DESCRIPTION OF SOMALI HOLIDAYS IN
SOMALIA
The horn of Africa is
a fascinating mélange of cultures, from nomadic herders to Arabian traders and
influences from across the Indian Ocean. It is also home to some of the
continent’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes, a land where the taste of
the wild is in the air, simply begging the intrepid traveller to explore.
Starting in Djibouti we visit Lac Assal and the spectacular Lac Abbe, a vast
salt lake with tall limestone chimneys belching gas into the air that looks for
all the world like it should be on another planet. We then cross into Ethiopia,
heading into the Afar desert and meeting the formidable Afar people, once
feared throughout the region. We hike up the volcano of Erta Ale and marvel at
its lava lake, visit the hot springs at Dallol - the hottest place on earth -
and look out for camel caravans carting blocks of salt across the desert.
From Addis Ababa we fly to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland where we explore the central markets, full of exceptionally friendly traders. At Las Geel see incredible rock art which was only discovered a few years ago, and in the coastal city of Berbera explore the streets of Darole, packed full of Ottoman era architecture and reminiscent of the better known towns of the Swahili Coast. Finally, on our way back to Hargeisa we drive off road through gorgeous landscapes to the rock paintings of Dhagax Khoure, meeting nomadic communities en route. There are few places in the world that can compete with this region for real adventure.
From Addis Ababa we fly to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland where we explore the central markets, full of exceptionally friendly traders. At Las Geel see incredible rock art which was only discovered a few years ago, and in the coastal city of Berbera explore the streets of Darole, packed full of Ottoman era architecture and reminiscent of the better known towns of the Swahili Coast. Finally, on our way back to Hargeisa we drive off road through gorgeous landscapes to the rock paintings of Dhagax Khoure, meeting nomadic communities en route. There are few places in the world that can compete with this region for real adventure.
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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1:
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Djibouti - Arrive in Djibouti and
transfer to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to
explore the capital. Overnight Hotel Plein Ciel or similar.
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Day 2:
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Lac Assal - We head to the crater
lake of Lac Assal – the lowest point in Africa (-150 m), as well as the most
saline body of water in the world (up to 40%). One of Africa’s most
impressive natural phenomena, its spectacular colours and unusual crystalline
formations give it an almost alien appearance. We may see Afar herders or
salt collectors on its shores. Return to Tadjoura for the night. (BLD)
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Day 3:
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Lac Abbe - Drive to Lac Abbe,
stopping en route to meet local people and arriving in the late afternoon to
watch the sun set over one of Africa’s most enigmatic and breathtaking
regions. Overnight Lac Abbe Camp. (BLD)
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Day 4:
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Lac Abbe – Semera - This morning
we visit the extraordinary landscape of Lac Abbe, a desolate salt lake with
hundreds of limestone chimneys belching sulphur into the atmosphere. This
landscape is so other-worldly that the classic science fiction film ‘Planet
of the Apes’ was filmed here. From here we cross into Ethiopia and head to
Semera. (BLD)
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