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Djibouti’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Djibouti’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Djibouti’s Background

 

In 3 BC, Arabian settlers from Yemen arrived in the nation, and from them descended the Afars, who are today’s Djiboutians. Following then, the Somali Issas appeared. Islam was brought to the country after more than 800 years later, and it became the first African country adopting the religion. The mixture of Somali, Afars, and Nomads from Yemen continued to live in and around Djibouti for years before European explorers started their invasion.

French forces landed in the area in 1843 and negotiated a deal with the Somali sultans, making the land their dominion. Because of its strategic location – the capital city’s port serves as a port open to other ships crossing the Red Sea – the French became interested in seizing the area. Obock was the country’s administrative capital at the time. France expanded its jurisdiction to Somaliland and the Gulf of Tadjourah in 1884, as shown by an agreement with Ethiopia. After a few years, the capital city was transferred from Obock to Djibouti, which had direct access to the Ethiopian highlands. Its natural harbor also drew traders from East Africa, opening the nation up to more visitors.

Then known as French Somaliland, it became an overseas territory of the French, granting them representation in the French Parliament and the French Union Assembly. However, during French President Charles de Gaulle’s visit to the nation in August 1966, major public rallies for independence were held. Governor General Louis Saget decided to organize a referendum to determine if the people wanted to stay under French sovereignty or gain independence. The next year, about 60% decided to remain under French authority. Its name was changed to the French Territory of Afars and Issas later that year.

The French government ultimately considered granting the nation independence due to persistent public demand. The French territory of the Afars and Issas was renamed Djibouti in 1977, and Hassan Gouled Aptidon was elected as the first President.

Djibouti, a small country in the Horn of Africa, situated between Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea. Much of the country is still undeveloped, making it an ideal location for eco-tourists wishing to escape off the beaten path. The interior features a kaleidoscope of dramatic landscapes ranging from plummeting gorges to salt-encrusted lakes, while the shore provides great scuba diving and the opportunity to dive with the world’s biggest fish. Djibouti City, the country’s capital, is a burgeoning urban playground with one of the region’s best culinary scenes.

One of Africa’s smallest countries, Djibouti is around 23,000 km, located in East Africa. It is somewhat smaller than Egypt’s Sinai, or the American state of New Jersey in comparison. The borders with Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west, and Somalia to the south gives it a squeezed look. Djibouti also shares a shoreline with the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Djibouti City, founded in 1888 as the capital of the French Somaliland territory, has evolved into a bustling metropolitan hub throughout the years. Its diverse restaurant and bar culture reflects its status as the second wealthiest city in the Horn of Africa, although the country is still mostly poor, with more than 40% of the population in extreme poverty. The nation is very sophisticated, with traditional Somali and Afar culture combined with influences from its sizable foreign residents.

Djibouti’s landscape is diverse and rugged, ranging from rocky mountains in the north to a succession of flat desert plains. Mount Moussa, soaring at 2,028 meters, is Djibouti’s highest point. The salty Lake Assal, is the country’s lowest point, but also the lowest in Africa, a 155 meters below sea level area. The country is known across the world as a geologic treasure trove. The nation has substantial seismic and geothermal activity due to its location at a triple junction of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and East African rift systems.

 

“Small but mighty, Djibouti is a powerhouse of diversity. With beauty in its spectacular terrains, seas full of life, and rich cultural backgrounds. Despite its internal challenges, a strategic spot on the map gives it the keys of maritime trade, although the whole world eyes for it.“

 

This sliver of a country carries a powerful impact. Its beauty more than compensates for its lack of size. With the probable exception of Iceland, few places in the world have such bizarre landscapes – imagine salt lakes, extinct volcanoes, submerged plains, limestone chimneys emitting gusts of steam, basaltic plateaus, and breathtaking canyons. Hiking, diving, and whale-shark spotting are among the land and marine activities available in the Gulf of Tadjoura.

Despite Djibouti’s somewhat difficult terrain, there is a plethora of vegetation and animals. The ancient Day Forest National Park and a variety of tree species, including jujube, fig, olive, juniper, and momosa, may be found in the northern part of the nation. The vegetation to the south and southwest of the Gulf of Tadjoura is comparable to that seen in other desert parts of Africa, including acacia and doum palm trees. Except for Djibouti City, the country is devoid of large-scale development. It’s all about ecotourism, with some eco-friendly hotels in the countryside.

There are numerous bird species, various kinds of antelopes and gazelles, and fewer predators (such as cheetahs) and scavengers (such as hyenas), as well as monkeys, squirrels, and warthogs. The extraordinarily rich diversity of marine life found along Djibouti’s coastline and coral reefs is perhaps most remarkable, making the country a unique center of attraction for activities under the water.

