Top 10 Best Places In Djibouti To Visit

Djibouti is a perfect example of a tiny investment with a large impact. Though it occupies a little part of Northern Africa, it boasts abundant beauty and sights that you won’t believe unless you’ve seen them for yourself.

Few sites have such a diverse range of landscapes, including volcanoes, sinking plains, limestone chimneys with steam rising from the top, salt lakes, enormous canyons, and breathtaking plateaus.

Those who enjoy outdoor adventures will find plenty to keep them busy here. Enjoy shark snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, and trekking. Outside of the capital, the country is not overdeveloped, so spending time here provides the ideal eco-travel experience, allowing you to see ancient nomadic life firsthand.

It’s a little pricey here, so come prepared, but the cost is more than justified by the great memories waiting for you. Here are the top locations to visit in Djibouti!

1. Djibouti City

First, it’s an excellent base for hinterland or coastal trips. Second, it provides some consolation after those adventures.

There are fine restaurants, bars, and motels, so you may enjoy creature comforts.

Three, it’s adorable and easy to love. As people rebuild their city from the decrepit outpost it was in the 80s and 90s, you’ll notice a difference. This melting pot has many cultural contrasts that are fun to witness.

2. Hanlé Plain

Adjacent to the Goba’ad Plain, the ecosystem is similar. The lowland valley is surrounded by steep mountains and populated by several small freshwater lakes.

It’s another great place for bird lovers with the chance to see Egyptian Goose, black crake, and the three banded plover.

3, Day Forest National Park

This massive oasis is bursting with the brilliant colors of the Djibouti desert. Day Forest National Park, located around 20 kilometers from the Gulf of Tadjoura, will captivate nature lovers.

Surrounded by desert, this is one of the country’s two protected wooded regions. It is the largest forest, and the most important ecosystem is a 900-hectare stand of East African Junipers, which can grow to about 1000 meters.

If you’re lucky, you might spot the Toha or Djibouti sunbirds, both of which have only been sighted inside the forest.

4. The Gulf of Tadjoura

The Gulf of Tadjoua, bordered by the beautiful Goda Mountains that reach heights of up to 1300 metres, is regarded by many who have been there as the ideal location for diving and snorkeling with whale sharks.

Obock and Tadjoura are the two towns that receive the greatest visitor interest, and properly so. The latter contains stunning views of the sea as well as seven nationally significant mosques.

5. Lake Assal

“Honey Lake” is a crater lake at the western end of the Gulf of Tadjoura. It’s 155 metres below sea level, making it the second lowest land depression on Earth after the Dead Sea.

Lake Assal is the largest salt reserve and the locals consider it to be a national treasure. It’s in the process of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site and the views around the lake are unbelievable.

6. Ali Sabieh

Ali Sabieh, near the Somali-Ethiopian border, is bordered on all sides by breathtaking desert.

There are numerous excellent markets, food stalls, and small lanes around the city. This is traditional and rough Africa at its finest. Surprisingly, there are natural beauty sites nearby, with little tourist development detracting from them.

Grand Bara and Petit Bara are excellent places to see the desert. While there, you should attempt wind surfing or one of the numerous other sports adventure activities. The entire area is well-known for its difficult walking trails.

7. Goba’ad Plain

This region, located between Lake Abhe and the Hanle Plain, is ideal for bird watchers.

Goba’ad is Djibouti’s only active breeding ostrich population. You’ll also see Black Crown Sparrows, Arabian Bustards, Sand Grouses, Crombec, and a variety of other birds.

This lowland is covered with shallow wadis, vast sand flats, and acacia scrub. These types of landscapes are what make the country so appealing to nature enthusiasts.

8. Tropical Aquarium

This is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. It is regarded as one of the best in Africa and is located in the old district.

It’s designed to make you feel as if you’re underwater in the Red Sea, getting up close and personal with marine life in this unique body of water. The ecosystems are properly repaired and rebuilt here.

If you combine your visit with a visit to Marche Central, the lively and chaotic central market, you’ll have a fantastic afternoon in the city.

9. Doralé and Khor Ambado

These two incredible beaches are roughly 15 kilometers from Djibouti City. There is excellent swimming here, as well as black lava rocks bordering the beach.

Great local sightseeing trips depart from here, and you may also participate in a variety of water activities.

The sunsets from Khor Ambado are among the best in the country. If you want to relax and unwind for a few days of sand and surf, this is the place to be.

10. Tadjoura

It’s one of Africa’s oldest east coast towns, dating back to the 12th century. Tadjoura was a major harbor for Djibouti-Ethiopian trade, including slaves, under a sultan.

La Ville Blanche, or White Town, is a great place to walk due of its many whitewashed residences and seaside vistas. Late afternoons are when residents are out.

Visit several nice mosques and relax in this quieter, less chaotic version of Djibouti City.