Djibouti Travel Guide | Trip to Djibouti | Djibouti Tourism Info

Djibouti, which is officially called the Republic of Djibouti, is a country in Eastern Africa. Djibouti used to be a French colony earlier in the 19th century, but it finally gained independence in 1977. The capital interestingly is called the City of Djibouti. Arabic and French are the main languages spoken here. The people who lived in ancient times in this country, used to conduct trade with nations like India and China. They were also one among the first countries back then to accept Islam.

The culture of the people here is predominantly Islam, a scan be seen in the clothes they wear and also in the food. However the French influence  can also be felt. Ancient stories and legends are passed on to the next generations through songs, mostly orally. Another popular social custom is to tell a story while performing a dance at the same time. Many of the buildings here carry various Islamic motifs and designs. Calligraphy too, is considered an important art.

There is much to see and do in this country. Tourists especially find shopping in the markets quite an experience. In the capital city there, is a Central Market, where one can get to buy many different things. The Presidential Palace is also worth a visit, although the Palace may be closed on specific days due to security reasons. The beach of Dorale, is a beautiful beach full of volcanic rocks and sand dunes. Sometimes, one can spot camels, too blending in with the environment. One can safely go for a swim here. Lake Assal is another popular attraction, which is a saline crater lake with dormant volcanoes and lava fields on all sides. It is located in the Afar depression, which is said to be the lowest point on the African continent. The waters of this lake are the most saline in the world, making export of salt very important to the economy. The Gulf of Tadjoura, contains different species of both fishes and coral reefs also. Many tourists enjoy diving, snorkeling and taking underwater photography. Water skiing and windsurfing are other two favorite activities too.

Nature lovers may like to visit Lake Abbe where many flamingoes and pelicans can be spotted. Djibouti has its own national park which was set up in 1939. The Foret Du Day National Park once covered a larger area of 10,000 hectares, but has now decreased in size. The park is full of juniper forests where more than half the wildlife live. Visitors can see verves monkeys, hamadryads’ baboons, warthogs, klipspringers, leopards, and many other smaller mammals. Plenty of birds can be spotted including hornbills and baboons. Bird lovers would also get a chance to see a highly endangered and range-restricted bird called the Djibouti francolin. The Francolin is another rare bird , which, if one is lucky, can be seen here too.

Djibouti is a country known for its hospitality and friendly people. A vacation here is certain to be relaxing for the senses, and filled with nice experiences.

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