Tour Price (Per person): USD2,400 (GBP1,832 * EUR2,095 * AUD3,469)
Flight costs: USD590 (GBP450 * EUR515 * AUD853)
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated based on 5 paying guests
Simply put, Djibouti is one of Africa’s least visited birding tours destinations. This trip is aimed at finding Djibouti’s only endemic, Djibouti Spurfowl, along with several other species that can be difficult to locate elsewhere. These include Somali Starling, beautiful Arabian Golden Sparrow, Sombre Rock Chat, White-eyed Gull, Crab-plover, and Somali Sparrow. This tour takes us to places where very few birders have ever been, which, along with some superb birding, witnessing spectacular scenery and diverse and interesting cultures, makes this Djibouti extension a must for the intrepid birder.
Djibouti Francolin; Somali Starling; White-eyed, Slender-billed & Sooty Gulls; Crab-plover; Arabian Golden & Somali Sparrows; Graceful Prinia; Somali Bulbul; Nile Valley Sunbird; Rosy-patched Bushshrike; Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark; Gambaga Flycatcher; Green-winged Pytilia (potential split Yellow-tailed Pytilia); Sombre Rock Chat; Yellow-rumped Seedeater; Black Redstart.
Speke's Pectinator; Dorcas Gazelle; Unstriped Ground Squirrel; Hamadryas Baboon.
arid savanna, lava plains, dry mixed woodland, coastline, rocky hillsides, coastal scrub
warm to hot
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader
DIFFICULT: This is a high-intensity “mega” tour designed for passionate listers and serious birders who enjoy a fast-paced schedule. Due to its demanding nature, it’s not recommended for avid photographers, inexperienced birders, or anyone with mobility or health limitations.
Difficult to moderate. This a Mega style tour designed for the dedicated lister & serious birder. Not suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced birders; or anyone with mobility or health challenges.
Variable. Comfortable in large towns, otherwise basic camping.
Moderate. Whilst most birding is in open conditions, several species are low density or very localised.
120
interesting scenery and cultural attractions, Lake Assal (lowest point in Africa)
Good to worthwhile. No dedicated hides. Habitat & lighting are often conducive.
Stu is a personable, helpful, and organized guide and was a pleasure to travel with. He was ready to help not only with finding and identifying birds, but also with little problems that popped up during our trip, as they so often do. Our local guide was likewise consistently friendly and helpful. My main concern is that on this trip, as on past Rockjumper trips, there doesn't seem to be any effort to vet the physical ability of potential group members, and as a result those of us who are prepared for the experience are held back by those who are physically not ready for it. I know that trips are rated on the website in regards to the level of exertion required, but this does not seem to help -- I have been on multiple tours with people who are not physically capable of maintaining a steady level of exertion while birding. This is not fair to those of us who are.
Thanks Stephan for a fantastic tour. The stay at the Monastery was especially memorable.
Bobby, our guide, was a solid & knowledgeable leader. His demeanor tends to be quiet & reserved, which worked for this group but may not work with all group dynamics. The lodging for this trip was a bit more rustic than I expected. The local guides used on this trip were excellent & offered additional intel into sightings or hot spots to explore. The group got all endemics possible & overall was a very good trip.
While the birding was more difficult, the guides knowledge on where to search for some of the key species. Helped the group find a number of very interesting species of birds.
Paul brought in his wealth of experience. He worked well with Ashoka to make sure nothing was lost in translation. One member sustained an injury on day 1, probably because he declined the extra help offered on a slightly slippery walk. Paul and Ashoka took charge of the situation immediately, made sure the rest of the group was comfortable while getting help. It was incredible that the injured person managed to complete the trip with a walker. Ashoka is a highly experienced local guide. He went out of the way to accommodate our birding and non-birding (request to try local food) requests. Both Paul and Ashoka were always calm and very pleasant, paying individual attention to every person and ensured we had a memorable experience.