Djibouti City sits on a peninsula at the western end of the Gulf of Aden, at the mouth of the Gulf of Tadjoura, and is the capital and port of the country of the same name. Its position on the sea lane between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean made it a trading and port city; the European quarter from the French period and the old market area with its local bazaar and mosques stand side by side. The city's real draw is the volcanic and salt landscapes a few hours away: Lake Assal, 155 metres below sea level, Lake Abbé on the Ethiopian border, the Day Forest in the Goda Mountains and Moucha Island, a short boat ride away. From November to February it is also possible to swim with whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura.
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See flights to Djibouti →When to visit Djibouti
November to February is the best period: temperatures are bearable, the sea is calm and clear and the whale sharks are in the Gulf of Tadjoura. March, April and October are shoulder months, hot by day but fine for sightseeing. From May to September Djibouti is one of the hottest capitals in the world; daytime temperatures often go above 40 degrees and trips inland to Lake Assal and Lake Abbé become hard going. Rain is scarce all year; a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are needed in every season.
Things to do in Djibouti
Hamoudi Mosque
The mosque in the city's old market district was built around 1906 by Haji Hamoudi and is one of the oldest and best known mosques in Djibouti. Its white facade and single minaret are the landmark of the surrounding market streets; with an interior of about 2,000 square metres it is one of the city's gathering places during Ramadan. Shops for spices, fabric and everyday goods line the market around it. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is the norm when visiting.
Place Menelik
The square at the heart of the European quarter is lined with whitewashed Moorish style buildings with arcades, dating from the French period. Cafes, restaurants and shops sit under the arcades, and when the heat breaks in the late afternoon it becomes one of the liveliest corners of the city. From the square it is a short walk to the old market and the Hamoudi Mosque. It is a good starting point for getting to know the centre.
Moucha Island
In the Gulf of Tadjoura north of the city, the Moucha and Maskali islands are a marine protected area, reached by boat from the harbour in between half an hour and an hour depending on the sea. White beaches, mangroves and coral reefs make them the best known snorkelling and diving spot in the area. Boat trips to see whale sharks in the gulf from November to February fall in the same season. They are visited as a day trip or with a night at the lodging on the island.
Lake Assal
About 120 kilometres west of the city, the salt lake in the Afar Triangle lies 155 metres below sea level; it is the lowest point on land in Africa and the third lowest on Earth after the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. Turquoise water, brilliant white salt flats along the shore and the black volcanic rock around them are the focus of photographs. The water is extremely salty, so you float easily, but keep it out of your eyes. The drive takes around an hour and a half; leaving early in the morning is best because of the heat.
Lake Abbé
About 140 kilometres southwest of the city on the Ethiopian border, the salt lake is known for its limestone chimneys up to 50 metres tall, some of which still vent steam. Part of the way is desert track and takes four hours or more by 4x4, so most visitors stay a night at the camp. The silhouettes of the chimneys at sunrise and the flamingos feeding on the lake are the best known sights of the trip. Going with a guided tour is recommended.
Day Forest National Park
In the Goda Mountains in the Tadjourah region, the park is the greenest corner of this dry country; it is one of the few remaining habitats of the East African juniper, with wild olive and box among the forest's main trees. Because of the altitude the air is noticeably cooler than on the coast and good for walking. It is reached by road from the city or by combining a boat and a car via Tadjoura. A night at the local lodgings leaves more time for walking.
Flights from Turkey to Djibouti
Direct flights to Djibouti from Turkey leave Istanbul Airport on Turkish Airlines; the route runs three times a week and the nonstop flight takes about 5 hours 15 minutes, while connections from other cities go via Istanbul. Flights land at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport, about 6 kilometres from the city centre and 10 to 15 minutes by taxi. Taxis wait outside the terminal; there are no meters and the fare is agreed with the driver before setting off, and hotels can also arrange transfers. There is no time difference between Turkey and Djibouti.
Djibouti FAQ
Do I need a visa for Djibouti?
Yes, Turkish citizens need a visa to enter Djibouti and are advised to apply before travelling through the official electronic visa system (evisa.gouv.dj). Rules can change, so check the current situation with the Embassy of Djibouti in Ankara or the official e-visa site before you travel.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport is about 6 kilometres from the city centre, 10 to 15 minutes by taxi. Taxis have no meters, so the fare is agreed before getting in. Many hotels also offer airport transfers.
How many days do you need in Djibouti?
A day is enough for the city centre, Place Menelik and the Hamoudi Mosque; allow one day for Moucha Island and another for Lake Assal. Lake Abbé and the Day Forest each need an overnight trip, so those who want to see everything plan five or six days. In the winter months, add half a day for a whale shark trip.
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