| country: | Djibouti |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2008: 23 Oct, 6 Nov, 20 Nov, 18 Dec, 25 Dec 2009: 12 Mar, 26 Mar, 9 Apr |
| price: | From £1299 - £1920 (10 days) including flights from the UK, from £799 excluding flights. Local payment US $250. Price includes accommodation, flights, tour leader, local guides, meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners) |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Come and spend 6-nights aboard our chartered motor yacht on a seatrek with a real difference. Tiny Djibouti on the coast of East Africa is a land of extremes. Palm-fringed beaches of white sand, primeval forests and weird geology.
We'll cruise, sail and snorkel clear turquoise waters in the Gulf of Tadjoura, explore salty Lake Assal - the lowest spot in Africa - and climb a sleeping volcano! Rest and relax under deep blue skies, spot dolphins and turtles and swim with mighty whale sharks (Sep-Jan)!
Marine Park, Tadjoura & Whale Sharks
Before setting sail there's time to visit Djibouti town's colourful market. Then, a short cruise takes us to the islands of Musha and Maskali, a marine park with a superb lagoon and birdlife. Next we cruise to Tadjoura, the 12th century historic capital. From here we can take an optional day trip to visit the remarkable Foret du Day, a primeval mountain forest of giant junipers, wild olives and birds.
Entering via a narrow gully we moor and snorkel near Devil's Island in the deep Bay of Ghoubet “Devil's-Cauldron”. It is a wonderful place for seeing whale sharks (Sep-Jan), leaping dolphins, swordfish and manta rays.
Assal Great Salt Lake & Coral Gardens
From our vessel we make an excursion by 4WD to explore dramatic black volcanic landscapes, the great salt lake of Assal (153m below sea level) and make an easy climb to the crater of Ardoukoba volcano. Then, cruising east we reach the beach at Arta, a favourite area for reef sharks, rays and turtles. From here there's a chance to take an exciting overnight desert trip to the lunar landscape of Lake Abbé with its hot springs and strange lava chimney formations. Alternatively, spend a final day snorkelling, watching for colourful marine life and exploring coral reefs off isolated beaches.
We'll cruise, sail and snorkel clear turquoise waters in the Gulf of Tadjoura, explore salty Lake Assal - the lowest spot in Africa - and climb a sleeping volcano! Rest and relax under deep blue skies, spot dolphins and turtles and swim with mighty whale sharks (Sep-Jan)!
Marine Park, Tadjoura & Whale Sharks
Before setting sail there's time to visit Djibouti town's colourful market. Then, a short cruise takes us to the islands of Musha and Maskali, a marine park with a superb lagoon and birdlife. Next we cruise to Tadjoura, the 12th century historic capital. From here we can take an optional day trip to visit the remarkable Foret du Day, a primeval mountain forest of giant junipers, wild olives and birds.
Entering via a narrow gully we moor and snorkel near Devil's Island in the deep Bay of Ghoubet “Devil's-Cauldron”. It is a wonderful place for seeing whale sharks (Sep-Jan), leaping dolphins, swordfish and manta rays.
Assal Great Salt Lake & Coral Gardens
From our vessel we make an excursion by 4WD to explore dramatic black volcanic landscapes, the great salt lake of Assal (153m below sea level) and make an easy climb to the crater of Ardoukoba volcano. Then, cruising east we reach the beach at Arta, a favourite area for reef sharks, rays and turtles. From here there's a chance to take an exciting overnight desert trip to the lunar landscape of Lake Abbé with its hot springs and strange lava chimney formations. Alternatively, spend a final day snorkelling, watching for colourful marine life and exploring coral reefs off isolated beaches.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Fly London/Djibouti. |
| Day 2: | Arrive Djibouti. Sightseeing in Djibouti town; cruise to Musha and Maskali Islands. |
| Day 3: | Visit bird island; cruise to Tadjoura. |
| Day 4: | Visit Tadjoura town; cruise/sail into Bay of Ghoubet to Devil's Island; snorkelling; optional excursion to primeval Foret du Day. |
| Day 5: | Full day excursion to Ardoukoba volcano & Lake Assal. |
| Day 6: | Cruise/sail east to Arta Beach. |
| Day 7: | Snorkelling; whale shark & dolphin spotting; optional overnight desert trip to Lake Abbé. |
| Day 8: | Swim/snorkelling then cruise to Djibouti town. |
| Day 9: | Free in Djibouti town; optional excursion to Cheetah refuge. Fly London. |
| Day 10: | Arrive London. |
| Note: Itinerary may vary according to local weather conditions. |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.how this holiday makes a difference
Part of the Great Rift Valley, tiny Djibouti is a little-visited but fascinating nation and provides an open textbook on geology as well as a offering a wealth of marine life. The yacht used for our five-day sea trek is owned and operated by the vice president of the Marine Conservation society, a local NGO supporting research on marine life that includes coral, turtles and of course whale sharks for which the area is famous. During our time on board, we take the opportunity to learn more about the delicate marine eco-system, its preservation and the research being conducted. Between September and January there is also the possibility of seeing the majestic whale sharks during our time on board. All waste created during our voyage is securely stored on board and properly disposed of on return to Djibouti Town. During our sea trek, our programme also offers two land-based excursions to Day forest and an overnight stay at Lake Abbe. Local suppliers are used in both instances to provide vehicles, food and camp facilities with all the income generated going to the local community who otherwise have very limited financial means. As well as the above, we support a variety of charities and projects worldwide which support vulnerable communities and habitats including Friends of Conservation, Hope Worldwide and Send A Cow. We are also actively engaged with UK travel industry bodies which promote best practice in responsible tourism, such as Tourism Concern, The Travel Foundation and AITO. Our commitment to responsible tourism is not limited to our overseas operation and we have measures to ensure our UK office operates according to our responsible tourism policy. Carbon offsets for all flights booked with us are included in the tour cost. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |















Part of the Great Rift Valley, tiny Djibouti is a little-visited but fascinating nation and provides an open textbook on geology as well as a offering a wealth of marine life. The yacht used for our five-day sea trek is owned and operated by the vice president of the Marine Conservation society, a local NGO supporting research on marine life that includes coral, turtles and of course whale sharks for which the area is famous. During our time on board, we take the opportunity to learn more about the delicate marine eco-system, its preservation and the research being conducted.