Lakes & Landscapes: Abbé to Assal Adventure

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.

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.