Eritrea & Djibouti II

Day 1: Asmara

• After meet & greet at the airport, we start our expedition with a city tour of Asmara, the Eritrean capital, a city that seems frozen in time. It’s often called “Piccola Roma” (Little Rome) and boasts a stunning collection of Art Deco architectural wonders, including the Roman Catholic cathedral, St Mary Coptic Church, Al Khulafa al Rashedin, various markets (vegetable, spices, souvenirs, medeber), the National Museum, and the Fiat Tagliero building, to name a few.
• Overnight in Asmara.

Day 2: Massawa

• After a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic drive downhill via the Ghinda road, leading to the picturesque port city of Massawa. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and the exotic flora and fauna that make up this lush “Green Belt” area. We’ll continue our enjoyable drive, arriving in Massawa.
• In the afternoon, explore the city of Massawa, often referred to as the “City of Islands” and the “Pearl of the Red Sea.” Massawa has been a vital port for centuries. Its Turkish-style architecture, charming shopping arcades, magnificent mosques, and delectable seafood await your discovery. Massawa offers something for everyone, with pristine beaches and world-class swimming just a short distance from the city center.
• Overnight in Massawa.

Day 3: Return to Asmara

• After breakfast, we’ll finish our visit to Massawa and return to Asmara. We will visit any remaining landmarks  such as  Cinema Roma, the former Opera House of Asmara, the old railway station of Asmara, Cinema Impero and the Post Office built in 1916 and many other sites along the way!

Day 4: Flight to Djibouti

• Today we fly between Asmara and Djibouti. Flight departs Asmara at 12:40pm so we still have time for a last morning walk around this city full of charm.
• After a short layover in Addis, we land in Djibouti around 5.30pm, with enough time to explore the capital before dinner.
• Overnight in Djibouti City.

Day 5: Lake Abbé

• Today, we are heading to Lake Abbé – a remarkable saltwater lake situated on the Ethiopia-Djibouti border, known for its otherworldly scenery. The lake is characterized by unique limestone chimneys. The area around Lake Abbé is also home to the Afar people, who have been traditionally pastoralists and are well-adapted to the arid and semi-arid landscapes of the region. We will spend the night in a tourist camp in the region, which features traditional Afar huts and provides a basic but immersive experience.
• Overnight: Camp in Lake Abbé.

Day 6: Lac Assal and Djibouti City

• In the morning, we’ll venture out to Lac Assal, a crater lake in the Danakil Depression at 150 meters below sea level. It’s a stunning collection of landscapes that includes black lava fields, salty flats, and emerald waters. The lake is nestled within a volcanic crater and is surrounded by stunning landscapes. Its high salinity is a notable characteristic, making it one of the most saline bodies of water globally. The salt concentration is even higher than that of the Dead Sea. In the afternoon, we will drive back to Djibouti City.
• Overnight in Djibouti City.

Day 7: Whale Watching and Boat Cruise

• Djibouti is well-known for being a great place to spot whale sharks in the wild. January is still the season, so we will venture out to the Red Sea and try to swim with these majestic creatures. After the encounter, we’ll have a chance to spend the rest of the day at sea, snorkeling and cruising.
• Overnight in Djibouti City.

Day 8: Fly Out

After breakfast, the worst moment of every expedition: we say goodbye. The expedition is finished, and we fly out.