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Panorama of Lac Assal, Djibouti
Home Destinations Africa Djibouti

Djibouti Holidays

One of the smallest and least-known nations of Africa, Djibouti is full of surprises. Explore Lac Assal, the lowest point in Africa or the dormant Ardoukba Volcano, whilst underwater experience swimming with whale sharks.

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Squeezed between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somaliland, diminutive Djibouti can easily be overlooked. Bordering the busy Gulf of Aden, this coastal country hides a myriad of forgotten treasures within its impressive interior.

From dormant volcanoes and derelict colonial buildings to burnished clay chimneys and basking whale sharks, Djibouti has much to offer.

Assal Lake, Djibouti
Lake Assal, Djibouti

Why we like Djibouti

One of Africa’s smallest and least-known nations, Djibouti is full of surprises. The eerie lunar landscapes of Lac Abbe and Lac Assal are in stark contrast with the blue waters of the Gulf of Tadjoura and the green slopes of Goda Mountains.

Djibouti offers a vast array of activities for such a small country, from kite surfing and hiking to diving and swimming with whale sharks. Culinary exploration is also on the menu – sample the delicacies of local restaurants which mix Arabic and European influences alongside a sprinkling of eastern flavours. Djibouti captivates, leaving first-time visitors craving for more.

Hotel exterior and pool, Djibouti Palace Kempinski, Djibouti City
Djibouti Palace Kempinski, Djibouti, Djibouti
Tadjourah-Djibouti.jpg
Tadjourah, Djibouti
Swimming pool, Djibouti Palace Kempinski, Djibouti City
Djibouti Palace Kempinski, Djibouti, Djibouti

Djibouti City

Once a quiet, forgotten Red Sea port, this fusion of Africa and Arabia now bustles with life. Its colonial history ever-present but fast becoming a more distant memory, the city is benefiting from investment thanks to its strategic position looking out over the Gulf of Aden.

But this growth and burgeoning modernity have not come at the expense of tradition. A multitude of cultures, languages and ethnicities still brighten the busy streets. Crumbling French buildings, gleaming new office blocks and white-washed mosques meld together to form a metropolis of character and vitality.

Sunset over Lac Abbe, Djibouti
Lake Abbe, Djibouti

Highlights of a Djibouti holiday

  • Explore the inhospitable environs of Lac Assal, the lowest point in Africa.
  • Visit the dormant Ardoukoba Volcano, whose lava streams flowed into the Red Sea as recently as 1978.
  • Delve into Djibouti’s history with a trip to its oldest town, Tadjourah, with its white-washed buildings and crumbling mosques.
  • Discover the Dantean landscape of Lac Abbe decorated with hundreds of spiky clay chimneys.
Panorama of Lac Assal, Djibouti
Lac Assal, Djibouti
Explore Djibouti

Djibouti – Salt Lakes and Whale Sharks

6 days

from £3,165 pp

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Maximise every moment

What do you really love doing? We’ll tailor your itinerary to suit you.

Tadjourah-Djibouti.jpg
 

Tadjourah

Delve into Djibouti’s history with a trip to its oldest town, Tadjourah, with its white-washed buildings and crumbling mosques.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Whale shark, Djibouti
 

Swim with Whale Sharks

Swim beside these epipelagic fish during the cooler winter months, when they arrive in the Gulf of Tadjourah to feed.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Assal Lake, Djibouti
 

Visit Lac Assal

Explore the inhospitable environs of Lac Assal, the lowest point in Africa.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Sunset over Lac Abbe, Djibouti
 

Explore Lac Abbe

Discover the Dantean landscape of Lac Abbe decorated with hundreds of spiky clay chimneys.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

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  • 01285 880 980
Chris Johnston
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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor-made itinerary I create.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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