This 6-day tour takes you to the best places in Djibouti and Somaliland. You will visit beautiful landscapes like Lake Abbé and Lake Assal, explore local culture, and see the famous Laas Geel rock paintings. The tour also includes time in Djibouti City, Hargeisa, and the coastal town of Berbera. Flights between countries save time, so you can see more in less days. It’s a great mix of nature, history, and local life.
Explore Djibouti & Somaliland
Depending on your arrival time you will explore the capital Djibouti City.
Start your day exploring Djibouti City, the country’s capital. Walk through the European Quarter with its old buildings from the French colonial times, then visit the African Quarter, full of life, markets, and local culture.
See the Hamoudi Mosque, one of the oldest in the city, and stop by the People’s Palace, an important national monument. Later, walk through the main market, where you’ll find colorful stalls and local goods. Stroll along the coast and enjoy views of the Gulf of Tadjourah.
We’ll drive to Lake Abbé. The drive passes The Grand Bara and Petit Barra deserts. In Dikhil there will be a stop for lunch before arriving at Lake Abbe. You will have an overnight stay at the Touristic Camp to see the amazing scenery during sunset. The Touristic Camp is a settlement of traditional Afar huts which are very basic. Celebrate the evening with an Afar dance performance around the fire, a vibrant tradition of the region.
For more comfort you can choose to stay at Neem Farm which is located 40 km further. At this farm you can also enjoy a buggy drive through the desert to Lake Abbe.
Lake Abbé Touristic Camp or Neem Farm
Dinner
There will be an early wake up to see the sunrise. Lake Abbé has a beautiful scenery full of chimneys. During a walking tour to the Lake you might also see nomadic people, Birds, Flamingos and Hot Springs. The geology of this area is very interesting. We drive to Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa. On our way we also visit the Panoramic views of Canyon Adaleh and Goubet.
In Lake Assal the big salt field makes you feel like walking in nowhere land. The water has bright colors that change from time to time because of the sun reflection. Drive back back to Djibouti City for an overnight stay before your departure to Somaliland the next day.
Atlantic Hotel or Les Acacias Hotel
Breakfast
Pick up and transfer to your Hotel. Depending on your arrival time you will explore the capital Hargeisa. Start with the Civil War Memorial, then explore the Central Market and money changers. Visit the Hargeisa Cultural Centre for a taste of local art and history. After a rest you can freely walk around in the city center of Hargeisa to get a sense of the people and the city.
Our first evening features a traditional Somali music and dance if available (depending on the day of the week!).
Damal Hotel or similar
Breakfast
In the early morning you visit the Livestock Market. Livestock is the backbone of the economy of Somaliland. We head to Laas Geel, one of the most important rock art site in Africa. The vibrant colors and well preserved paintings are estimated to be around ten thousand years old. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit local nomadic families, offering a rare glimpse into traditional Somali pastoral life.
Drive continues to Berbera where you’ll be taken to your hotel. In Berbera you can hang out on the beach and go for a swim while the sun goes down. Some beach hotels rent out snorkel, diving equipment and there is a possibility for a boat ride.
Dinner will be served on a rooftop at the beach in Berbera, offering stunning views of the ocean.
Damal Hotel or Maansoor Berbera Beach Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast you will see the historic town of Berbera. Especially the old quarter of the town with its many Ottoman and British architecture is of historic interest.
We leave Berbera behind and drive to the small town of Sheikh in the mountains. Passing Sheikh Mountains will be a nice experience because of the scenic view and pleasant temperature. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the mountains, surrounded by stunning views.
At the end of the day we drive to Hargeisa. We’ll end our last evening with a cultural performance, including live Somali music if available (depending on the day of the week!).
Damal Hotel or similar
Breakfast
Transfer to the Airport for your departing flight.
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Breakfast
7 Days/6 Nights
8 Days/7 Nights
10 Days/9 NightsTo help you prepare for your trip, please ensure you understand the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination, for both directions of travel, which may change frequently.
