Ras Bir Camp: My favorite campsite in Djibouti

Ras Bir Camp is a beautiful spot located right on the bay in Djibouti, sitting about four hours from Djibouti City or just under two hours from Tadjoura. Situated on a stunning stretch of coastline, the camp is surrounded by cave inlets and fascinating rock formations that look like they are disintegrating into the sea. Wildlife is everywhere, from eagles and guinea fowls to local antelope and various bird species. Between the stunning scenery, the warm hospitality of the manager Abdou, and the authentic Afar dishes, this was easily my favorite stay during our 10 days in Djibouti.

Abdou has been running Ras Bir Camp for 20 years, and his experience shows. Even though I speak broken French, he was incredibly patient and friendly. He is very responsive via WhatsApp and can help organize wider tours around Djibouti if you use this as your starting point.

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How to book Ras Bir Camp

Reach out to the manager, Abdou, via WhatsApp to book: +253 77 83 75 49.

He is very responsive and my booking was confirmed in just two messages.

The cost for Ras Bir Camp is 10,000 DJF per person per night, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A note: there are two camps around Obock. Be sure you know which you’re booking. I used the guidance from the Djibouti official tourism website and it gave me the wrong number so I booked another camp by mistake instead of Abdou’s. This is the camp location. The other camp near Obock is Campement Ouboucky (and is run by Abdou’s cousin Seif).

How to get to Ras Bir Camp

• From Djibouti City: take a ferry for 1,100 DJF pp from the capital to Tadjoura.
• From Tadjoura: private cars from hotels can cost around $100, while boats can cost $200.
• Taxi from the Tadjoura corniche: we negotiated to 14,000 DJF with a local driver as we were sitting around the corniche. Most taxis won’t drive down the dirt road leading directly to the camp, so clarify this beforehand with the local driver or call/WhatsApp the camp manager in advance to arrange a pickup from Obock for 3,000 DJF. Our total was 17,000 DJF.
• Organize your ride with Abdou: expect to pay around 15,000 DJF each way to/from Ras Bir Camp to Tadjoura. Total transport: 30,000 DJF (~$170 USD).

Obock scenes to and from Ras Bir. Spot the goat on the gas station roof.

Practical Tips for Staying at Ras Bir Camp

Ras Bir Packing Essentials

• Bedding: The cabins are basic. While sheets can be provided upon request, it is a good idea to bring your own travel pillow and a light sleeping sheet if you prefer your own gear. We used what was given to use but you may like a cocoon like sleeping bag liner.
• Toiletries: This is a rugged camp experience. Bring your own toilet paper and towel (I have this one that I got in 2018), plus sunscreen and any specific toiletries you need.
• Snorkel Gear: There is some equipment available at the camp, but for the best fit and hygiene, bring your own mask and fins (as we did for our entire trip). I have an older one but recently my sister got this mask and really likes it.
• Snacks: Generally, I suggest bringing granola bars and other snacks with you from overseas or stopping in Djibouti City to pick up stuff. However, Ras Bir had the best food of our stay so I wasn’t hungry in between.
• Electrolytes: Bring Electrolytes as it can get really hot in the day and you may need the extra boost. I’ve been using this brand since 2014 and never travel without it. The lemon-lime sports version is the best.
• Bug Spray:  I buy these OFF wipes in bulk. Otherwise, I suggest OFF spray bottles. Deep woods in the best version to get.  

Look at this sunset view

Meals & Communication

• Request Seafood Early: The food is a highlight, but specialized items like lobster require at least a week’s notice so the local fishermen can source them.
• Language: While French is the primary language for communication, the staff is very patient with non-fluent speakers like myself.

The cave formations around the camp are very cool

What it is like staying at Ras Bir Camp

The cabins are relatively spacious (compared to the other cabins we stayed in during our trip in Djibouti). They allowed a breeze while blocking the heavy wind. While we didn’t bring our own bedding, Abdou provided us with sheets after I asked. For pillows, we rolled up our jackets and covered them with clean shirts, which worked perfectly. I slept for a solid 10 hours.

The facilities are well-maintained for a camp. There is a shower with an overhead flow rather than a bucket, and the water was naturally warm from the sun. There is also a pedestal toilet, though you should bring your own toilet paper.

What to do around Ras Bir Camp

Snorkel and swim

By the campsite to see stingrays (I was lucky) and some small fish. The larger reef is visible from shore but requires a 15-minute boat ride that Abdou can organize. The beach by the camp is just beautiful.

Chill

This was our last night of adventure in Djibouti so we took it easy by reading and enjoying the view.

With my morning coffee and Wilhelm looking out into the bay

Ras Bir Lighthouse

About a 1-hour walk away, it’s a great way to see more of the dramatic coastal rock formations. I was too scared by the pack of dogs, but you should ask if you can walk to the top. Be sure to look at the ground as you walk; there are some crazy-looking seashells that look like fossils to me.

Mangrove de Godoria

Although we didn’t have a chance to visit, Abdou can organize a trip to the Mangrove de Godoria which looks very cool, and there is a campsite there to spend the night as well.

Incredible Food and Hospitality

All of our meals were a total feast and (if I haven’t mentioned it already), the best food of our entire stay. We were served two types of fish for dinner: one in a spiced tomato sauce and one beautifully grilled fillet, along with pasta, fries, salad, and a starter of roasted clams in a garlic and onion sauce. The roasted clams were amazing, and I only let Wilhelm have one because I ate the rest of them. It was easily one of our best meals in Djibouti. We were also served the clams and fish for our lunch the second day. It was soooo much food.

Breakfast was equally surprising. We were served traditional Afar bread with local shiro (which actually had some fish in it) and, to our shock, a whole grilled fish! It was a first for me to have a full fish for breakfast, but it was delicious and filling.

Final thoughts

If you are visiting Djibouti, don’t miss the chance to stay at this fabulous camp. We only stayed one night, but two nights would be ideal to really relax and perhaps take the hour-long walk to the Ras Bir lighthouse. Please tell Abou you read about him on the blog!