Searching for Djibouti tours and safaris? Djibouti, a historically significant region, was part of ancient Egypt around 2500 BC and inhabited by Somali and Afar communities, mainly Muslim. As per most Djibouti travel guides, French colonization began in the 1890s, leading to the creation of French Somaliland, which became the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas (TFAI) by 1967. Independence came in 1977, with Hassan Gouled Aptidon as president.
Amid regional tensions, Djibouti faced instability, including a revolt in 1991. The African country later stabilized under President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who took office in 1999. Djibouti's tourist attractions include Lake Assal, historic towns, and is unique scenic landscapes. Travelers should respect local customs and dress modestly. Check out some of our Djibouti tour packages below or read an extensive travel guide to plan your vacation trip even better.
Djibouti is one of the centers of human civilization and is believed to have been part of the ancient Egypt in the ages of 2500 BC. The earlier inhabitants of this area who were the Somali and the Afar were mostly Muslim in the early years but late there was more influence from the powerful Ethiopian Emperors. You will see this history right away on your Djibouti Tours.
In the early 1890s, the French established a permanent administration in the capital of Djibouti creating Somaliland around the entire area and making it a territory by the year 1945. This went on until the year 1967 when Djibouti was fully established as the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas (TFAI).
Due to tensions between the Afar and the Issas, there was violence between the years 1960 until the year 1977 and the French had to withdraw to award the country independence with Hassan Gouled Aptidon as president.
The new president was however given a reasonable number of a French trained army to cement his position since he had threats from the opposing groups which were basing from both within the country and abroad. There were also instabilities from the neighboring countries which were also a larger threat, countries like Somalia and Ethiopia and Eritrea.
There was bigger revolt in the year 1991 where a group of organized resistance wanted to take power under the rubric of Le Front pour la Restauration de l’Unité et la Démocratie (FRUD).
After fighting for two years, they French army won the war and the president was re elected. The resistance later split and some of its members joined the government.
The president later resigned after 22 years in power in the years 1999 but was replaced by his nephew who also doubled as the chief security officer of the outgoing president after an Election in April the same year.
There was an attempted coup in the years 2000 that was led by the former police chief but that was the last time Djibouti had any form of civil instability and has from then stayed calm and peaceful.
The president went on to win re election in 2005, 2011 and 2016. This is part of what shapes the society of Djibouti.
Best time to go on Djibouti Tours
Limestone Chimneys in Djibouti
Djibouti is extremely hot during the months of June to August. There is a wind that blows in these months called Khamsin that blows from the desert.
The months between October and April are the cooler months with a little more rain with about 150mm average per year.
You can basically schedule your Djibouti Tours for anytime of the year.
Geography
Landscape in Djibouti
Djibouti is located on the African content and it’s bordered by the Red sea in the East and North East, in the south East is Somalia, Ethiopia in the south west and Eritrea in the north.
The country is a bit barren not like most of the other African countries. The country has a coastline of about 300km of which most of it is sand beaches. The country is both desert and semi desert covered with thorny bushes and many volcanic ranges.
As you tour Djibouti, you’ll see so many amazing scenery and beautiful beaches.
Religion in Djibouti
The country’s population is mainly Muslim with over 94% of the population Islamic.
There are some catholic, Protestants and Orthodox.
Through religious tours in Djibouti, you will discover more about the religion in this country.
Social Conventions in Djibouti
You can dress casually on your Djibouti Tours and it’s acceptable but keep in mind that this is a Muslim dominated country and maintain come mode of decency.
Language in Djibouti
Arabic and French are the official languages. Somali and Afar are also used languages locally but you will meet most of the service people using some English.
We however, allocate English speaking guides on all our Djibouti Tours; guides who will be able to also translate to Arabic or French.
Best Djibouti Travel Destinations
Beautiful Beach in Djibouti
Most of the Djibouti Tour recommendations is based on our experience and research from other travelers, experts and people very familiar with the area. Djibouti is among those small courtiers that come with bigger rewards on exploring them.
Our Djibouti travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination.
Despite its size and location, a Djibouti tour will reward you with beautiful sights and much other beautiful scenery.
Djibouti is among the few places that will reward you with the best variety of landscapes from the many volcanoes to the sinking plains, salt lakes, gorges and plateaus to the limestone chimneys.
There are many outdoor and adventures you will try out on your Djibouti Tours to keep you busy and entertained.
You will have activities like diving, kite surfing, snorkeling with the sharks and hiking on the volcanoes.
The infrastructure of the country is well developed to allow you move around the country on your Djibouti tour holidays.
Djibouti City
Djibouti City, Referred to as the Next Dubai
This is also the capital of the country and it serves several purposes. There are many Djibouti city tour activities here including those at the sea. Its also the link between the inland area and the sea excursions.
You will also have a great opportunity to see and dine at many restaurants, bars and hotels. Most of those in the city come with a great sense of comfort to allow you enjoy and relax after long hours of excursions.
The people here are loving and welcoming with this sense of charm the come with the warmth of the cities of Africa.
The city also has a lot of cultural hot spot and you will feel more at ease here than in the rural areas.
