Djibouti - where's that then?

Background

Djibouti Flag

Djibouti is not very big, in fact it's about 8000 sq km, on top of that little fact is that very few people know about it let alone where it is. Its neighbours are Yemen across the sea to the north, Eritrea to the northwest, Ethiopia to the south and Somalia to the east. Djibouti has become a very stable haven after a bloody civil war in the 80's and 90's. Previously Djibouti was a French colony and there is still a french military base in the country. French is the official language, so get your french phrase books ready!

Given the civil war, and the state of one of its neighbours, Djibouti is very stable and has a highly efficient infrastructure, and many travelers passing through have remarked of how safe they feel. Surprising though many travelers don't really see much of Djibouti, outside the capital, Djibouti City. The capital acts as a crossroads and transfer point for people going from one of its neighbours to the other.

So, what can Djibouti offer me?
Although being small, Djibouti offers quite a lot to do and experience for the tourist. Djibouti City really is quite cosmopolitan and offers high quality eateries and lively nightlife.
Don't worry, there are other things to do apart from eating and staying up all night.

The central market is a festival of frenetic activity, noise and colour, will see all sections of Djibouti life there, so if you're into people watching are just love the sound and smell of markets, this is a must for you.

Djibouti has about 195 km of coastline on the Red Sea. The waters are azure and offers beaches of stunning beauty, where you can soak up the sun, be careful though as it is very very hot. Maybe to cool off a spot of snorkeling may be in order. Speaking of snorkeling, Djibouti is one of the very few places on earth where you can snorkel with Whale Sharks. Now if you're into one up manship, this will be something that very few other people would have done. Diving as well as dolphin spotting are also possible.

The Goda Mountains and The Day Forest National Park are a complete and utter change to the hot arid and somewhat desolate landscape that is mostly Djibouti, and really is a hiker's paradise, and something that is well worth doing.

Remember the film "Planet Of The Apes"? Well, it was filmed at Lake Abbe. The Lake straddles the Ethiopia/Djibouti border and has been described by some as "the most desolate place on Earth" it really like a Martian landscape and like most of Djibouti, very hot! There are a number of tour companies which offer this experience. You could also combine this trip to desolation with a visit to the lowest point on the African Continent (153m below sea level) at Lake Assal.

Getting there.
You can get to Djibouti by land, sea and air. Djibouti's Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport has a number of links to the major regional air transport hubs. The airport has been both described as good to whacky.
For all the best results on price, airlines and flight frequency just visit:

globaltraveldeals.biz

Visas.
All nationalities including Djibouti citizens require a valid passport. All foreign nationals will also require a visa, which must be obtained before arrival,  a typical tourist visa will be for 30 days.

Djibouti has 17 embassies and 17 consulates dotted around the world, the best way to find out where the nearest one to you visit:

www.embassypages.com/djibouti

Staying there.
There are four hotels in Djibouti City itself, and one one Ile Moucha. For a complete rundown on what each hotel has to offer, as well as images, reviews and tariff, you will not go far wrong by visiting:

globaltraveldels.biz

Footnote.
Djibouti is predominantly muslim. Please be aware of this and respect local customs and laws.