Djibouti Travel Information
Djibouti is a very small country in the Horn of Africa, halfway between Ethiopia and Eritrea. It’s a terrific spot for ecotourists who want to stray from the beaten route because there are still so many parts of the country that are unexplored. The interior is characterized by a kaleidoscope of harsh landscapes, including deep gorges and salt-crusted lakes, while the shore offers excellent diving and the opportunity to dive with some of the largest fish in the world.
The official languages of Djibouti are French and Arabic, but the bulk of the population speaks either Somali or Afar as their mother tongue.
Djibouti has a hot climate all year long, with the city of Djibouti rarely seeing lows below 68°F (20°C) even in the winter (December – February). Winter can also be fairly humid at the coast and in the north. The khamsin, a dusty breeze that comes in from the desert, reduces visibility during the summer months of June through August when temperatures regularly reach 104°F (40°C).
Time to visit Djibouti
December through February are the greatest months to visit because the heat is at its most tolerable level during this period, but there is still a lot of sunshine. The ideal time to visit Djibouti if you want to go whale shark swimming is from October to February.
Djibouti Flights
Djibouti is connected to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, Ethiopia, Oman, Eritrea, Tanzania, Egypt, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen via the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB). Air France flies from Paris and Daallo Airlines, located in Djibouti, flies to Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Saudi Arabia. The airport is 5km (3miles) south of the city.
Available accommodation in Djibouti
There are many different types of lodging available in Djibouti City. There are fewer options available in smaller towns and cities, but you can still get nice lodgings for a reasonable price.
Djibouti Places of interest
There are many beautiful places in Djibouti. The world’s saltiest lake, Lake Assal, is the most popular tourist destination. Coral reefs and tropical fish can also be found on Moucha Island. The Grand Bara is a must-see for those who wish to explore the desert. The following is a list of places of interest in Djibouti.
Djibouti City
Djibouti City was established in 1888 as the French Somaliland colony’s capital. It has developed over time into a dynamic metropolitan hub. Being the second-richest city in the Horn of Africa, it has a varied restaurant and bar culture to match. It is very multicultural, incorporating aspects of traditional Somali and Afar culture with those imported from its sizable international community.
Mountain Goda
The Goda Mountains in the northwest provide a contrast to the arid surroundings of the remainder of the nation. On the shoulders of mountains up to 5,740 feet (1,750 meters) high, the vegetation here grows dense and lush. Rural Afar communities provide a view of Djibouti’s traditional culture. The Day Forest National Park is a great option for those who enjoy birds and animals.
Islands of Maskali and Moucha
The islands of Maskali and Moucha, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, have beautiful beaches and an abundance of coral reefs. While deep sea fishing, diving, and snorkeling are all well-liked activities here, whale shark migration across the islands from October to February is the main draw. In Djibouti, swimming with the biggest fish in the world is undoubtedly a highlight.
Lake Assal
Lake Assal, is situated 70 miles (115 kilometers) west of the city. It is the lowest point in Africa at 508 feet (155 meters) below sea level. It is also an area of outstanding natural beauty, with blue waters and white salt deposits lining its shore. You can witness Djiboutis gather salt here like they have done for centuries, with the aid of their camels.
Tadjoura
Thanks to abundant plankton blooms in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti between October and March is also one of Africa’s top whale shark locations. The seasonal bounty attracts roving whale sharks during this time, and since the water is a comfortable 86°F (30°C), there is no time limit on how long you may stay in the water. Whale shark snorkeling tours are offered by many local companies and can be coupled with several other excursions. The lowest point in Africa and a popular destination for scuba divers are super-saline Lake Assal and La Faille (the rift between the African and Somalian tectonic plates).
Djibouti Entry and Borders
There are several ways to get to Djibouti. First of all, by plain. Many international flights arrive every day at the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. You can also travel by automobile. Roads connect Djibouti with Assab (Eritrea) and Dikhil (west of Ethiopia), respectively. By train, there is a 2016-opened Addis Abeba–Djibouti railroad. In December 2016, passenger train service between Ethiopia and Djibouti City was resumed. By boat. Djibouti and Yemen are connected by ferries. It’s a well-traveled road because Djibouti City is one of the major ports in eastern Africa.
Djibouti Visas and Covid-19 requirements
You must go through an online procedure to have the Djibouti Tourist e-Visa. You’ll only need a few minutes to fill out a digital form with your information. Once your visa is accepted, you don’t need to leave your home to get it, as it will appear in your email inbox. For the Visa application, Djibouti charges a non-refundable fee of $60.00.
A PCR test certificate from the nation where their voyage began is needed for every passenger. Unvaccinated travelers may be obliged to stay in their own accommodations for 10 days as a quarantine. Passengers must have a negative PCR test certificate issued by the Djiboutian government in order to depart the country.
Djibouti Safety
Traveling in Djibouti is normally highly secure, making it one of the safest places in all of Africa. For most of the day and in practically every region, even wandering around the capital is secure. Simply exercise the same prudence you would anyplace else in a major metropolis. However, while venturing outside of the capital city, tourists should be cautious of the possibility of banditry.
Conclusion
This tiny nation has a powerful punch. It more than makes up for its size limitations in terms of aesthetics. With the probable exception of Iceland, few nations in the world have such bizarre scenery, such as salt lakes, extinct volcanoes, submerged plains, limestone chimneys spewing steam, basaltic plateaus, and spectacular canyons. Hiking, diving, and whale-shark spotting in the Gulf of Tadjoura are just a few of the land and marine activities that outdoor enthusiasts will love.