Lake Assal
Salt Lake in Djibouti
This is also known as the honey lake. It is a crater lake which is located at the western side of the Gulf of Tadjoura.
The Lake is about 155 meters above sea level and this makes it the second shallowest lake in Africa.
Lake Assal is also one of the biggest salt reserves in the region which makes it a national treasure.
The Lake is considered for being a UNESCO world heritage site.
Most of our Djibouti Tours feature this lake.
City of Tadjoura
This town dates back to the 12th century and this makes it one of the oldest towns on the coast of East Africa.
It was one governed by a Sultan and during this time it acted as a port for business between Djibouti and Ethiopia. It was also a hub for salve trade.
Some people call it the white town or La Ville Blanche due to the many white sand homes and beaches. The town is goof for nature walks at the water front.
On your Djibouti Tours here, you can have a change to meet and interact with the locals. Being a Muslim dominated country, there are several mosques that you can adventure and enjoy the beautiful architecture.
Ali Sabieh
The town is located near the Ethiopia and Somali Border and it is surrounded by very stunning desert sights on all sides. The city has many local markets, food stall and small walking streets.
The city gives the best rustic and rugged African city vibes. You will have to visit Grand Bara and Petit Bara to see the desert at its best.
On your Djibouti vacation tours here, you will try out several activities like surfing and many adventure sports.
The Gulf of Tadjoura
The gulf is surrounded by the stunning Goda Mountains and it stands at a level of about 1300 meters above sea level. This is one of the best Djibouti tour sports for diving and snorkeling with the sharks.
You will visit the two most visited towns by tourists, Obock and Tadjoura. There are also mosques of national importance here and you will have a chance to adventure.
Goba’ad Plain
Located between the Lake Abhe and the Hanle Plain, Goba’ad Plain is a great Djibouti tour destination for lovers of bird watching. This place is the only place where Ostriches thrive in this country.
You will also see Black Crown Sparrows, Arabian Bustard, Sand grouses, Crombec and many other birds. The area is a low land and it has wadis, large sand flats, and acacia scrub which makes it a great place for nature lovers.
Hanlé Plain
The Djibouti tour ecosystem here is similar to Goba’ad Plain since they are just adjacent to each other. The area is a low land it is all covered by small fresh water lakes.
It is also another great Djibouti tour destination for nature lovers and here you will see birds like Egyptian Goose, black crake, and the three banded plover.
Doralé and Khor Ambado
These two stunning Djibouti tour beaches are about 15 km from the capital of the country. You will enjoy swimming and diving off the cliffs of the beach. The sights here are great and you will be awed by the beauty here.
You can take park in the many water sports and fishing. At the end of the long day, you can sit and enjoy the sun set over the area as you sip some of the best drinks made here.
Tropical Aquarium
This is one of the best Djibouti tourist attractions in the country. There are many tourists that are drawn here considering that the area is both beautiful an historic. It’s one of the best cities in Africa.
The aquarium is designed to make you feel like you are under the red sea. You will from close range have a chance to see the aquatic life here.
You can also visit the chaotic local market in Marche Central. The experience will give you a fulfilled experience.
Day Forest National Park
Being a desert country, you will have a chance to also explore some of the greener areas of the country to mix the desert sights with some green.
This Djibouti safari park is located about 20 kilometers from Gulf of Tadjoura. This park is mostly for the nature lovers. It’s a lot of green that is surrounded by the desert and it among the only two protected forests in the country.
This is also the largest in the country with about 900 hectares. You will be able to see the rare Toha or Djibouti sunbird which is only seen here.
International travel
There is a national carrier that you can use for Djibouti Tours; Djiboutian air, which you can use to arrive here. There are many other airlines that also operate here. You can also arrive by land and sea.
There is a train from Ethiopian capital to Djibouti that runs smoothly. You will need to show proof of the required vaccination both on arrival and departure.
On your Djibouti tour holidays, plan ahead and make sure you:
Can access money
Can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Understand what your insurance will cover
Crime
Like most destinations around the world, there is some petty crimes in Djibouti has well despite the fact that it is peaceful.
Try not to move alone at night. Avoid crowded places. Carry you identification documents all the time and keep your valuables far from reach.
Local Djibouti travel
You are advised against the travel around the Eritrean border with Djibouti due to their regional disputes. Sometimes the situation is stable but don’t take chances.
Be careful when you are around the remote areas of the country. Respect the police as you will meet a lot roadblocks.
Road travel in Djibouti
Try not to move especially alone in the remote areas when it’s dark. There are many drivers that don’t follow the laws and therefore it’s important that you be careful.
Rail travel
There are many trains operating as both passenger and freight trains.
Sea travel
There are several threats to sea travel here due to the many pirates’ scandals.
With travel advice from your tour operator, you can try to attempt the use of the sea to do the many available activities.
Proof of vaccination status
You will need to prove your vaccination status on both arrival and departure for the mandatory vaccines.
Carry a doctor’s letter in case you are not allowed to have any of the mandatory vaccines. Yellow fever is one of the mandatory vaccines.
You are advised to take some vaccines voluntarily. Tuberculosis and Malaria is one of the diseases you have to be wary of.
