Lake Abbe, Dikhil Region, Djibouti

4bluebay06 5:00 PM Dec 4, 2016

Lake Abbe and chimneys
We left Djibouti very early in the morning to reach lake Abbe. Four hours were necessary, two of them in a poor visible track in the desert where we have seen some gerenuk Litocranius walleri and several dorcas gazelle Gazella Dorcas. Before to reach the lake, there is a desert plateau with several limestone chimneys some as high as 40 – 60 m giving the impression to be alone on the moon surface. The hot springs create the condition for the presence of grass: some small green spots in a desert scenery of incredible beauty. In this green areas birds as African sacred ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus, Egyptian goose Alopochen aegyptiacus and spur winged lapwing vanellus spinosus were visible in the grass areas together with some donkeys. It is very dangerous to drive in the area between the chimneys and the lake because the surface looks like as hard and compact but below it is soft mud were even a 4WD can get stocked with no chance to come out. In this area there is a small camp where you can stay during the night sleeping in a very basic accommodation. This can offer the possibility to see the sunset and to walk to the lake to see the flamingos at sunrise. We preferred to return to Djibouti in the more comfortable room of the hotel that we reached late in the night after 4-hour driving. Daniel (Bambu Tour) gave us all the explanations about the chimneys and the lake allowing us not only to enjoy the impressive scenario but also to understand the geological evolution of such unique condition. Simply a fantastic trip!

5SueKot 5:00 PM Jan 13, 2020

Almost a Journey to Outer Space
First I would not advise someone to do this on one’s own. It is not only difficult but also prevents an adequate appreciation of the area. We organised a two day trip encompassing both Lac Abbe and Lac Assad with Somaliland Travel (see separate review). The journey to Lac Abbé merits its own entry. There are various deserts including the Gran Bara which is the location of an annual marathon. The route for the off roaders is to escape the main road and race along the flat barren desert. There is a line of boulders which mark the route of the marathon. Other partial deserts provide opportunities to see wildlife as well as to purchase camel or goat milk. We also witnessed a smugglers’ camel train taking shisa and cigarettes to Ethiopia. Approaching the lac the road becomes steadily more difficult. Flat desert like tracks give way to more rugged terrain. One part is over a white calcite area. Overall it takes around six to seven hours to get to the destination including a lunch stop. Lac Abbé is an unusual volcanic influenced place which is often likened to a lunar or Martian landscape. For a useless factoid one of the Planet of the Apes films ? was made here. The story behind the lake is rather sad and fraught with politics. It appears that Haile Selassie built a dam and effectively drained the Lake. Chimneys of limestone which had been created by the volcanic activity and were exposed to create today’s landscape This all occurred under the aegis of France ?? which was the colonial power in the 1950s when this occurred. Why was it permitted? The landscape is rugged at the Lac. The drained lake bottom has various springs, some hot. The chimneys reminded me at least of gigantic termite mounds albeit with steam vents in some cases. One chimney is so dominant that it been named Mont St. Michel. This is actually apposite. Extinct or dormant volcanoes ? surround the old lake circumference. The ground is treacherous with quicksands in places. Sunrise is an experience as the chimneys are seen in stark silhouette. The comments relating to the appearance of the region to another planet are obvious at this time. The overnight stop place is definitely a family venture. Electricity and hot water are not a problem due to solar power. Soft toilet paper ? was an unexpected delight. This was countered by the absence of soap, towels and pillows but this was easily overcome. Mosquito nets were optional but worthwhile. A torch is necessary to navigate between the hut and the toilet block.