Tour to Djibouti and Somaliland

The tour to Djibouti and Somaliland combines the highlights of Djibouti with a tour of the unrecognized Somaliland, which has some hidden treasures. On this traveling adventure we will explore many of the little-known landscapes, cities, and historical sites of Djibouti and Somaliland, including Lac Abbe, Lac Assal, Tadjourah, Danakil on the coast of Djibouti, Hargeisa, Laasgeel, Berbera, Sheikh, and Dhagah koure on the north of the country.

Djibouti and Somaliland are located at the very edge of the African continent, just a stone’s throw away from Arabia, on the shores of the Red Sea. It is an exciting trip that explores some of Africa’s most striking landscapes and cultures. There is just as much influence from the Middle East as there is from the developing world on this journey. After our stay in Djibouti city, we continue with the journey to Lac Abbe, which is an area of harsh and amazing landscapes. 

One of the highlights of our trip was observing the ever-changing colours of the huge salt lake surrounded by strange rock formations as the sun set and rose over the course of the night. Our next destination is Lac Assal, Africa’s lowest point, and it’s also the home of the Afar salt collectors. The next day, we continue our tour to Tadjourah, an old Ottoman settlement located on the coast overlooking the Arabian Sea. The journey to Somaliland takes us through the harsh and sparsely populated deserts of the country. 

As a sovereign state, Somaliland is totally independent of its neighbor Somalia. Compared to the chaos and tension in Somalia, the overall environment here is a lot more relaxed. In Las Geel you will find some of the most impressive rock art in the world, which is relatively unknown outside the region. Afterwards, we explore the historical buildings of Berbera’s seaport and then head back to our hotel. 

As a visitor to Somaliland, you will feel as if you are a pioneer, since few people get to see the country – and you will meet friendly local people who are delighted to welcome visitors. The tour includes a visit to the local market of Hargeisa, a stop at Dhagax Khoure to see the rock art, and a mountain hike in Sheikh, just before we return to the capital. 
There is nothing tamed about this wild land, which is home to nomadic peoples who have barely changed since centuries ago. The journey here is not for everyone – creature comforts can be hard to come by on occasion. However, for those seeking to visit Africa’s authentic, traditional parts, the rewards are immense.