Djibouti Travel Guide

This Djibouti travel guide was created to provide you with the best and most up-to-date information on the top travel destinations in Djibouti, such as Djibouti city, Lac Abbe and Lac Assal, as well as travel and tour pacakges in Djibouti. On this website, you will also find travel tips.

Along with Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, Djibouti is the fourth country that makes up the Horn of Africa. It has a vibrant culture that draws influences from Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean. A handful of highlights make up the diversity of this tiny country – but what highlights they are! Djibouti travel guide reveals its otherworldly landscapes, buzzing capital, and stylish beaches.

Historically, Djibouti in Africa combines influences from the African, Arab, and Indian oceans. Most of the inhabitants are Muslim, with Somali the predominant language, and outside the capital, rural areas are home to a small number of Afar tribespeople leading nomadic and traditional lives. Travel in Djibouti City is a wild ride, taking you through bustling city streets to apocalyptic landscapes, baking under a cloudless African sky.

Visa to Djibouti – Visa to Djibouti – The Djibouti Immigration Department has recently introduced a system that lets citizens of all countries obtain electronic rather than traditional visas.

Djibouti Evisa or visa to Djibouti allow tourists, business travellers, and embassy personnel to enter the country for tourism or business purposes and to stay in the country for up to 90 days.

It is a very simple and 100% online system. Once your application is accepted, you will receive your e-Visa approval letter, which must be printed and presented to immigration officers upon arrival. It’s that simple.

When to visit Djibouti – is in the winter months (December – February) when temperatures are at their coolest and sunshine is plentiful. If you want to swim with Djibouti’s famous whale sharks, travel between October and February. 

Get to Djibout & Go

Getting Djibouti there by air: Ambouli airport is located approximately 5 km south of town. There is an extensive range of international flights available from and to Djibouti city, and the service represents most international and regional airlines.

Ferry: There is a ferry that operates on its route between Djibouti and Tadjoura twice a week, and a ferry that operates on its route between Djibouti and Obock three times a week (DFr 1500 one way, approximately two hours for either journey). During the period spanning from mid-June until mid-September, it is not operational. L’Escale is the departure point during this period.

Car: For 4WD rental (from DFr25,000 per day, with driver), we are ready to make arrangements for you whenever you need it.

Transportation: There are a number of departure points south of the city from which minibuses depart. As a result, these roads connect Djibouti City to Tadjoura, Galafi (at the Ethiopian border) and Obock. Most minibuses leave early in the morning and only when there are enough people for a trip. On average, a trip costs between 600 francs and 2000 francs, depending on the distance.

Djibouti Tourist Attractions

Djibouti City – is now a thriving multi-ethnic city with influences from Africa, Asia, the Arab world and Europe. It was founded in 1888 by the French on a stretch of coastline that had previously been uninhabited. Experiencing this diversity on foot is the best way to appreciate the city’s people, markets and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Grand Bara – A vast plain of dried, cracked white clay, Grand Bara used to be an ancient lake, and it was an emergency landing location for the Space Shuttle. It is planned to cross Grand Bara on the way to Lac Abbé via a road built to cross the area in 1981. This will ensure that the capital can be linked with the southern part of the country. Every December, the army, police, and civilians come here to participate in a 15km race, which is organized by the French military and starts at sunrise.

Lac Abbé – is only accessible by 4×4 and straddles the Ethiopian border. You’ll drive through an apocalyptic landscape of hot springs, rock chimneys up to 50m high, and steam and sulphur belching from rock faces. (Though the flamingos soften the picture). You should consider staying overnight in one of the simple Afar camps to see the amazing scenery at sunrise and sunset.

Lac Assal – This dramatic crater lake is surrounded by dark, dormant volcanoes, that are 155m below sea level – the lowest point in Africa – and the second saltiest body of water in the world. A huge salt field, 60m deep, borders the aquamarine water, which stands out starkly against the black lava fields beyond. The salt is generally collected by locals or Afar herders.

Sables Blancs Beach – This pristine beach with white sand and black basalt rocks is located 7km east of Tadjoura, a great place to unwind after exploring the interior of Djibouti. There are excellent facilities here, and it’s a popular destination for weekend getaways among expats. From October to January, Djibouti whale sharks visit the Gulf of Tadjoura and can be observed snorkelling or kayaking.

Tadjoura – This is the oldest town in Djibouti, an important port connected by a ferry to Djibouti City. It’s a picture-perfect place, located below the green Goda Mountains, with palm trees, whitewashed buildings, and mosques that are infused with a strongly Arabian vibe. It’s a nice place to explore before moving on to a beautiful beach.