Things to do in Djibouti
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A
Restaurant Saba
Close to the railway station, this unpretentious joint gets kudos for its wide-ranging menu and mouthwatering fruit juices. Try shark fillet, crab or shrimps. Vegetarians will plump for salads. Despite the simplicity of the setting, this place feels surprisingly cosy.
reviewed
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Lac Abbé
Lac Abbé must rate among the most desolate places on earth. The scenery is unique: the plain is dotted with hundreds of limestone chimneys, some standing as high as 50m (165ft), belching out puffs of steam. These spikelike chimneys are the result of calcareous deposits across time. It's often described as lunar, and Planet of the Apes was filmed here.
Though desolate, it is not uninhabited. Numerous mineral-rich hot springs feed the farms of local nomads who graze their camels and goats here. The banks of the lake are also where flamingos gather at dawn.
reviewed
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Tadjoura
Tadjoura is Djibouti's oldest town, and as such it gave its name to the gulf separating the Afar and Issa lands. Originally a small Afar village trafficking in slaves, it's nestled in the shadow of the green Goda Mountains with the bright blue sea lapping at its doorstep.
When viewed from the sea, Tadjoura's setting is especially spectacular. Within 10km (6mi) of town, there are several peaks that rise to more than 1300m (4260ft), and there are superb coral reefs accessible to snorkellers and divers close to shore.
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Marché Central
The chaotic central market in Djibouti is a must. Go there early morning or late afternoon, when it bursts with activity. Around 13:00, don't miss the arrival of qat (leaves with narcotic properties chewed as a stimulant): a cacophony of car horns and shouting breaks out, heralding the arrival of the nation's daily addiction, fresh from Ethiopia.
reviewed
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Chez Marco
Hmm, will it be filet de boeuf sauce roquefort (fillet of beef with roquefort cheese sauce) or escalope de poulet au citron vert (chicken with lemon sauce)? This very French outpost serves delectable fare with a Mediterranean twist in a welcoming, light-toned interior.
reviewed
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AECVETA
Take a tour to Lake Assal, the lowest point on the African continent (153m below sea level); windsurf on wheels across Grand Barra, a great salty plain; or immerse yourself in the Martian landscape of Lake Abbé, where Planet of the Apes was filmed. Contact AECVETA .
reviewed
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B
Mukbasa - 7 Freres
This popular joint in the African Quarter is famous for one thing and one thing only: poisson yemenite (oven-baked fish). It's served with a chapati-like bread and a devilish mokbasa (purée of honey and either dates or banana). Truly finger-licking.
reviewed
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Shawarma
If money really matters, this cheap and cheerful eatery (no sign), a mere skip from the railway station, is the ideal pit stop. Fork out for a shwarma (kebablike dish) and you'll leave patting your tummy contentedly.
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C
Chez Mahad
Ultrafresh fruit juices are the deal in this buzzing bolthole, so put some bounce in your step with a glass of mango mixed with milk or papaya with watermelon. It's off rue de Madrid.
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Dolphin Excursion
Snorkel with whale sharks (from October to January) in the Bay of Ghoubbet or dive Moucha and Maskali Islands in the Gulf of Tadjoura. Contact Dolphin Excursion or Le Lagon Bleu.
reviewed
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Le Lagon Bleu
Snorkel with whale sharks (from October to January) in the Bay of Ghoubbet or dive Moucha and Maskali Islands in the Gulf of Tadjoura. Contact Dolphin Excursion or Le Lagon Bleu.
reviewed
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Dankali Expeditions
Take a tour to Lake Assal, the lowest point on the African continent (153m below sea level). Contact Dankali Expeditions.
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D
Agence Le Goubet
Forget the hardships and flake out on a porcelain-sand beach at Plage des Sables Blancs. Contact Agence Le Goubet .
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La Table de Julien
Opposite the railway station, this terribly French venue was the flavour of the month when we visited. Creative dishes like filet de daurade au sel du lac Assal (sea bream cooked with salt from Lake Assal) as well as the restaurant's signature dessert, fondant au chocolat (chocolate cake), will have you gushing superlatives. Wash it all down with a glass of well-chosen wine.
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E
Restaurant Ougoul
Nosh on freshly prepared fish and seafood dishes in this Djibouti classic, slap bang in the centre of town.
reviewed