Traveling across Djibouti on your own may not be affordable, but despite the high cost of staying there, you’ll undoubtedly leave this tiny corner of Africa with fresh adventures and lovely memories.

To get the most out of Djibouti, you should keep moving so that you may see and do as much as possible of what Djibouti has to offer tourists. In our Cruisit Djibouti travel guide, we provide a strategy that is roughly midway between leisure and exploration. Enter the land and immerse yourself in this perfect spot in Africa. The Djibouti travel plan provided below is best enjoyed during the nation’s high season in the summer, but you may still enjoy the country during the shoulder season. With its white-washed structures, sunny days near hills, under the shade of a tree, and surrounded by a stunning multitude of landscapes, your African journey will be exciting.

Also, in our travel guide to Djibouti, we will give you all the information you will need to steer through the country at ease. Djibouti’s highlights, tips, transportation, top places and attractions, a handcrafted itinerary in Djibouti, and more will be provided for you as you read through. If you are excited enough by now, let us dig right in!

Top Places in Djibouti

Lake Assal

This spectacular crater lake, also known as Lac Assal, is located 70 miles/115 kilometers west of the city. It is Africa’s lowest point, at 508 feet/155 meters below sea level. It’s also an area of remarkable natural beauty, with turquoise seas that contrast with the white salt that’s piled up along the beach. You may see Djiboutis with their camels gathering salt here, as they have for hundreds of years.

Day Forest National Park

Day Forest National Park, also known as Forêt du Day National Park, is a Djiboutian national park located in the Goda Mountains and Tadjourah Region. The only really hilly location of Djibouti, and likely the only relief from the intense desert heat, is roughly a three-hour drive from the city center.

Goda Mountains

The Goda Mountains in the northwest provide an alternative to the country’s parched regions. On the shoulders of mountains that reach up to 5,740 feet/1,750 meters in height, flora grows thick and luxuriant. Rural Afar settlements provide an insight into Djibouti’s traditional culture, while the Day Forest National Park is ideal for birding and wildlife aficionados.

European Quarter

Place du 27 Juin 1977 (Place Ménélik) is the focal point of the European Quarter. This large plaza, with its whitewashed homes and Moorish arches, is an odd blend of Arab and European. It is surrounded by cafés, bars, restaurants, and shopping. The Blvd de la République connects the European Quarter to the Plateau du Serpent region to the north, where many of the major governmental buildings may be located.

Moucha & Maskali Islands

The islands of Moucha and Maskali in the Gulf of Tadjoura have beautiful beaches and extensive coral reefs. Snorkeling, diving, and deep sea fishing are all popular activities there, but the biggest draw happens between October and February, when migrating whale sharks visit the islands. Snorkeling beside the world’s biggest fish is a must-do in Djibouti. Moucha Island is a tiny coral island off Djibouti’s coast. It is situated in the heart of the Gulf of Tadjoura. The island is part of the Djibouti Region; the island has a total population of roughly 20 people, which grows significantly in the summer.

7-day Itinerary in Djibouti

Day 1

 

Arrive at Djibouti

When you arrive in Djibouti, the first thing you should do is go to your hotel and deposit your things. If you have time, you can go about and get to know your surroundings.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

Sheraton Djibouti
Hotel Bavaria Les Acacias

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is some crime recorded in Djibouti to warrant some worry. Avoid walking at night and take care around crowded areas or unlit alleys or streets. Take a taxi, and be wary of petty crime by taking precautions mentioned in the safety section above.

Day 2

 

Head to Lac Assal

After breakfast, go to Lac Assal, an aquatic wilderness of trapped seawater and high salt density that was originally part of a massive geological upheaval. Volcanic activity has changed Djibouti and its surrounding region into bleak spectacles and bizarre landscapes, with temperatures reaching 60 degrees Celsius. It becomes hotter as you move closer to the water. There are various thermal sources that may reach temperatures of 80 degrees Celsius! The light is so dazzling that you’d assume you’re at a ski resort on a sunny day, without the cold. Next up, stop at Goubet Beach, where you will have a picnic lunch before continuing to visit the volcano and returning to your hotel.

Day 3

 

Day Trip to Bankoualeh

After breakfast, visit the beautiful oasis of Bankoualeh, complete with waterfalls and flowers. Bankoualeh is situated in a valley at the foot of the Forêt du Day, a millennia-old forest that has been designated as a National Park. The area is famous for its promenade orchards, the elusive Black Panther, and the Francolin of Djibouti, a bird indigenous to the region. Continue on to Ardo Village in the afternoon to view the local artists before returning to the hotel.

