10 Days 10 Days – Djibouti and Somaliland Combined Tour (Overland)
OverviewThis pioneering expedition combines the highlights from Djibouti with the hidden treasures of unrecognized Somaliland. First you cover the highlights of Djibouti such as Lake Abbé, Lake Assal, Ardoukoba Vulcano, Sable Blancs and Tadjourah. An unique overland journey through remoted areas in the Western part of Somaliland before arriving in the buzzling capital Hargeisa. This Djibouti and Somaliland Combined Tour is a must for travelers in The Horn of Africa.
Enquire NowItinerary
Day 1: Djibouti City – Pick up
Pick up and transfer to your Hotel. Depending on your arrival time you will explore the capital Djibouti City (BLD).
Day 2: Djibouti City – Dikhil – Lake Abbé
In the morning we’ll drive to Lake Abbé. The drive passes The Grand Bara and Petit Barra deserts. You will have an overnight stay at the Lake Abbé Camp to see the amazing scenery during sunset. The Camp is a settlement of traditional Afar huts which are very basic (BLD).
Day 3: Lake Abbé – Vulcano – Lake Assal – Goubet – Tadjourah
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 will also see nomadic people, Flamingos and Hot Springs. We drive to Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa. On our way we also visit the Panoramic views of Canyon Adaleh and Goubet (BLD).
Day 4: Tadjourah – Sables Blancs – Djibouti City
The oldest town in Djibouti is known for its whitewashed buildings. After exploring Tadjourah we head to Plage de Sables Blancs. Here you can refresh while enjoying beautiful white sand beaches and drinks. We continue to Djibouti City for an overnight stay before departure to Somaliland the next morning (BLD).
Day 5: Djibouti City – Somaliland border – Borama
In the morning drive to Looyada (Djibouti/ Somaliland border) to enter Somaliland. The long journey continues through remote semi desert areas in the Western part of Somaliland before arriving in Borama. It is the third biggest city of the country and known for its famous Amoud University. Overnight at Rays Hotel or similar. (BLD).
Day 6: Borama – Dhagax Khoure – Arabsiyo – Gebiley – Hargeisa
You’ll visit Borama and see the market. On our route to Hargeisa there will be a stop at the ancient rock painting site Dhagax Khoure. It contains animal and human figures spread over different panels in a striking landscape. We will also pass the tiny towns of Arabsiyo and Gebiley. These towns are known for their agriculture and Somali traditional culture. Upon arrival at the capital Hargeisa you will be taken to your hotel (BLD).
Day 7: Hargeisa Tour
In the early morning you visit The Livestock Market. Livestock is the backbone of the economy of Somaliland. You will explore Hargeisa City by visiting The Civil War Memorial and The Central Market. After a rest you can freely walk around in the city center of Hargeisa to get a sense of the people and the buzzling city (BLD).
Day 8: Hargeisa – Laas Geel – Berbera
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. Drive continues to Berbera where you’ll be taken to your beach hotel. Here you can hang out on the beach and go for a swim while the sun goes down. The beach hotel rents out snorkel, diving equipment and there is a possibility for a boat ride (BLD).
Day 9: Berbera – Sheikh – Hargeisa
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. At the end of the day we drive to Hargeisa (BLD).
Day 10: Hargeisa – Departure
Transfer to the Airport for your departing flight (B).
Inclusions
Included in the tour:
– Transportation with driver
– Accommodation (9 nights)
– Meals as listed in the program
– Travel Permits
– Permission letters for the sightseeing such as Laas Geel and other sites
– Special Police Unit (SPU) protection in Somaliland
– Site entrance fees in Somaliland and Djibouti
– English speaking Guide
Not included in the tour:
– Visa costs
– Flights
– Arrival/Departure tax
– Other personal expenses
– Meals not listed in the program
Country Information
| Land | Republic of Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea in the North, Federal Republic of Ethiopia in the West and South, and Somaliland in the East. It has an area of 23.200 square kilometers. |
|---|---|
| Country code | +253 |
| Climate | The country’s climate is mainly hot and dry conditions. The average temperature is between 25 and 35 Degrees Celsius. It can be over 40 Degrees Celsius in certain periods. |
| People | Djibouti has a population of just under 1 million people. The population consists of various principal groups of clans or clan families. The two largest ethnic groups are the Somali (60%) and the Afar (35%). |
| Language | Djibouti is a multilingual nation. It has 3 official languages: Somali, Arabic and French. |
| Capital | Djibouti City |
| Economy | The country has an economy mainly focused on the service sector. Commercial activities revolve around the country’s free trade policies and strategic location as a Red Sea transit point. With the huge investments in the big port it wants to be the main hub in North-East Africa. |
| Currency | The national currency is the Djibouti Franc (DFr). 1 USD is around 178.000 DFr. There are enough ATM machines in the country. It is also very easy and fast to send money through the many remittance/money transfer companies. Exchanging your money can in every corner of street. The US Dollar is widely accepted for purchasing goods. Credit card is however not widely accepted. |
| Time | Djibouti is in the GMT +3 hour zone. |
| Status | Recognized |
| Religion | Mainly Islamic. However, Alcohol is available everywhere. |
| Electric voltage | 220V/50Hz (European plug) |
| Public Holidays | 1 January New Year’s Day 1 May Labor Day 27 June Independence Day |