Welcome to Djibouti, East Africa
Price Guide: £££
Djibouti is a small stable country situated in the northern part of the "Horn of Africa. What makes Djibouti so special is that as a result of the mix of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean currents it has as an ecosystem that is profuse in marine life. Djibouti is shaped by volcanic activity meaning that the waters are rich in nutrients which attract such large numbers of marine species.
Djibouti is perhaps one of the few places in the world that you can virtually guarantee to see an abundance of Whale Sharks during the migration period between mid-September and mid-January. These large pelagic animals have cruised here from as far as the Seychelles and the Maldives, through the Indian Ocean towards the shore of Mozambique and then up north along the shores of Tanzania, Kenya, as far north as the Gulf of Aden and Djibouti.
On a recent visit with our dive club we were surrounded by five Whale Sharks at one point!
| A day trip to the Salt Lake of Assal, the hottest point of the planet is well worth a visit, or Lake Abbé with its pink flamingos and limestone needle. As well as being able to see Whale Sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura, the archipelago of Seven Brothers, only accessible by liveaboard, is home to over 200 recorded species of coral, some of which are endemic to the region. Situated at the point where the Red Sea meets the Indian Ocean there is often strong currents which brings in rich nutrients. Seven Brothers has exceptionally colourful corals and fish levels rarely seen elsewhere. Encounters with Rays, Barracuda, Grouper, Jacks and Dolphins are very common. One of the most memorable dives you’ll have is entering a large crack which is actually the fault line where the continents of Africa and Asia meet and was recently featured in the BBC documentaries ‘Oceans’ and the ‘Great Rift Valley’. We offer a seven night cruise aboard the MY Deli which accommodates a maximum of 12 divers in 6 twin berth cabins, although many people choose to sleep on deck under the blanket of stars and the warm sea-breeze. The size of the boat, combined with a generous amount of deck space makes MY Deli a comfortable liveaboard. |
| Accommodation On board this 26m long wooden ship there are 6 en-suite cabins each with it’s own bathroom and shower. The beds are configured with a lower double and a single upper bed, or you may prefer to sleep on deck under the stars, it’s entirely up to you. The boat is decorated in mahogany and teak giving it plenty of character. The saloon leads out to a large shaded seating and dining area at the stern of the yacht where you can enjoy your meals such as fish caught the same day by the crew, The fore deck offers comfortable cushioned seating. |
| The number of dives varies between itineraries and is dependent on local conditions. A minimum of 12 dives are included, above that will depend on Whale Shark sightings which tend to be snorkel based. Sample Itineries
Friday Friday – Wednesday The Ghoubet al Kharab is a large bay that is connected to the Gulf of Tadjourah and the open sea by a narrow channel. Geologically it marks the start of the Great Rift Valley and the junction between the African and Arabian continental plates. Other dive sites - The Obock's step, wreck of Le Boutre, Ghoubet El Kharab's strait, the wrecks of Musha, Arthur Rimbaud & Salem Wreck, the Dôme, the Shark Teeth, Red Sands and Ras Eiro. Wednesday Wednesday & Thursday: Friday Saturday |
| Seven Brothers Outside of Whale Shark season Seven Brothers is a huge attraction to Djibouti waters. Further north than the Devils Cauldron this reef system (7 islands covering a vast area) is breathtaking. Monumental drop offs with stunning soft corals carpeting the walls, schooling fish and big pelagics can all be expected. Trips run to 7 Brothers from January-June. Thursday Friday Friday – Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday & Thursday: Friday Saturday |
|
Prices from £1,795. Price includes return economy flights from London Heathrow, 6 nights on the MY Deli on a full board basis, 2 nights in the 5* Kempinski Palace Hotel and transfers.
If you would like more details or to obtain a quote then please contact us on 020 7159 8628 or e-mail info@oysterltd.com.
