Lake Abbe Circuit: Discover Djibouti’s Hidden Gem

Djibouti - 8:30 AM – Departure from Djibouti City

Start your adventure with a pickup from your accommodation in Djibouti City. Embark in 4x4 vehicles built to navigate the challenging desert terrain. The initial leg of the journey takes you through expansive desert vistas, offering breathtaking views of the arid landscape.

Hotel Gobaad - 12:00 PM – Arrival in Dikhil and Lunch at Gobaad Hotel

Pause for lunch at Gobaad Hotel in Dikhil. Savor a traditional meal and enjoy a relaxing break before resuming the journey.
1:30 PM – Continue the Journey to Lake Abbe

Post-lunch, proceed towards Lake Abbe, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes (120 km), with picturesque stops along the way to capture the region’s unique beauty.

As Eyla - 3:30 PM – Photo Stop at As-Ela Village

Take a 5-minute photo break in As-Ela, a delightful village that offers a perfect glimpse of life in the Afar region.

Kouta Bouyya - 4:00 PM – Proceed to Koutabouya Village

Continue to Koutabouya, the last village before reaching Lake Abbe. This is an excellent chance to observe nomadic life and herds of camels, goats, and sheep.

Lake Abbe - 5:30 PM – Arrive at Lake Abbe

After covering a total of 200 km, arrive at the Lake Abbe area, famous for its geothermal formations, limestone chimneys, and dramatic landscapes. Explore the salt flats, admire the unusual geothermal chimneys, and enjoy the stunning views as the sun sets. This is a prime opportunity for photography.

Lake Abbe - 7:00 PM – Settle in for the Night

Check into a local lodge or campsite near the lake. Enjoy dinner under the stars and rest after a day of travel and exploration.

Exploring Lake Assal and Return to Djibouti City

Lake Abbe - Morning: Rise early to watch the sunrise amidst the chimneys! Then approach the flamingos by the lake. Observe some of the local wildlife.

Lake Assal - Next, head to Assal Lake. En route, stop to admire the magnificent landscape of the Dimbiya canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Djibouti.”

Lake Assal - A few kilometers further, make another stop at the stele of B. Borrel, the French magistrate whose partially charred body was discovered at the bottom of the cliff on the morning of October 18, 1995. The “Borrel affair” strained relations between Djibouti and France for several years.

Then leave the road to take the “access ramp” to Lake Assal. Situated 153 meters below sea level, Lake Assal is one of the saltiest lakes in the world. This, combined with the high evaporation due to the intense heat, explains why salt has been mined here for centuries. No living organism can survive in the waters of Assal Lake. Visitors can bathe here, as fresh water is available for the essential shower to avoid turning into a salt statue (lol); plastic shoes are necessary to prevent injury from the sharp and hard salt crystals of the salt ice pack.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Lake Assal Entry/Admission
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All Fees and Taxes

With 14 years of experience as a certified professional guide, the operator’s expertise is founded on years of accomplishments and the invaluable feedback from clients. This extensive knowledge is combined with personalized service, ensuring each tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, the operator caters to a diverse range of travelers, offering tailored adventures that highlight the unique beauty, culture, and history of Djibouti. Tourists choose this service because it doesn’t just guide – it crafts unforgettable memories.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.