Ras Bir Lighthouse

Ras Bir stands on a low sand point east of Obock, a lighthouse marking the approach to the Bab-el-Mandeb with a long pale beach running away from it in both directions and almost nothing else in view. Green turtles nest along this stretch. The point is flat, exposed and windy, and the light is one of the few structures on the northern coast. The point marks the northern side of the entrance to the Gulf of Tadjoura, which is why a light was put here at all. Sand movement along the spit is constant and the shoreline shifts noticeably between years.

What you actually see

• The lighthouse - the light marking the approach to the strait.
• The sand point - the low spit the tower stands on.
• The turtle nesting - green turtles using the beaches along the point.
• The emptiness - a coast with almost nothing built on it.

When to go

November to March is the cool season. Turtles nest through much of the year with seasonal peaks. Summer heat is extreme.

Honest expectations

The tower is closed and the visit is exterior only. There is no shade and no facilities. The track out is sandy and needs care.

Nearby

Obock is west, and Godoria is northwest.