Tour Price (Per person): USD2,400 (GBP1,868 * EUR2,161 * AUD3,547)
Flight costs: USD590 (GBP459 * EUR531 * AUD872)
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.
What a great experience! Everything was as you told us in the pre-departure literature, so we were well-prepared. Rob was an excellent tour leader. His vast experience in conservation, core knowledge of birds and bird behavior, and his enthusiasm was generously shared with the group. He modeled proper trail behavior and made sure that everyone “saw the bird”. The local guides were top-notch and took good care of the group. I also learned so much from the better birders in the group. Highly recommended!
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.
I was very pleased with the birding. I saw all 29 endemics and a total of 42 life birds. The leaders are great at finding, luring in and identifying birds. I appreciated that the focus was very much on the birding. The food and accommodations were excellent and appropriate. I wonder if we should have spent our last night near the coast but am not sure how that would have affected our birding success.
We saw all 19 endemics as well as all of those where splits may be likely in the future. Dušan is a tireless guide. Never gives up for the best view. Our local guide, Alcides, has astonishing eyes and ears and knows every inch of his island! Cannot imagine a better local guide. Also, wish to put in a good word for our driver to and from the airport, Carlos. Please keep Carlos on board. Great trip. My shortest birding trip and, I learned, too short for me—could have stayed longer.
I was extremely pleased with this tour. The local guide, Jason, was very helpful and Stephan was extremely knowledgeable and excellent at finding all the targets that we were looking for. I would travel anywhere at any time with him again.