Lake Assal Day Trip from Djibouti
Description
The uniqueness and specificity of this circuit lies in three aspects: in addition to walking on the lowest place in Africa, during this excursion you will discover the caravan of salt ancestral practice of Afar tribes and also be immersed in the local culture. finally and above all, even with the naked eye in the open air, the separation on the tectonic plates, a unique geological phenomenon in the world.
Tour Options
Itinerary
On the going to reach the lake ASSAL, we will pass by ARTA town where there is a panoramic point on the expanse of the GULF OF TADJOURAH.
On our way to Lake Assal, we will take a photography break at DIMBIYA, the Grand Canyon of Djibouti: this is an important site because it is the starting point of the Grand Rift Valley on the continent. African. the trip from ARTA to the DIMBIYA canyon is (1Hour) Still, on the way to Lake Assal, we will take a photography break at the panoramic point of view on the bay of GHOUBET EL KHARAB: this is an immense bay in the middle of which is frozen a large hill-shaped crater called Devil's Island. The GHOUBET EL KHARAB is an Arabic expression that means abyss of the demon. the guide will explain why on the ground. (25 mins)
we arrive at Lake Assal: it is one of the most lakes in the world, it is the lowest point in africa and the 3rd lowest point in the world after the dead sea and the dead valey. You will walk on the salt ice, try the floating experience. Then you go to admire the nomads making the salt caravan which is a cultural and ancestral practice of the Afar tribes. Finally, you will pass over a point of thermal waters where there is a fish spa, you will let small larval fish gnaw the dead skin of your foot.
After lake assal we drive to join the GHOUBET EL KHARAB bay beach, for lunch break . After lunch we explore the surrounding landscape: the volcano’s craters & frozen lava landscape. Witness the separation of African and Arabian tectonic plates and explore frozen lava tunnels. Climb the ARDOUKOBA volcano crater for breathtaking views of the salt flats and the captivating Ghoubet El Kharab, also known as the “abyss of the demon” and cherished by Jacques Cousteau.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
you must tell us your flight agenda or the hotel where you stay or send us your adress
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(59)
Hello, Is this excursion still available? If you have already participated, would you have the contact? By email would be better. Thank you.
I had great time with the guide Maria and Driver Hassan I would highly recommend going with these two The iternary was well thought about And every stop is something new to do They provide free water bottles which are well needed in this trip Bring your hat and sunglasses with you I would highly recommend this trip if you visit Djibouti 🇩🇯
It’s really a perfect day tour. My driver Hassan and Guide Ani is super friendly and arrange everything very well. We both visited the Lake Assal, Volcano Ardoukoba, some view points of canyon. After the trip they kindly bring me to the airport on time.
Today I had the incredible pleasure of exploring Lake Assal, Goubet Bay and even a volcano with my tour guide Gilbert. Gilbert made the tour an unforgettable experience! He took wonderful care of me from the beginning and made sure everything went smoothly. His knowledge of the land, culture and nature is impressive – from the tectonic plates and hot springs to exciting stories about the area – Gilbert could answer every question and explained everything so vividly. You immediately notice that he has a huge experience and shares his passion for the country. Thanks to Gilbert, I got an insight that you would never experience as a tourist otherwise. Highly recommended – thanks for this fantastic day!
Great day trip while I killed time before embarking on my scuba diving cruise. Sam and Hassan we are knowledgeable, personable, and kind. Lake Assal is amazing. The quantity of salt there is shocking. The natural springs and rock formations were also very intriguing. The lava flow from the most recent eruption covered what seemed like miles. Being able to view three tectonic plates in one place was pretty amazing. We were lucky enough to see a camel caravan and a troop of baboons. On the way back to the hotel, they were kind enough to allow me to stop at a store to purchase some supplies. Highly recommend!
Moussa is a fantastic guide, easy going, funny and knows Djibouti 🇩🇯 as well as anyone. He took us to places i didn't even know existed. Thanks 👍
Djibouti has a lot to offer for some adventure-minded tourists. The saline low-lying Lake Assal day trip combined with Dimbya Canyon is a definite highlight. Though the lake was not covered with salt when i went due to recent rains, the mountain-circled scenery was great. So was the volcanic side with gaps between tectonic plates being visible and signs of hot smoke coming through all being clearly visible. There is enough written about Dimbya Canyon but when you see it, it is spectacular. The trip with a private car was very well organised. My French was not good enough but the agency provided someone who had knowledge and also translated the driver's French. Don't worry too much - the scenery speaks for itself! If you are in Djibiuti - or even as a side trip from Ethiopia - one well-worth doing.
Our driver, Moussa, and guide was absolutely wonderful! He gave us such a great experience touring Djibouti!! He is knowledgeable, personable, and very accommodating!
My sister, mom, and I did a day trip to Lake Assal and the Salt Flats with Moussa. He is amazing! We felt safe the entire time, had great conversation, and really enjoyed his energy. Everything was perfect. I highly recommend Moussa for your trip to Djibouti!
Great organization, the guide Hassan spoke excellent English, everything was in time and as promised. Would go with them again.
