Exploring the Republic of Djibouti

Djibouti is officially known as the Republic of Djibouti. It is located in the Horn of Africa and bordered by Somalia to the south, Ethiopia to the southwest, Eritrea in the north, and to the east by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The country has a varied landscape with volcanoes, sinking plains, salt lakes, canyons, and plateaus. The country has a growing tourism industry. It offers a favorable climate, beaches, and islands. Among the main tourist activities are scuba diving, fishing, trekking, hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the lovely mountains and desert.

The capital is Djibouti City. The country is known is its delicate multicolored textiles, made into sarong-like garments called futa. These are sold in the colorful central market in the capital. Djibouti City’s souk (marketplace) is famed for its spicy oven-baked fish. There are many high-quality Vietnamese, Chinese, and Lebanese restaurants making the capital a destination for gourmands.

Enjoy the Marche Central the vibrant and lively central market.

Located about 15 km from the capital are two amazing beaches – Dorale and Khor Ambado. Visitors enjoy swimming and water sports. The beaches are bordered by black lava cliffs. Some of the best sunsets in the country can be found at Khor Ambado.

Tropical Aquarium is one of the top attractions in Djibouti City. It is located in the historic part of town and considered to be one of the best in Africa. Here you’ll feel like your underwater in the Red Sea looking at all of the marine life living there. Ecosystems are restored and recreated here.

Lake Assal is a crater lake located at the western end of the Gulf of Tadjoura. The lake is 155 meters below sea level and the lowest point in Africa. This makes it the second lowest land depression on Earth after the Dead Sea.

Tadjoura is one of the oldest towns on the African east coast. The town dates back to at least the 12th century. It is governed by a sultan and is often called La Ville Blanche or White Town because of the beautiful whitewashed homes. Visitors enjoy walking about town with amazing views of the waterfront.

Ali Sabieh is located near the border of Somalia and Ethiopia. It is surrounded by desert on all sides. The city has markets, food stalls, and narrow alleys. The adventurous enjoy wind surfing. The area is known for its walking trails.

You can enjoy seeing the Grand Bara Desert and the Petit Bara.

The Gulf of Tajoua is surrounded by the Goda Mountains. It is a great place to go diving and snorkeling with whale sharks.

The Goba’ad Plain located between Lake Abhe and the Hanle Plain is a great place for bird watchers. It is the only place in Djibouti with an active ostrich breeding population. You’ll also see black crown sparrows, Arabian bustards, sand grouses, crombecs, and more. The lowland area is covered with shallow wadis, large sand flats, and acacia scrub. It is a great place for nature lovers.

Hanle Plain is adjacent to the Goba’ad Plain and has a similar ecosystem. The lowland valley is surrounded by mountains and has some small freshwater lakes. Here you can see birds like the Egyptian goose, black crake and the three-banded plover.

The Day Forest National Park is located about 20 km from the Gulf of Tajoura. It is surrounded by desert and one of two protected forested areas in the country. The 900 ha stand of East African Junipers is the largest forest and most important ecosystem. Within the forest the Toha or Djibouti sunbird can be seen.