2 Days Lac Abbé and Lac Assal Tour
The visit to Lac Abbé and Lac Assal is organized over two consecutive days. The first day is dedicated to the journey to Lac Abbé, with an arrival in the late afternoon to witness the spectacular sunset. On the morning of the second day, we will leave for Lac Assal after watching the sunrise at Lac Abbé.
Visite du Lac Abbé
On the trail between Dikhil and Lac Abbé, you can spot Pelzen gazelles and warthogs. As the day ends, you’ll have the chance to witness the return of the flocks.
Sunrise at Lac Abbé
On the second day, we will begin the morning by watching the sun rise over the famous chimneys of Lac Abbé. Afterward, we’ll see the hot springs up close and observe the pink flamingos in their natural habitat. We will then head toward Lac Assal and return to Djibouti city by late afternoon.
For a detailed program, see the circuit “2 days at Abbé Lake and Assal Lake.”
1-Day Lac Abbé or Lac Assal Tour
It is also possible to visit only one of the two lakes in a single day. However, due to the length of the trip and the special experience of watching both the sunrise and sunset at Lac Abbé, we recommend a 2-day tour with an overnight stay.
Lac Assal does not have campsites, but Africorne Travel can arrange a bivouac on-site for an unforgettable night under the stars, allowing you to enjoy the sunrise the following morning and hike to Ardoukoba volcano (with or without a 4×4 vehicle).
Bivouac at Lac Assal
1 or 2 Days Lac Abbé Tour
Lac Abbé is a must-see destination in Djibouti. The 5-hour 4×4 journey to reach its shores involves 80 kilometers of rugged terrain, passing through villages such as As Eyla and Koutabouya.
The journey is well worth it! Upon arrival, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet. The lunar landscape of Lac Abbé was famously used as a backdrop for the 1968 film Planet of the Apes (though this is a rumor, the site certainly makes it seem believable!).
The border between Djibouti and Ethiopia runs along the western shore of Lac Abbé. The lake stretches as far as the eye can see, surrounded by towering limestone chimneys, some reaching up to 50 meters in height.
Lac Abbé Chimneys
The sulphurous scent from the fumaroles rising from some of the chimneys, combined with the boiling springs, gives the lake its name. “Lac Abbé” means “rotten lake” due to the strong odor. This is a result of the Ethiopian river Awash feeding the lake, with water diverted upstream into marshes by the Dama Alé volcano. A dam on this river, built to irrigate cotton crops, has contributed to the shrinking of the lake’s shores.
The sunrise and sunset over the chimneys are unforgettable sights, offering a unique and otherworldly atmosphere.
Fumaroles at Lac Abbé
It is highly recommended to travel with a guide to explore Lac Abbé and its surroundings, as certain areas are unsafe due to the shifting terrain near the hot springs. The risk of vehicle slumping is a serious concern.
Lac Abbé is also a vital location for the local nomadic populations, who bring their herds of sheep and goats to graze near the lake each morning after sunrise. The donkeys, familiar with the route, travel alone to the lake’s grassy areas, returning only after sunset.
Lac Abbé Herds
Wild animals frequently visit Lac Abbé, including warthogs, jackals, foxes, ibises, ducks, and even hyenas, though they are not often spotted.
The flamingos are another constant presence, often seen early in the morning. With patience and a quiet approach, you may get the chance to capture them in a stunning photograph.
Flamingos at Lac Abbé
Lac Abbé, like many other bodies of water, is facing environmental challenges. 9,000 years ago, it covered the entire Gobaad area, and fossilized shells can still be found far from its shores. In 1939, the lake spanned more than 550 km², but today its surface area has diminished to less than 150 km².
1 Day Lac Assal Tour
Lac Assal is the saltiest lake in the world after the Dead Sea and Lake Tiberias, containing over 330 grams of salt per liter of water. Located 157 meters below sea level, it is the lowest point on the African continent (and the third lowest point in the world).
Lake Assal Surrounded by Lava Fields
The lake receives seawater through an underground tunnel created by the rift fault. On the northeastern side of the lake, fresh water sources emerge from the mountains, creating small patches of vegetation in the otherwise harsh environment.
The salt from the lake has been harvested for centuries, and the area continues to be a significant source of salt for local communities. The few inhabitants of this area harvest salt by diving into the lake and covering objects such as goat skulls with salt, which they later sell to tourists.
Salt Balls at Lac Assal
The site’s legendary beauty is striking, with a thick salt crust surrounding the lake that can reach up to 60 meters. The contrast between the white salt, the blue waters of the lake, and the surrounding black lava creates a scene so breathtaking that it has been described by writer Joseph Kessel as the “three circles of color.”
Dromedary on the Salt Floe
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a caravan of camels transporting salt, following the traditional methods where the salt is harvested, reduced into smaller pieces, and packed into bags weighing 25 kg each, which are carried by the camels.
Camel Caravan at Lac Assal
For the adventurous, a swim in the lake allows you to experience the buoyancy of the water, thanks to its high salt density. We provide fresh water for a shower and necessary footwear to protect you from sharp salt crystals on the lakebed.
