Trekking to the salt plains of Lake Assal | Djibouti
After leaving Lake Abbe on our Djibouti adventure, we headed in the 4x4s across the Great Barra to Dikhil region to trek across the Danakil Desert to the beautiful salt plains of Lake Assal.
About Lake Assal
Also, known as the honey lake, it is a saline lake that lies 155 m (509 ft) below sea level in the Afar Triangle, making it the lowest point on land in Africa and the third-lowest point on Earth after the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. This area is one of the hottest places on earth, the underground of Lake Assal keeps evaporating adding to the density of the salt bed.
How To Trek To Lake Assal
Bivouac By Wadi Abbe Bad
Following our experience of sunset and sunrise by the chimneys of Lake Abbe, our journey took us back along the very rocky path to Dikhil where standard lunch was served… tuna salad to start, followed by fried chicken, rice and chips with crepes and Nutella to finish. Having refuelled, we travelled in the 4×4 for around 3 hours to get to the Wadi Abbe Bad where we set up our bivouac for the night. We fell asleep on our beds to the sight of the stars in the clear sky, one of my favourite things to do.
Woke up to the camels making some very strange noises, the group starting to shuffle around, packing or finding a ‘good’ toilet spot. Breakfast was served, fried bread and Nutella with fruit on the side. Word must’ve got around the local Afari settlement as the kids came over to watch us.
Trekking To Lake Assal
The trek through the Danakil desert was nothing but volcanic rocks. It was a pleasant walk, without much climbing or stamina required. We came across a Wadi pool which was perfect timing as the day was starting to heat up, very refreshing but made sure I kept my mouth shut as I jumped in, the water was rather green. Just around the corner was our eating spot.
The camels had gone ahead with the Afari chef who had started cooking a feast of, yes, you guessed it, tuna salad, followed by fried chicken and rice. Mats had been laid out in the shade of the rocks away from the midday sun, we moved into a cave for a post-lunch siesta till the day cooled down a little.
Dazzling Salt Plains Of Lake Assal
Our trek continued for a couple of hours through black lava fields with dormant volcanos and as we neared the end, the vision of the bright white salt plains of Lake Assal glistened in the sun with the saline waters a rainbow of emeralds and baby blues. My mind was blown!
We organised our bags and beds and headed down to the water for a swim at sunset… or float should I say! Whilst the saline waters did make you buoyant, I felt it was more so on my visit to the Dead Sea. Make sure you bring thick shoes for the walk down to the lake to avoid ripping your feet to shreds.
Our bivouac had been set up behind a row of rocks in an attempt to shield us from the strong winds. The 4x4s have been strategically placed around the dinner table so our food didn’t take flight. The pinky-peachy sunset across the white plains was a beauty then we were rewarded with another night of gazing at the stars in the clear sky. Waking up to the vivid orange sun rising behind the mountains was the best way to start the day!
DJIBOUTI | TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Visa Requirements
Depending on your country of origin, there may be some differences in the length your visa is valid for but all travellers are required to obtain a visa for Djibouti. Evidence of a return ticket is required and ensure you have 6 months validity on your passport.
My visa was applied for with the Djiboutian Embassy, however, since my travel visa applications can now be made online.
Best Time To Visit Djibouti
The best time to visit Djibouti is between November to January when the weather is comparatively cooler and perfect for outdoor activities. This is also the best time of year if you wish to swim with the whale sharks as part of your Djibouti trip. May to September is pretty hot so best to avoid this low season.
Tours In Djibouti
The only way to travel into the off-the-beaten-track parts of Djibouti is by using a tour company. There can be safety risks with border disputes or the dangers of inhospitable land conditions. Our trip was organised by Trekkup from Dubai who uses the best local guides on the ground for a seamless trip. Many companies will organise tours in Djibouti.
Language In Djibouti
It’s a great idea to dust off your French skills to help with your travel to Djibouti. Both Arabic and French are spoken, however, Arabic is taught as their first language.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance
Djibouti is one big adventure, and every adventure needs travel insurance. Benefit from 24-hour medical assistance, 365 days a year with single, multi-trip, and long-stay insurance, cover for Covid-19, and non-refundable expenses. The handy app makes this a simple process! They give a little back too by contributing to ‘Doctors Without Borders’. Get 5% off your travel insurance with HeyMondo.
PIN FOR LATER!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. It comes at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Are you stating the dead sea floats you more than this lake? How was the mud bath, did you partake in this? Did it leave your skin feeling different?
When I was in the Dead Sea, I did feel like you were more buoyant than in Lake Assal, not by much though! And yes, I covered myself in the mud at the Dead Sea, my skin felt super soft afterwards!
Thank you so much for the reply. Great site you have given us of your travels. When you were at the Assal lake, did you cover yourself in mud there also? Did you feel the mud there had the same feeling as when in the Dead Sea? I was just curious as both bodies of water are lowest points on the continent and with high salinity levels.
There is no mud at Lake Assal, it’s purely salt plains surrounded by volcanic landscape around it. Thank you for the compliment about my site!
There is no mud at Lake Assal, it’s purely salt plans surrounded by volcanic landscape around it. Thank you for the compliment about my site!
There is no mud at Lake Assal, it’s purely salt plains surrounded by volcanic landscape around it. Thank you for the compliment about my site!