan and sleep under the stars. Note: Camel trekking is one of the best ways to get to know the people, villages, customs and topography of a destination. Special Information

    Day

    5

    biggest
    breakfast
    Caravan

    Today is the biggest hiking day on the itinerary. Wake at around 6am for breakfast then depart with the Camel Caravan to Lac Assal (around 14 kilometres). 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’ll sleep “belle etoile” again (under the stars). Special Information

    Day

    6

    morning
    departure
    Ardoukoba

    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. 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.

    Day

    7

    National
    Despite
    incredibly

    Rise early and leave for Foret du Day National Park after breakfast. Despite its size, the plant life here is incredibly diverse and it’s one of the few places where leopards are still seen. Take a short (4km) hike through the forest towards our camp, then visit the Day Village.

    Day

    8

    breakfast
    towards
    considered

    Depart after breakfast and head towards Plage des Sables Blanc, considered to be one of the best beaches in Djibouti. Today you’re free to splash around and enjoy the beach before spending the night in air-conditioned rooms.

    Day

    9

    another
    snorkel

    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!

    Day

    10

    morning
    breakfast
    Village

    This morning we depart after breakfast to the Red Sea Village Camp in Obock; a historic town of colonial times. Visit the market, the lighthouse, and Ras Bire. Have lunch at the beach before heading to Godoria Mangrove this afternoon. Return to Obock for the night. Please note that if it is not high tide we will be unable to enter the bay by boat to visit the mangrove.

    Day

    11

    breakfast
    we’ll
    Djibouti

    After breakfast we’ll head to Tadjoura, the oldest town in Djibouti and the capital of the Tadjourah Region. It is the third largest city in the country after Djibouti City and Ali Sabieh. Take part in a city excursion, which visits the Hammoudi Mosque and the local fish market.

    Day

    12

    breakfast
    journey
    Djibouti

    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.

    Day

    13

    accommodation
    included
    you’d

    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.

    Inclusions

    Included activities
    • Meals

      12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners

    • Transport

      4x4 Safari Vehicle, Camel, Ferry

    • Accommodation

      Bungalow (3 nights), Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Hotel (4 nights)

    • Insurance

      This day tour excludes fee of insurance.

    Important notes

    Q&A

    Supplier may change time and services due to a special circumstances,so all reply following are for reference only.Please note the relevant information on Web in case of change.

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