Djibouti, Djibouti - Travel Guide

Djibouti offers a unique blend of volcanic landscapes, pristine marine life in the Red Sea, and a rich cultural heritage influenced by its location at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East. It's a destination for adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences like diving with whale sharks, exploring salt lakes, and discovering lunar-like terrains.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

Horn of AfricaRed SeaGulf of AdenEast AfricaBab-el-MandebSomalilandEritreaEthiopiaSomalia

🇩🇯 Country Information: Djibouti

CapitalDjibouti

CurrencyDjiboutian franc (Fdj)

LanguageFrench, Arabic , Somali, Afar

Phone Code+253

Electricity220V (Type C, E)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not widely practiced or expected, but it is appreciated for good service, especially in hotels and restaurants; a small gratuity (5
10%) is acceptable for service staff or guides

Money & Payments

ATMs are limited, primarily found in major cities and hotels; it's advisable to withdraw enough cash when available
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some larger establishments, but cash is preferred for most transactions
Bringing USD or Euros in cash is highly recommended for exchange and emergencies
There is no official black market for currency exchange, but informal exchanges may exist, which are not recommended

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially for women, covering shoulders and knees; avoid public displays of affection
When eating, use your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean
It is customary to remove shoes before entering private homes or mosques

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal but is not socially accepted, and there are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Alcohol consumption is generally tolerated for non
Muslims in designated areas like hotels and restaurants, but public intoxication is frowned upon
Drug laws are strict, and possession or use of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Respect local customs and traditions, particularly regarding dress code and behavior in public places, especially during religious holidays
Photography of government buildings, military installations, or sensitive areas is prohibited

Common Phrases

NoNon (nohn)

YesOui (wee)

HelloBonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)

PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)

Thank youMerci (mer-SEE)

Best Time to Visit

Super hot season: Jun
Sep
No hurricane season
No monsoon season
No specific earthquake season (seismically active, but unpredictable)
Floods: Oct
Apr

Getting There

Fly into Djibouti
Ambouli International Airport (JIB)
Direct flights are limited, often requiring layovers in Addis Ababa, Istanbul, or Paris

Getting Around

Taxis are the primary mode of transport within cities
Shared taxis (red and white minivans) are common for inter
city travel
No major ride
sharing apps like Uber/Grab are widely used
Car rentals are available but generally not recommended for self
driving due to road conditions and traffic laws

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP) are recommended
Yellow Fever vaccine may be required depending on origin
Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Meningococcal vaccines are often advised
Malaria risk is present in some areas, consult a doctor for prophylaxis
Probiotics may be helpful
Heatstroke and dehydration are common concerns
Altitude sickness is not a concern

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited but growing
Local providers such as Djibouti Telecom offer traditional SIM cards
Airalo and Nomad may have limited or no coverage
Check specific provider details before travel

Local Cuisine

Laxoox breakfast

A staple Djiboutian flatbread, similar to Ethiopian injera but often made with wheat or sorghum flour, making it smaller and thinner. It is a pancake-

Fah-Fah (Soupe Djiboutienne) regional_speciality

A traditional Djiboutian soup, which can be either a spicy boiled beef soup or a dense vegetable soup thickened with ingredients like potatoes, carrot

Sambusa snack

The local Somali version of the triangular samosa, commonly eaten as a snack, particularly during afur (iftar). The Djiboutian variant is typically sp

Skoudehkaris must_try

A flavorful pilaf dish consisting of lamb and rice, representing the blend of meat and rice commonly eaten in the region. This is a hearty and substan

Xalwo (Halva) dessert

A popular confection primarily eaten during festive occasions like wedding receptions and Eid celebrations. It is made from sugar, corn starch, cardam

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

High-Quality Accommodation (Djibouti City) Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

The supply of internationally recognized or high-quality hotels is limited, and they often sell out, especially during the cooler high season.

Snorkeling/Diving Trip (Whale Sharks - Seasonal) tour_or_activity

Book 1–3 months in advance

Whale Shark season (typically November to February) attracts divers globally. Boat spots are extremely limited, and prime dates sell out rapidly.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Day Trip/Tour to Lake Assal (or similar remote destinations) tour_or_activity

Book 2 weeks–2 months in advance

Reputable tour operators with reliable vehicles and English-speaking guides are limited in number, and their capacity fills up, especially for multi-day trips.

Fun Facts

1. Djibouti is home to Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa and one of the most saline bodies of water in the world, being ten times saltier than the ocean.
2. Three-quarters of Djibouti's approximately one million residents live in the capital, Djibouti City.
3. Due to its strategic location, Djibouti hosts many foreign military bases, making it a key geopolitical hub.
4. The country features unique, vast lunar-like landscapes created by volcanic activity.

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