Djibouti

Djibouti City, the capital of the Republic of Djibouti, sits on coral reefs along the southern edge of the Gulf of Tadjoura. This port city connects the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, with French colonial buildings, minarets, and modern docks defining its skyline. Visit Lake Assal, a salt lake 120 kilometers west of the city that sits 155 meters below sea level, or walk among the limestone formations at Lake Abbe. Markets here display goods from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen, and local dishes include spicy fish stews and flatbreads. The city’s position has attracted military bases from France, the U.S., and other countries, adding to its global connections.

Port Operations and Regional Connections

Djibouti City’s deepwater port manages nearly all imports and exports for Ethiopia, which has no direct sea access. Around 2,500 ships pass through annually, with cranes and storage facilities lining the eastern shore. The newer Doraleh Multipurpose Port, a 20-minute drive from downtown, handles livestock and large cargo shipments, strengthening Djibouti’s position in East African trade. Trains on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway depart weekly, taking 12 hours to cross deserts and mountains into Ethiopia. Foreign military bases near the city employ local workers and supply services to ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Salt Lakes and Volcanic Formations

Lake Assal’s bright white salt crust covers an area larger than Paris, mined by Afar workers who load camels with blocks for trade. Guided tours to the lake require 4x4 vehicles due to rough roads and summer heat that reaches 45°C. Southwest of the city, Lake Abbe’s limestone towers release steam from geothermal vents, creating a landscape often used as a filming location for sci-fi movies. The Mousa Ali Range, Djibouti’s tallest mountains, has hiking trails that cross into Ethiopia and offer views of the Danakil Depression’s salt flats.

Neighborhoods and Daily Culture

The European Quarter, built during French rule in the 19th century, has wide boulevards and administrative buildings now used by local government offices. In the African Quarter, single-story homes with courtyards cluster around the active Central Market, where vendors sell spices, textiles, and fresh khat leaves. Many residents gather at the Théâtre des Salines, an outdoor concrete amphitheater that hosts music performances and public meetings. Over 600,000 people live in the city, including Somali and Afar families, Yemeni traders, and foreign workers from logistics companies. The Hamoudi Mosque near the port fills with worshippers every Friday, its courtyard shaded by palm trees.

Diving and Coastal Ecosystems

The Gulf of Tadjoura’s warm waters draw whale sharks between November and February, with boat tours departing daily from the port. Dive shops offer trips to the Seven Brothers Islands, where underwater volcanic slopes attract schools of barracuda and manta rays. Day Forest National Park, 50 kilometers northwest, protects one of Djibouti’s last remaining woodlands, home to acacia trees and hyraxes. Moucha Island, a 30-minute boat ride offshore, has shallow reefs popular for snorkeling, with parrotfish and clownfish visible near the surface. Mangrove forests at Godoria provide nesting sites for pink flamingos and herons migrating between Africa and Arabia.

Travel Planning Essentials

Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport has direct flights from Istanbul, Dubai, and Addis Ababa, with visas available upon arrival for most visitors. Plan trips between October and April when temperatures stay near 28°C, avoiding summer months when heat and humidity peak. Rent a 4x4 vehicle or hire a driver through local agencies to reach remote sites like Lake Abbe, as public buses only cover main urban routes. Stay in budget-friendly guesthouses near the market or choose hotels with air conditioning and Gulf views, such as the Kempinski Palace. Bring a reusable water bottle, wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen to reduce heat-related risks during outdoor activities.