All the best of Djibouti, in a voyage of discovery that will take us to this small and often forgotten country in the Horn of Africa which, like no other, brings to mind the “moon on earth”. A territory characterised by an extraordinary geological vivacity, capable of offering exciting images of a bizarre, harsh and wonderful nature.

This is the meeting point of three great systems of fractures in the earth’s crust that generate geological situations that are unique in the world, volcanoes, lava deserts, blinding expanses of salt; it is from here that the great African Rift Valley begins, where the process of hominisation began. It is here that two nomadic populations live, dividing the territory into two exact parts, the Dancals (Afar) to the north and the Somalis (Issa) to the south; it is here that the colonial dispute between the Italians and the French began after the opening of the Suez Canal. It is here that the great cartoonist Hugo Pratt drew inspiration for the odyssey of his hero Corto Maltese. And it is also here that today the strategic fate of the Horn of Africa to the west and the Arabian Peninsula to the east are at stake. Djibouti brings us into contact with extreme nature, where volcanic earth meets the sea with breathtaking coastlines, where geological processes unleash all their power and beauty. Trekking in this region is an experience you will remember for a long time for its incredible and evocative landscapes, exploring the coasts, the coral reefs and its islands is truly rewarding. Those with that irrepressible thirst for knowledge in their blood, what many call the “Ulysses factor”, cannot miss out on an experience in Djibouti.

Travelling with a volcano expert: Luca Lupi

As a scientist and populariser, he has travelled and explored African regions for a long time. During his university studies in geology, he organised scientific and naturalistic expeditions to the world’s most diverse volcanoes. He wrote books about volcanoes and earthquakes translated into four languages. He has given dozens of lectures and courses on the subjects he knows in all parts of Italy and also abroad. Today, he is considered the leading multidisciplinary expert on Dancalia, a region straddling Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti. Also specialised in the field of historical-geographical research, he directs the Explora series for which he has personally produced volumes about different Italian explorers. Due to his contributions to the subject he has been repeatedly honoured by the Italian Geographical Society.