Djibouti

Djibouti Highlights

Djibouti, located in the Horn of Africa, is a small yet fascinating country known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. Djibouti City, the capital, offers attractions such as the African Quarter and the lively Central Market. The country is home to stunning natural features, including Lake Assal, one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, and the otherworldly landscapes of the Goda Mountains. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can explore the vibrant coral reefs of the Gulf of Tadjoura. Djiboutian cuisine combines Somali, Ethiopian, and French influences, with dishes like sabayad and lahoh. With its unique blend of natural wonders and cultural diversity, Djibouti offers a captivating and off-the-beaten-path travel experience in East Africa.

Top 10 Attractions

Afar Culture

Experience the rich Afar culture, dominant in Djibouti, through community-led tours. These often include traditional music and dance performances, local cuisine tasting, storytelling sessions, and opportunities to learn about the nomadic lifestyle of... more

Experience the rich Afar culture, dominant in Djibouti, through community-led tours. These often include traditional music and dance performances, local cuisine tasting, storytelling sessions, and opportunities to learn about the nomadic lifestyle of the Afar people. Such experiences offer valuable insights into the vibrant cultural tapestry of Djibouti.

Ali Sabieh Market

The market in the town of Ali Sabieh offers a bustling and vibrant scene. Here, you can find local produce, textiles, and traditional handicrafts, perfect for souvenirs. This is an ideal place to interact with the locals, practice your haggling skill... more

The market in the town of Ali Sabieh offers a bustling and vibrant scene. Here, you can find local produce, textiles, and traditional handicrafts, perfect for souvenirs. This is an ideal place to interact with the locals, practice your haggling skills, and get a glimpse of everyday life in Djibouti.

Arta Town

Arta, a small town located on a narrow peninsula, boasts a spectacular coastline with stunning beaches and pristine waters, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and water sports. Beyond the beaches, Arta is known for its cultural importance, with... more

Arta, a small town located on a narrow peninsula, boasts a spectacular coastline with stunning beaches and pristine waters, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and water sports. Beyond the beaches, Arta is known for its cultural importance, with numerous archaeological sites in the surrounding region. The town is also home to a prominent French military base.

Day Forest National Park

Day Forest National Park is the largest forest in Djibouti, providing a rare oasis in this arid country. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching. The forest itse... more

Day Forest National Park is the largest forest in Djibouti, providing a rare oasis in this arid country. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching. The forest itself, filled with juniper and olive trees, offers a cool respite from the desert heat.

Djibouti City Markets

Djibouti City`s bustling markets are a feast for the senses. Wander through stalls selling everything from aromatic spices and fresh produce to traditional textiles and handmade crafts. The central market, Marché Central, is a must-visit for its live... more

Djibouti City`s bustling markets are a feast for the senses. Wander through stalls selling everything from aromatic spices and fresh produce to traditional textiles and handmade crafts. The central market, Marché Central, is a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and wide array of goods. Remember to haggle to get the best price!

Djibouti National Museum

Djibouti National Museum, located in Djibouti City, offers insight into the country`s rich history and culture. Although small, the museum showcases a range of artifacts, from prehistoric tools to traditional attire. It provides a concise yet compreh... more

Djibouti National Museum, located in Djibouti City, offers insight into the country`s rich history and culture. Although small, the museum showcases a range of artifacts, from prehistoric tools to traditional attire. It provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of Djibouti`s heritage and the various influences that have shaped it over time.

Goda Mountains

The Goda Mountains, found near the city of Tadjoura, provide a stark contrast to Djibouti`s otherwise arid landscape. These mountains host one of the country`s few forested areas, Day Forest National Park. The mountains are ideal for hiking, with tra... more

The Goda Mountains, found near the city of Tadjoura, provide a stark contrast to Djibouti`s otherwise arid landscape. These mountains host one of the country`s few forested areas, Day Forest National Park. The mountains are ideal for hiking, with trails offering panoramic views of the canyons, gorges, and the Gulf of Tadjoura.

Grand Bara Desert

The Grand Bara Desert`s vast expanse of sand and shrub is an awe-inspiring sight. Once a lake bed, this desert`s flat terrain is occasionally broken by hills known as inselbergs. The desert is also the site of the annual Djibouti International Marath... more

The Grand Bara Desert`s vast expanse of sand and shrub is an awe-inspiring sight. Once a lake bed, this desert`s flat terrain is occasionally broken by hills known as inselbergs. The desert is also the site of the annual Djibouti International Marathon, where participants race across a portion of the desert`s sandy landscape.

Hanlé Plain

The Hanlé Plain is a vast expanse of semi-desert, home to a variety of wildlife, including gazelles and ostriches. At the heart of the plain is the Hanlé Salt Lake, a temporary lake that attracts numerous migratory birds. Visit at sunrise or sunset f... more

The Hanlé Plain is a vast expanse of semi-desert, home to a variety of wildlife, including gazelles and ostriches. At the heart of the plain is the Hanlé Salt Lake, a temporary lake that attracts numerous migratory birds. Visit at sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable view as the light changes across the expansive landscape.

Khor Ambado Beach

Khor Ambado Beach, located around 15km from Djibouti City, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This secluded beach offers pristine sands and clear waters, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. Keep in mind that the... more

Khor Ambado Beach, located around 15km from Djibouti City, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This secluded beach offers pristine sands and clear waters, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. Keep in mind that the beach is only accessible via a 4x4 vehicle due to the rough, rocky road leading to it.

