Lac Abbé is one of the most extraordinary geological landscapes on earth — a series of limestone chimney formations rising up to 50 metres from the lake floor, emitting steam from geothermal vents in an otherworldly scene. The location was used as the filming location for Planet of the Apes (1968). Flamingos nest in the shallows. The lake straddles the Djibouti-Ethiopia border.
October to April. Sunrise and sunset are the most spectacular times — the chimneys glow orange in the low light and the steam is most visible in the cooler morning air.
160km southwest of Djibouti City, approximately 3 hours by 4WD. Included in all Djibouti itineraries.