Somaliland and Djibouti tour
Includes: accommodation, guides, meals as listed, transfers, entrance fees, 4x4 WD transportation, travel permits, Special Police Escort (Somaliland).
Permission letters.
Tour can be done as a Private or Group Tour.
Description of Somaliland and Djibouti tour
This Somaliland and Djibouti tailor made tour takes you on a voyage of discovery to the little-visited landscapes, cities and historic sites of Djibouti and the self-declared state of Somaliland. It’s the only overland tour to connect the two regions.
You’ll spend time in vibrant Djibouti City before heading off to Lake Abbé, driving through the Grand Bara and Petit Barra deserts along the way and sleeping in traditional Afar huts on the shores of the lake upon arrival. The lake is particularly famous for the limestone chimneys that punctuate the surrounding landscape. Next it’s on to Lake Assal, the lowest point in the African continent, followed by Tadjourah, an old town full of whitewashed buildings and mosques, a short drive from the pretty beach at Plages de Sables Blancs.
Next, you’ll cross the border into Somaliland. A self-declared nation little-visited by foreign tourists, a visit here is a true adventure. Even the drive across the border to the town of Hargeisa is a remarkable journey, and includes a stop at the ancient rock painting site of Dhagax Khoure. In Hargeisa itself, you’ll visit the civil war memorial as well as a livestock market, which serves as the backbone of the city’s economy.
Your next stop is the Laas Geel cave paintings, a real highlight of the trip. One of the most important rock art sites in East Africa, it’s home to vibrant paintings thought to be around 10,000 years old. Next it’s on to the historic town of Berbera, which has many fine example of Ottoman and British architecture. You’ll stay at a hotel right on the beach, and there will be ample time for swimming and snorkelling.
On your final day you’ll drive back to Hargeisa via the cool air of the Sheikh Mountains, in preparation for your flight home the next day. The trip takes place throughout the year. You can also reverse the itinerary and start in Somaliland.
Price information
Includes: accommodation, guides, meals as listed, transfers, entrance fees, 4x4 WD transportation, travel permits, Special Police Escort (Somaliland).
Permission letters.
Tour can be done as a Private or Group Tour.
Departure information
Travel guides
Reviews
2 Reviews of Somaliland and Djibouti tour
Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026 by John Humphreys
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visit to the Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre, and the prehistoric rock paintings at Laas Geel, both in Somaliland.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you have all of the necessary visas, and use an agency such as this operator to organize logistics in-country.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent service, fascinating experience.
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2022 by Family from the UK
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The country, lake Abbe, Djibouti City, Tadjoura, the Good mountains and Sable Blanc ... followed by Lake Assal, the Rift Valley canyon, the volcano, the ferry ride across the gulf of Tadjoura. Our guide, Akram was a gem - enthusiastic, very well informed, curious, speaks 7 languages and had a great sense of humour.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It's a fascinating place if you get stuck in, don't mind to rough it, ask questions and are fascinated by life.
It is unbearably hot & humid. Make sure you have water, SPF50, hat, cover up and insect repellent.
Try as many different foods as you can - Yemeni, Somalian, Ethiopian, Afar breads.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. In Djibouti City we picked a locally run hotel rather than an international chain, we ate at the local restaurants and engaged with locals at every opportunity. When overnighting outside Djibouti City we stayed with the Afar tribe, a local community project and a local family. Aside from the flights we left no 'footprint' and took all rubbish back with us into Djibouti City to be collected.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Responsible Travel
Planet
his itinerary connects Djibouti and Somaliland by road through a land-border crossing. Selected visits include walking with local guides.At Lake Abbé, guests follow their guide’s route and leave the limestone formations undisturbed.
Before visiting archaeological sites, guests receive guidance on visitor behaviour. At Laas Geel and Dhagax Khoure, travellers must follow site instructions, avoid touching the rock paintings and leave stones and other objects where they find them.
We ask guests to take their litter away, bring a reusable shopping bag and decline unnecessary disposable bags. Guests are encouraged to use water and electricity carefully at their accommodation
People
We arrange services with guides, drivers and providers based in Djibouti and Somaliland. Accommodation, meals and activities are booked with the establishments and operators included in the itinerary.Market visits offer opportunities to purchase directly from local traders and craftspeople. Cultural visits introduce guests to the traditions of the destinations they visit.
Travellers receive information about local customs, appropriate clothing and photography permissions. Guides explain the context of visits and help guests interact respectfully with host communities.
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