Day 2 – Lake Abhe, Dimbya Canyon, Lake Assal

We got out early next morning to see the sunrise and walk around the lake area.

Lake Abhe

Some areas of the chimneys spurt boiling water that are channeled by the locals to their farms. The lake is home to Flamingoes hunting for food early morning, and fly out to the far west end in Ethiopia soon, so wake up early morning and head directly to the lake.

 

 

 

After heading back to campsite, we had breakfast and left the camp around 8am heading back east to Djibouti City. First stop was a camp by the local Afar nomadic people who invited us to their home for some tea.

We also spotted some gazelles along the road.

 

 

After a long 4 hour drive, we reached Dimbya Canyon.

Dimbya Canyon

Djibouti’s “grand canyon”, known locally as Dimbya Canyon (location Google Maps) is where the Rift Valley begins. Locals sell pumice (volcanic rock) souvenirs carved into camels, cell phones, cars, etc.

Near Dimbya Canyon, we stopped at another lookout point to see Devil’s Island in the Bay of Ghoubet.

 

 

A short drive from the lookout point, we reached the last stop for the day – Lake Assal.

Lake Assal

Sitting at 512 feet (156 meters) below sea level, Lake Assal is the lowest point in Africa. Because of the hot temperatures, the lakes here should have evaporated long ago, but underground hot springs provide a permanent flow of water. The high amounts of evaporation that occur leave behind high levels of salt.

Although the Dead Sea is often mistaken as the world’s saltiest lake, but Lake Assal actually has the highest levels of saline than any lake in the world outside of Antarctica.

Surrounding the lake are several dormant volcanoes and lava fields. The location has been used by locals for decades to harvest salt; hauling the goods away on camelback. While the surrounding desert and volcanos are beautiful, the turquoise blue lake contrasted against the brilliantly white salt fields is breathtaking. Every bit of ground and rock in and around the lake is coated in a thick layer of salt. Local vendors often sell salt crystals, salt incrusted rocks, skulls, and other trinkets from Lake Assal.

 

 
After spending a few hours, we headed to Djibouti City along a 2 hour drive, arriving in evening and headed straight for dinner! Another spectacular day in Djibouti!

 

Djibouti story highlights on Instagram This trip report can also be seen on our story highlights on Instagram account @travelonthedollar. Click the image on left to go directly to Djibouti Highlights, or visit our Instagram profile and under ‘Highlights’, scroll to the right and click on ‘Djibouti’.

 

Note: All values in USD, unless otherwise mentioned, are approximate and based on the exchange rate of USD 1 = DJF 175 at the time of publishing. Each cost is for one adult. Note that the expenses do not include international flights to and from Djibouti.
 

What	Cost	Notes
Tips to Nomads	$5.71	DJF 1000 for tips to the Afar nomads.
Day Costs	$5.71	Per person
Overall Costs	$791.42	Per person

 

 
  #Africa #DimbyaCanyon #Djibouti #Itinerary #LakeAbhe #LakeAssal #TripReport