You can study a map of Africa in some detail and still manage to miss tiny Djibouti, snugly tucked along the junction of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden between Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. This rugged desert republic has a disproportionate share of beautiful scenery (not to mention economic clout, given its strategic coastal setting). Pristine and unpeopled sands, outstanding marine riches, and some rather outlandish volcanic formations are among the chief attractions of Djibouti’s compact countryside.
(While Djibouti is a fairly stable nation, its proximity to some of the Horn of Africa’s more troubled sectors and the widespread regional risk of terrorism warrant real caution on the part of Western visitors. The U.S. and U.K. governments both maintain active travel warnings for Djibouti as of mid-2015.)
Many a beach-lover, diver, and ecotourist venerates the Gulf of Tadjoura, perhaps Djibouti’s most glorious natural landmark. The crystalline waters of this seaway, which essentially forms the head of the Gulf of Aden, overlie splendid coral reefs; their depths also provide one of the best venues anywhere for diving with the world’s heftiest fish, the intimidating (though harmless) whale shark. Strolling the Gulf’s sandy shores, you’re treated to fine views of the Goda Mountains that crumple down to the saltwater. Nearby, Lake Assai, one of the most saline bodies of water on Earth and a globally important source of salt, presents downright surreal vistas—rivaled, though, by the limestone spires, sulfurous plumes, and flamingo flocks of Lake Abbe near the Ethiopian border.
The majority of Djiboutians (mostly Somali and Afar people, but also a fair number of regional and European expats) are urbanites. The capital of Djibouti City has lively markets, shopping districts, and eateries for investigating daily society, customs, and cuisine.
From the mosques of the capital to the coral gardens of the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti packs some remarkably varied scenery and experiences into its nugget-sized real estate.
10 things not to miss.
- Float in Lac Assal at -155 m elevationFloat in Lac Assal at -155 m elevation
- Snorkel with whale sharks in TadjouraSnorkel with whale sharks in Tadjoura
- the Day Forest reserveHike the Day Forest reserve
- Gulf of TadjouraThis mesmerizing nook of the Gulf of Aden has fine beaches, coral reefs, and outstanding snorkeling and diving—including with whale sharks.
- Goda MountainsRising steeply from the Gulf of Tadjoura, this canyon-laced range includes some of Djibouti’s rare woodlands—well showcased in Day Forest National Park.
- Lake AssaiCommune with Africa’s lowest point—some 500 feet below sea level—at this surreal volcanic lake, which has been a source of salt for centuries.
- Lake AbbeFlamingo flocks and unreal limestone “chimneys” distinguish this salty basin, edged by volcanoes and saline flats.
- Hamoudi MosqueThe pale minaret of this grand house of worship, built in 1906 on Place Mamhoud Harbi, is a beacon of Djibouti City, though it’s only one of many mosques.
- Presidential PalaceSituated near the Gulf of Tadjoura waterfront, the president’s digs form one of Djibouti’s most regal buildings.
- Grande PecherieOne of the beating hearts of Djibouti City, the fish market gives you the opportunity to literally taste the Gulf of Aden’s richness.
