Archaeological Site
Abourma Rock Art SiteThis superb archaeological site features well-preserved rock engravings dating back to Neolithic times, which are striking both for their rich complexity…
Image by Sami Alramyan / EyeEm / Getty Images
Djibouti
This tiny speck of a country packs a big punch. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. Few countries in the world, with the possible exception of Iceland, offer such weird landscapes – think salt lakes, extinct volcanoes, sunken plains, limestone chimneys belching out puffs of steam, basaltic plateaus and majestic canyons. Outdoorsy types will enjoy a good mix of land and water activities, including hiking, diving and whale-shark spotting in the Gulf of Tadjoura.
Barring Djibouti City, the country is refreshingly devoid of large-scale development. It’s all about ecotravel, with some sustainable stays in the hinterland.
Traveling independently around Djibouti may not come cheap, but despite the high cost of living, you’ll surely leave this little corner of Africa with new experiences and wonderful memories.
Explore Djibouti
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Djibouti.
Wildlife Reserve
DecanWeary of the hustle and bustle of Djibouti City? Have a soft spot for endangered species? The well-organised wildlife refuge Decan is about 10km south of…
Landmark
Les AllolsIt does not get the hype of the iconic Lac Assal and Lac Abbé, but Les Allols depression is one the most spectacular natural sites in the Horn. The…
Area
African QuarterThe vast Place Mahmoud Harbi (aka Pl Rimbaud), which is dominated by the minaret of the great Hamoudi Mosque, Djibouti City’s most iconic building, is…
Harbour
L’EscaleIn the early evening, the walk along the causeway northwest of the centre makes a very pleasant stroll. The Moorish-inspired presidential palace (not open…
Area
European QuarterThe focal point of the European Quarter is Place du 27 Juin 1977 (Place Ménélik). With its whitewashed houses and Moorish arcades, this vast square is a…
Landmark
Grand BarraThis spectacular plain of dried and cracked white clay, 27km long and 12km wide, was once an ancient lake. You can't miss it if you're heading to Lac Abbé…
Area
Plateau du Serpent & Îlot du HéronThese adjoining neighbourhoods north of the centre are residential areas where you’ll find many of the foreign embassies and residences, as well as lavish…
Cemetery
Cimetière MarinThe eerily quiet Cimetière Marin (Marine Cemetery), on the western outskirts of town, contains the graves of French soldiers who died from fever on their…
Market
Les Caisses MarketSpreading along Blvd de Bender are the stalls of this popular market. Crammed with every type of souvenir from woodcarvings to clothing, it’s a colourful…
Mosque
Hamoudi MosqueThe vast and chaotic Place Mahmoud Harbi (Place Rimbaud) is dominated by the minaret of this imposing mosque, Djibouti City’s most iconic building.
Lighthouse
Ras Bir LighthouseAbout 6km east of the centre, this well-kept lighthouse is worth a gander. It’s completely isolated, and there’s an eerie atmosphere.
Church
CathedralThe cathedral has been recently restored and is one of the most eye-catching buildings along Blvd de la République.
Landmark
Petit BarraThe road from Djibouti City to Lac Abbé crosses this desert plain, which was once an ancient lake.
Historic Building
Governor’s HouseObock is where French colonialism all began. In 1862, the Afar sultans of Obock sold their land to the French, and construction of the town began. But it…
Church
Église Éthiopienne Orthodoxe Tewahido St Gabriel du SoleilIn a street running parallel to Blvd de la République, this Orthodox church, which is popular with the Ethiopian community, is well worth a peek.
Top experiences
Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Djibouti.
Tickets & Passes
Discover Assal Lake