City Guide: Djibouti

Gulf of Tadjoura, located on the Horn of Africa side of the Indian Ocean and south of Bab-el Mandeb, marks the location of the city of Djibouti and the country with the same name. The port area is located in the northwest part of the city and constitutes the key transit point of international trade throughout the country. Seventy percent of the country's population lives in the capital city. Port of Djibouti is of critical importance to not only Djibouti; but also its neighbor, Ethiopia. Ethiopia carries out most of its exporting activities through this port. The railroad line that starts from the city, reaches Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. It is possible to go from the Port of Djibouti to the cities of Obock and Tadjoura through the regular ferry service that is available.

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• Tourist Attractions

  Museums, Public Squares, Historical Locations, Monuments

  Lake Abhe, Lake Assal, and Day Forest National Park are the main eye-catching beauties of Djibouti. Day Forest, located in a semi-desert region as if a green paradise, is home to four endemic plant species. Eighty-eight percent of the forest, which has undergone a major environmental carnage, was lost in the past two centuries; while more than 20% of the loss took place in the last 50 years. 

  The Gulf of Tadjouri is definitely the region where the best beaches are located. Additionally, its architecture full of white houses is worth seeing. Another aspect of the gulf area is its identity as a center of commerce and culture-an identity that it has had for centuries. In this regard, it deserves to be included in your cultural exploration.

  Seven Brothers Islands and Bab-el Mandeb is a route that hundreds of thousands of migratory birds use. Thus, sky exploration and birdwatching in Djibouti must be noted as unparalleled experiences in and of themselves.

  ENTERTAINMENT
  Paks, Games, Events, and Natural Areas
  Snow white beaches and mountains right next to them... Although it looks only deep blue from the outside, the sea is crystal clear and filled with hundreds of fish in all colors and corals. Green plains, plateaus, sand dunes with pebbles, and mountains of seemingly varying colors...Djibouti has the conditions required to do almost all outdoor sports, both in the sea and on terrain. In addition to mountain climbing and trekking, opportunities for diving, sailing, and other water sports are available.

  Located a 45 minute boat ride away from the port of Djibouti, the islands of Moucha and Maskali should be considered among the primary places to see. These islands and the surrounding waters provide extraordinary opportunities for divers. Let us remind you that giant plecos (vatoz baligi?) and many kinds of sharks swim in the same waters.

  DJIBOUTI IN ONE DAY
  Although it is possible to tour the city in one day; without careful planning, it may not be sufficient to see the geographic beauties in the vicinity. The advisable option is to make your itinerary by dividing Djibouti into three parts: the coastal area, the volcanic plains located in the south and the center, and the mountains as high as 2000 meters located north. The important detail to keep in mind while visiting these three parts is that caution is required in order to avoid suffering from water deficiency; as most of the country is made up of deserts.

  Lac Abbe and Lac Assal, as they are locally called, should definitely be on your itinerary. Goda Mountains, which rise as a green and beautiful surprise on the northeast; the city of Tadjoura on the shore right across the sea, and the coastal area of the gulf of the same name also should be included.

  CITY TOURS AND TRANSPORTATION
  You can travel between Djibouti and Tadjoura or Obock with small boats that depart from the spot known as L'Escale. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. Share taxis and taxicabs provide transportation services in the city. You can find taxicabs which operate between the airport and the city center. In centers such as Ali-Sabieh, Dikhil, Dorale, and Arta taxicab service is available as well. Using the railroad track from Djibouti to Addis Ababa, you can reach residential areas such as Ali-Sabieh. We must point out that the city center is suitable for getting around on a bike. If you would like to travel outwards to the desert, it would be appropriate for your vehicle to be a four by four.

  LOCATIONS NEARBY
  You can see Khor Ambado by traveling approximately 45 minutes with a four by four vehicle. On this heavenly beach on the shores of Tadjoura; you can try out almost every water sport in addition to swimming. Getting 35 meters away from the shore is enough to fully observe the magnificent life under the sea. The fact that this beach is secluded almost year-round is another appeal that makes this location noteworthy to be included in the places to see.

  Lake Abbe is located in the western part of the country and on the Ethiopian border. The most famous detail about this salt lake is the limestone chimneys that surround it. The height of some of these chimneys, deemed as a geological miracle, reach 50 meters. In addition to the chimneys that vent steam and the nomadic Afar people, pink flamingos are among the lake's patrons.
  

• Culture & Entertainment

• Food & Drink

• Shopping

Ticket Sales Offices: Djibouti

• Djibouti: Airport Map Information

  Ambouli Int. Airport

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• Djibouti: Airport Map Information