Lake Assal
Region: Tadjourah Region
Nature
Below-sea-level salt lake with transparent turquoise blue and spreading salt crystals
Tourism in Djibouti
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Lake Abbe
Region: Dikhil Region
Nature
Secret place known for limestone chimney rock formations and flamingo flocks
Day Forest (Forêt du Day)
Region: Tadjourah Highlands
Nature
Precious mountain forest remaining in arid region with endemic juniper forest spreading
Moussa Ali Mountain
Region: Northern tripoint border
Nature
Highest peak at 2,028m; popular beginner trekking
Ardoukoba Volcano
Region: Near Tadjourah Bay
Nature
New volcano from 1978 eruption; lava plateau walking possible
Djibouti City Old Town
Region: Djibouti City
Cultural Heritage
Historic district mixing colonial architecture and Arab markets
Hamoudi Mosque
Region: Djibouti City center
Religious Architecture
Main mosque built in 1906 with beautiful white minaret
Ghoubbet Bay (Ghoubbet al-Kharab)
Region: Western end of Tadjourah Bay
Nature
Powerful diving point with tidal currents and whirlpools
Dorale Beach & Khor Ambado
Region: 10km west of Djibouti City
Beach
Citizen''s leisure beach beautiful with coral reefs and sunsets
Maskali Island
Region: Red Sea offshore
Nature
Popular for coral reef snorkeling and high dolphin encounter rate
Godoria Mangrove Reserve
Region: Northeast coast
Nature
Eco-tour site enjoying mangrove forest and bird watching by kayak
Suggested itineraries
Northern Djibouti 3 Days Salt Lakes and Volcanoes
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: Lake Assal, Ardoukoba Volcano, Ghoubbet Bay
Short adventure course from Djibouti City efficiently covering Great Rift Valley scenery and geothermal experiences
Red Sea Diving and Old Town Exploration 4 Days
Duration (days): 4
Highlights: Maskali Island, Dorale Beach, Djibouti City Old Town, Hamoudi Mosque
Enjoying marine activities in highly transparent Red Sea and French colonial era streets
Afar Culture and Camel Festival Experience 5 Days
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Camel Festival, Lake Abbe, Day Forest
Cultural deep-dive trip combining February camel festival, nomadic culture, and salt lake wonders
Travel tips
- Visa available on arrival but electronic pre-application expedites immigration
- High humidity even in dry season causes dehydration; 3+ liters daily water intake recommended
- Many places outside capital do not accept credit cards; cash (small US dollar bills) convenient
- Desert tours in morning and evening; daytime temperatures can exceed 45°C
- Female travelers safe carrying long sleeves and scarves
- Binocular use and drone flights legally prohibited near military bases
- Friday midday prayer time makes taxis hard to find
- Khat chewing habit at night; caution for driver drowsiness
- Public transport mainly shared taxis over buses; departure time depends on full capacity
- ATMs only in capital center; prepare cash beforehand in provinces
- Snorkeling best transparency November–April
- Tipping guideline: 5% of service charge at restaurants, approximately $5 per guide day
- Restaurant lunch closures during fasting month; secure meals at accommodations
- Low malaria risk but dengue countermeasures with insect repellent essential
- French language facilitates smooth negotiations; memorizing basic greetings makes good impression