Explore the Horn of Africa on this 8-day overland and cultural adventure through Djibouti and Somaliland. Begin with a city tour of Djibouti, then venture to the surreal landscapes of Lake Abbé and Lake Assal. Discover the charm of Tadjourah before flying to Somaliland to explore its vibrant markets, ancient cave art in Laas Geel, and Ottoman architecture in Berbera. From mountain villages to coastal towns, this journey offers a unique blend of nature, history, and local culture in two of the region’s most fascinating destinations.
Upon arrival in Djibouti City, you will be transferred to your hotel. Depending on your flight's arrival time, we will explore the city by visiting its most notable sites, including the African and European Quarters. In the evening, we’ll take a walk to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city. You may also choose to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with our guide, where you can sample authentic Djiboutian cuisine. Overnight stay in Djibouti City. (LD).
After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin a scenic drive to visit the villages of the Afar and Somali people in Dikhil. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy lunch served in the village’s distinctive huts. Following this, we will continue our journey to Lake Abbe, a breathtaking natural wonder known for its towering limestone formations, some reaching up to 50 meters, as well as the numerous chimneys that emit steam, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape. The area’s striking scenery has even led to the belief that the classic science fiction film Planet of the Apes was filmed here. You will have ample time to explore the lake and its surroundings until sunset. Overnight accommodation will be in traditional huts in Lake Abbe. (BLD).
The day will begin with an early wake-up call to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Lake Abbe. Following this, we will drive to the Chimney Area, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the hot springs, encounter nomadic communities, and observe flamingos in their natural habitat. After our exploration, we will return to camp for a breakfast. Next, we will continue our journey to Lake Assal, making a stop for lunch en route. Lake Assal, a remarkable salt lake located more than 155 meters below sea level, is the lowest point in Africa and the third lowest point on Earth. The lake is renowned for its vivid, ever-changing colors, influenced by the sun’s reflection. During the drive, we will make additional stops to take in panoramic views of the Adaleh Canyon and the Goubet region. We will then continue our journey to Tadjourah, where we will Overnight. (BLD).
After breakfast, we will begin exploring Tadjourah, a coastal town renowned for its charming whitewashed buildings, some dating back to the Ottoman era. After taking in the town’s historic sites, we will head to the pristine white sands of Plage Blanche, where you can relax and enjoy with drinks. We will continue our drive and return to Djibouti City for an overnight stay. (BLD).
After pick up, we will begin our day with a visit to the largest livestock market in the region, where we’ll observe the lively trade of livestock. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the local economy and culture. Following this, we will visit the Civil War Memorial, a significant and poignant site for the local community. Next, we will head to one of the most unique markets in the world—the money market. In this vibrant, open-air marketplace, money exchangers sit on the streets surrounded by stacks of cash, with no fear of theft. We will then drive through different neighborhoods of Hargeisa, giving you a feel for the city's diverse areas. In the afternoon, when the temperatures cool down, we will take a walk through the main market, where you can further immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Depending on the day, we may have the opportunity to attend a live music event, where you can enjoy traditional dance and music. The day will end with an overnight stay in Hargeisa. (BLD).
After breakfast, we will depart for Laas Geel, home to some of the best-preserved rock art in Africa, dating back over 10,000 years. The vibrant colors and intricate quality of the paintings make this one of the most impressive highlights of the trip. Following our visit, we will drive to the coastal city of Berbera, where we’ll enjoy lunch before heading to the beach for a relaxing swim. In the afternoon, we will take a walk around the city, exploring the historic old quarter, which is home to a blend of Ottoman and British architecture—many of these buildings are still in use today. Afterward, we will enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Berbera. NB: Snorkeling and diving equipment will be available, and for those interested, there will be an opportunity to dive and explore the rich marine life. (BLD).
After breakfast, we will depart from Berbera and drive toward the small town of Sheikh, nestled in the mountains. The journey through the Sheikh Mountains offers breathtaking scenic views and a refreshing, pleasant climate. Upon arrival in Sheikh, we will enjoy a tea break with the locals, providing an opportunity to relax and immerse ourselves in the town’s charm. At the end of the day, we will continue our drive back to Berbera for lunch before proceeding on to Hargeisa, where we will overnight. (BLD).
Transfer to the Airport for your departing flight. (B).
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