Day 4

 

Explore the South

This morning, go to the southern section of Djibouti, which includes Arta Village, Grand and Petit Bara, Dikhil, and Ali Sabieh- the country’s desert territory. Arta is the only village in the south where the climate is cool and good for agriculture. It was created in 1925 by a French Army General and currently houses a few French military installations. Continue on to the Grand and Petit Bara deserts. Continue to Ali Sabieh for sightseeing before returning to the hotel in the afternoon.

Day 5

 

Off to Tadjourah

After breakfast, go to Tadjourah, the birthplace of the Republic of Djibouti. When the French first landed in Djibouti in 1864, they traveled to Tadjourah to negotiate for a piece of territory in exchange for a protectorate contract. Continue to Sable Blanc Beach in the afternoon for swimming and one of the greatest snorkeling places. This region features stunning reefs teeming with colorful fish and is an excellent fishing location.

Day 6

 

To the Islands

The Red Sea is a diver’s dream, with vibrant reefs, abundant fish, stunning shipwrecks, dolphins, and even whale sharks. Dolphin Excursions Djibouti is ideal for all levels of divers, from beginners to experts. For almost 20 years, they have provided liveaboards, PADI-certified diving training, and excursions.

The Djibouti crack in Ghoubet al Kharab Bay is an extremely excellent diving spot, with a profusion of life. Snorkelers, rejoice: you, too, may swim with whale sharks and dolphins in Djibouti.

Day 7

 

Departure or More?

If you can add one more day, camp at Lake Abbé, a volcanic wonderland deep in the Danakil desert, is perhaps the greatest thing to do in Djibouti.

It’s full with volcanic furnaces and mind-boggling formations, and there are a number of well-managed campsites ranging from modest to opulent.

A day trip is doable, but the drive is 6-7 hours long and takes a 4×4 and some local expertise to get there. It is entirely up to you whether or not you choose to go on such an adventure.

If not, then today after breakfast head to the airport for your departure flight.

The Most Popular Food in Djibouti

Djibouti’s cuisine has been greatly influenced by its neighbors Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen, as well as its past occupant France and, to a lesser extent, India. As a stop on the historic Spice Road that led to Timbuktu, the nation features a variety of foods that are as distinct as its heritage.

Sambuusa

Sambuussa, often known as samosa, is an excellent appetizer to begin your dinner. Treat yourself to these little crispy fried pastries filled with meat, onions, and veggies.

Mukbaza

Mukbaza, which is commonly used to refer to Yemen’s traditional fish lunch and its associated side dishes, is really a type of folded bread that is baked, sliced into pieces, and combined with honey and banana, or dates. It’s the perfect dip for Yemeni fish, usually roasted over charcoal, served as a thick purée with some almonds.

 

Sabaayad

Sabayaad, like Moroccan msemen, is formed of a dough of flour, water, and salt and usually cooked in the shape of gently fried squares. Djiboutians also prepare fadira, a kind of sabayaad stuffed with onion and pork or chicken. It’s great for breakfast with honey, dinner to soak up the thick spicy fuul (beans), or lunch with a tuna salad, exactly like the Djiboutians!

Fah-fah

Although Djibouti’s coastline position is often desired by neighbor Ethiopia, Djiboutians are traditionally nomadic and pastoral people, and hence prefer camel, goat, and lamb meat over shellfish and fish. If you’re not a vegetarian, you must have fah-fah, a traditional Djiboutian stew cooked with goat meat, vegetables, and chilies that may also be made with camel or lamb meat. To soak up the stew sauce, this meal is typically served with canjeero, a sponge-like bread.

Skoudehkaris

Skudahkharis, a Djiboutian lamb stew is undeniably Djibouti’s national dish. It is typically served at the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha and is cooked with rice, lamb, and ayurvedic spices like as cardamom. It also goes nicely with chicken, meat, and fish. It can also be served on top of laxoox, although platters of brilliantly colored rice with grilled chicken and a buttery sauce called niter kibbeh are also prevalent.

What's the Travel Budget for Djibouti?

Final Thoughts on Djibouti

With diverse relics of its past and rich heritage, breathtaking and bizarre landmarks – great hospitality, exciting festivals, and picture-perfect national parks, beaches, and antique towns, Djibouti has a refined and deep heritage that can be seen across the country dating back to 3 BC. A fantastic option for anyone seeking one of the best African holiday locations nestled in the horn of Africa. Djibouti is breathtakingly beautiful, with magnificent national treasures, flora and Wildlife, and spectacular scenery. Would you visit Djibouti?

Have you ever been to Djibouti? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments area below.

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