Transportation

4x4 vehicle with driver and fuel
Departure from

Djibouti
Best season

✔️ October – April: Cooler temperatures (20°C–30°C)
Tour type

Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals

All meals during the tour
Language

English, French, Arabic
Fitness level

Easy to Moderate
Group Size

1-10
Minimum Age

12
Maximum Age

65

Lakes & Landscapes Adventure

With our “2-Day Lake Abbé & Lake Assal Circuit,” you’ll embark on an adventure of exceptional intensity, exploring two of Djibouti’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Though short, this journey is carefully designed to ensure you experience the unique landscapes and hidden treasures of these two extraordinary sites—without stress, and with plenty of time to appreciate their beauty.

🌅 At Lake Abbé, witness the mesmerizing spectacle of sunset and sunrise amid the towering limestone chimneys. Get up close to flamingos and observe the diverse wildlife inhabiting the lake’s shores and surrounding trails.

🛶 At Lake Assal, immerse yourself in one of the world’s saltiest lakes. Enjoy a refreshing float in its surreal turquoise waters, followed by a scenic picnic lunch in this otherworldly setting.

This adventure promises awe-inspiring landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and moments of pure wonder in two of Djibouti’s most iconic destinations.

Highlights

Lunar landscapes of Lake Abbé, perfect for photography
Sunrise over the limestone chimneys
Flamingos and geothermal hot springs
The dramatic Grand Canyon of Djibouti (Dimbiya Canyon)
Lake Assal—one of the saltiest lakes in the world
Opportunity for a saltwater swim with a fresh water rinse
Optional extended adventure to Ardoukoba Volcano

Day 1 :

The Planet of Lake Abbé

Morning: From Djibouti to Dikhil

We take a 120 km asphalt road from Djibouti to Dikhil, the same route used by Ethiopian truckers transporting goods from Djibouti’s port to Addis Ababa.

We will cross the semi-desert landscapes of Petit Bara and Grand Bara, where mirages, whirlwinds, and gazelles can be spotted with some luck.

Before lunch at La Palmeraie restaurant in Dikhil, we will visit the palm grove of the town.

Afternoon: Off-Road Adventure to Lake Abbé

After Dikhil, we leave the paved road and cover 80 km of sandy tracks, passing through the villages of As Eyla and Koutabouya. Along the way, we may spot Pelzen’s gazelles and, as we get closer to our destination, wild warthogs.

Lake Abbé, situated on the Ethiopia-Djibouti border, is a site with a breathtaking lunar landscape shaped by towering limestone chimneys. It is a paradise for photographers, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Although it is often rumored that the original Planet of the Apes was filmed here, this is a misconception—the site remains extraordinary nonetheless.

The lake gets its name from the sulfuric fumes that escape from its fumaroles, as “Lac Abbé” means "Rotten Lake."

We will arrive at the Lake Abbé campsite in the evening to witness the sunset over this surreal scenery.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Lake Abbé camp.

Day 2 :

From Lake Abbé to Lake Assal

Morning: Sunrise Over Lake Abbé & Journey to Lake Assal

We will wake up early to experience the mesmerizing sunrise amidst the limestone chimneys. Then, we will walk to the shores of the lake to observe flamingos and explore hot water springs.

Our journey continues toward Lake Assal, with a stop at Dimbiya Canyon, also known as the "Grand Canyon of Djibouti," for a spectacular view.

We will then take a short detour from the main road to reach Lake Assal.

Lake Assal: The Salt Wonderland

At 153 meters below sea level, Lake Assal is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. Due to the extreme heat and evaporation, salt has been harvested here for centuries. No living organisms can survive in the lake.

Swimming is possible, but we will bring fresh water for rinsing afterward—otherwise, you risk turning into a salt statue! Plastic water shoes are recommended to protect against the sharp salt formations on the lake.

Though the high temperatures make this area less hospitable, its legendary beauty, famously described by adventurer-writer J. Kessel, makes it a must-visit.

For a longer circuit, we can organize an overnight bivouac at the lake to enjoy the sunrise and trek to the Ardoukoba volcano the next morning.

Lunch: Picnic at Lake Assal.

Afternoon: Return to Djibouti

We will start our journey back to Djibouti. If time permits, we can visit the lava fields between Lake Assal and the Goubet region.

Evening: Airport transfer.

Lakes & Landscapes: Abbé to Assal Adventure