The rates of HIV and AIDS are also high.
Hepatitis E is widespread and hepatitis B is hyper-endemic. There are many insect spread diseases throughout the year.
There is presence of Billharzia. There is a small risk of Meningitis. You are advised to take a vaccination for tuberculosis.
Children and young people
If you are traveling with children below the ages of 18 on Djibouti tours, you will need to have documents to prove their permission to travel.
If you are not the parent, then carry a letter to authorize you and a birth certificate. If you are transiting through the country you will also need to fulfill the same requirements like those staying here.
Tipping
It’s not a must to tip on Djibouti tours but it’s only humane that you appreciate the services rendered to you. You can tip in either the local or foreign currency.
The amount is dependent on the size or number of the people you are tipping. It is standard that you tip about 10% of the total amount spent. You can tip more depending on your satisfaction.
Visas
You will need a passport with at least with a 6 months validity to enter. Most of the citizen of the EU are exempted from Djibouti visas or can get visa on arrival. You can apply online before arrival.
Makes sure you meet all the requirements on arrival or else you will be denied entry. You will be allowed to an entry of 30 days stay for tourism purposes.
Medical treatment
There are limited medical facilities in the country but the major cities have reasonable medical services.
Make sure you have an international insurance cover to protect yourself in case of any medical emergencies.
Also, take all the necessary shots of vaccination before embarking on your Djibouti tours.
Communications
Most of the local mobile phone services will not work here. You are advised to get a local Sim-card to access internet and calls.
The network is also not very good outside of the cities. Make sure to have all the emergency number on speed dial.
Djibouti Tour Packing List – What to Pack for your Djibouti Tours
Usually the best time to visit Djibouti is in the months of June to October which are dry and hot months with temperatures during the day at about 40°C.
You will then have to carry shorts and t-shirts, carry long sleeved shirts to protect you from the sun and insects.
Make sure you carry neutral color clothes as animals are usually forced to charge at bright colors. Carry insect repellents and a hat to protect you from the sun.
If you visit Djibouti in the cooler months you must carry clothes that make layers such that you are covered up in the morning and can remove them as it gets hotter in the day.
Have a rain coat to protect you from the rain.
Food and Drink
All tap water isn’t safe for drinking and consider it contaminated. Make sure you use boiled drinking water to brush.
Milk here should be boiled as it is not pasteurized. Try to use mostly tinned and powdered milk. Feel most of the fruits and wash them before eating.
Photography and media
Try to avoid using cameras on your Djibouti tours, or binoculars near government entities to avoid any problems. Try to ask for permission when taking nay pictures.
Your equipment like phones may be confiscated in-case you are found in violation of privacy law.
Drugs and alcohol
Trafficking drugs is a very severe crime and it’s punishable by a prison sentence yet the prison conditions are very poor. If you arrive drunk at the airport, you may be denied entry into Djibouti.
You may however be detained at the police station until you sober up. This is a predominantly a Muslim country.
Djibouti Travel Tips
Here are some of the other Djibouti travel tips you will need to put into consideration as you book a safari to Djibouti.
Consider reading a lot of other travel advisories since this is a Muslim country and you wouldn’t want to land into trouble.
Other than that, this country is really a very friendly country and you will barely have any problems; but this is just done as a precaution.
Try to respect the local authorities like the police and all the relevant people. Avoid any large gatherings and walking a lot especially at night. Always follow the lead of your guide.
The country is mostly a Muslim country with 94% of the population Muslim. Mind how you dress especially in the rural areas. The city has many cultures and many people won’t mind how you dress.
Drinking is allowed here despite it being a majority Muslim country but try to control your alcohol. Try not to make yourself a public nuisance when drunk. Take only the alcohol you can control. Such behavior attracts a prison sentence. The prison conditions are not goof and there foe you wouldn’t want to end up there.
Same sex relationships here just like in most Islamic countries are a taboo but not illegal. Try not to do a public display of affection like kissing or holding hands especially for the same sex relationships and this may warrant prosecution. Public display of affection is something that is a gain the social norms of the people here. Therefore as a member of the LGBT community, you can travel to Djibouti with ease but then try not to make a public fuss about it, try keeping it low.
These being a Muslim country, try not to show some respect for the people especially during Ramadan which is a fasting period for them. Ask your guide on how you should behave during this fasting period.
Try not to take picture without asking permission. Avoid using your camera near government building, police stations, borders and airports. Your equipment may be confiscated and you may also be prosecuted.
French, Arabic are the official languages but Somali is also widely spoken.
Djibouti Travel safety
Zebra in Djibouti
Of course it will be an individual’s decision about Djibouti travel but its important that you put all the safety measures in place to make sure you can travel again.
There is no special advice about safety as everyone will encounter different problems while traveling.
It’s important that you stay vigilant and mind all your surroundings. Try to read from different advisories and make s tailor made safe book for you.
Don’t travel to unsafe place unless they are completely unavoidable.
Your Djibouti tour guide will advise you on the safe and unsafe places.
As a company, we shall advise you too and craft your Djibouti tour itinerary the right way.