La Mer Rouge Restaurant

For a taste of Djibouti`s delicious cuisine, visit La Mer Rouge Restaurant in Djibouti City. Known for its fresh seafood dishes, this restaurant serves a mix of Djiboutian, French, and Mediterranean cuisines. From grilled fish to calamari, the menu i... more

For a taste of Djibouti`s delicious cuisine, visit La Mer Rouge Restaurant in Djibouti City. Known for its fresh seafood dishes, this restaurant serves a mix of Djiboutian, French, and Mediterranean cuisines. From grilled fish to calamari, the menu is a seafood lover`s delight. Make sure to pair your meal with a refreshing fruit juice or a glass of wine.

Lake Abbe

Lake Abbe, located on the Ethiopia-Djibouti border, is a must-see attraction. This salt lake is renowned for its limestone chimneys, which release steam from geothermal activity beneath the lake bed. These chimneys create an almost lunar landscape th... more

Lake Abbe, located on the Ethiopia-Djibouti border, is a must-see attraction. This salt lake is renowned for its limestone chimneys, which release steam from geothermal activity beneath the lake bed. These chimneys create an almost lunar landscape that`s been featured in various films. The lake is also a significant gathering spot for flamingos.

Lake Assal

Lake Assal, situated in the Danakil Desert, is one of Djibouti`s most striking natural features. It`s the third lowest land depression on Earth and the most saline body of water in the world, with salt concentrations reaching up to ten times that of... more

Lake Assal, situated in the Danakil Desert, is one of Djibouti`s most striking natural features. It`s the third lowest land depression on Earth and the most saline body of water in the world, with salt concentrations reaching up to ten times that of the sea. The lake`s otherworldly landscape of salt flats and geothermal fields offer a unique experience. Don`t forget to pick up a salt crystal as a unique memento of your visit.

Loyada

Loyada is a small town located on the border with Somalia. The town is notable for its picturesque palm grove and the unique Tomb of the French, a large cairn marking the burial site of French soldiers who died during a border dispute in the 19th cen... more

Loyada is a small town located on the border with Somalia. The town is notable for its picturesque palm grove and the unique Tomb of the French, a large cairn marking the burial site of French soldiers who died during a border dispute in the 19th century. A visit to Loyada offers insight into the region`s history and its close ties with Somalia.

Melting Pot

Located in Djibouti City, Melting Pot offers a fusion of cuisines reflecting the country`s multicultural influences. From local Djiboutian dishes to French, Ethiopian, and Indian cuisines, there`s something to satisfy every palate. Don`t miss the res... more

Located in Djibouti City, Melting Pot offers a fusion of cuisines reflecting the country`s multicultural influences. From local Djiboutian dishes to French, Ethiopian, and Indian cuisines, there`s something to satisfy every palate. Don`t miss the restaurant`s signature goat meat dishes and its assortment of flavorful vegetarian options.

Moucha Island

A short boat ride from Djibouti City, Moucha Island is an idyllic getaway known for its sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs. The island is inhabited by a small community of Afar people who maintain a traditional lifestyle, offering a unique cultura... more

A short boat ride from Djibouti City, Moucha Island is an idyllic getaway known for its sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs. The island is inhabited by a small community of Afar people who maintain a traditional lifestyle, offering a unique cultural encounter for visitors. Besides relaxation and snorkeling, visitors can explore ancient shipwrecks around the island.

Salt Mining in Lake Assal

Lake Assal is the world`s largest salt reserve, providing a unique opportunity to witness and understand the traditional salt mining processes still practiced today. Watching the salt miners at work is a fascinating experience that offers a glimpse i... more

Lake Assal is the world`s largest salt reserve, providing a unique opportunity to witness and understand the traditional salt mining processes still practiced today. Watching the salt miners at work is a fascinating experience that offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Scuba Diving in the Gulf of Tadjoura

The Gulf of Tadjoura is renowned for its excellent diving sites. Home to vibrant coral reefs, an array of marine life, and multiple shipwrecks, these waters offer endless exploration for divers. Sites range in depth and complexity, catering to both n... more

The Gulf of Tadjoura is renowned for its excellent diving sites. Home to vibrant coral reefs, an array of marine life, and multiple shipwrecks, these waters offer endless exploration for divers. Sites range in depth and complexity, catering to both novice and experienced divers. Several local companies offer guided dives and equipment rental.

Tadjoura

Often referred to as the `white city` due to its whitewashed buildings, Tadjoura is one of the oldest towns in Djibouti. This coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise sea, and rich history. Visit the town`s mosques and markets for a... more

Often referred to as the `white city` due to its whitewashed buildings, Tadjoura is one of the oldest towns in Djibouti. This coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise sea, and rich history. Visit the town`s mosques and markets for an authentic taste of local culture. Water sport enthusiasts can also enjoy snorkeling and diving in the nearby coral reefs.

Whale Shark Excursions

From November to January, whale sharks migrate to Djibouti`s warm waters, providing an incredible opportunity to snorkel or dive with these gentle giants. Several tour companies offer guided whale shark excursions, ensuring a safe and respectful expe... more

From November to January, whale sharks migrate to Djibouti`s warm waters, providing an incredible opportunity to snorkel or dive with these gentle giants. Several tour companies offer guided whale shark excursions, ensuring a safe and respectful experience. It`s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close.

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