Things to Do in Djibouti

About Djibouti

Where the African continent meets the Arabian Peninsula, Djibouti emerges as one of Earth's most geologically dramatic landscapes—a land sculpted by volcanic forces, salt lakes that shimmer below sea level, and coastlines where three seas converge. This small nation punches far above its weight, offering travelers an raw, unfiltered encounter with landscapes so otherworldly they've remained largely unchanged since the dawn of time. In Djibouti, you won't find polished tourism infrastructure; instead, you'll discover an authentic frontier where nature still commands absolute respect and adventure takes on its truest meaning.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: While the official currency is the Djiboutian Franc (DJF), US dollars are widely accepted throughout the city, but always carry cash as credit card acceptance is limited outside major hotels and some restaurants.

• Heat Management: Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, as midday temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F), and always carry more water than you think you'll need—dehydration happens quickly in Djibouti's extreme climate.

• Language: French and Arabic are the official languages, so learn basic French phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist hotels; having a translation app downloaded offline will be invaluable for navigating markets and local restaurants.

• Transportation: Negotiate taxi fares before getting in as meters are rarely used, and expect to pay 500-1000 DJF for short trips within the city; alternatively, shared minibuses are much cheaper but operate on flexible schedules without fixed stops.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Djibouti is between November and March when temperatures hover between 25-30°C with cooler evening breezes, making it bearable to explore Lake Assal's otherworldly salt flats and snorkel with whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura (peak season December-February). Avoid June through September when scorching temperatures regularly exceed 42°C with oppressive humidity reaching 80%, creating genuinely dangerous conditions for outdoor activities—this period coincides with Ramadan in some years (dates vary), when restaurants close during daylight hours and business rhythms shift dramatically. October and April serve as shoulder months with temperatures around 32-35°C, offering fewer tourists at Lac Abbé's limestone chimneys and better hotel rates, though the heat remains intense for midday excursions. Independence Day (June 27th) brings vibrant celebrations with traditional Afar dancing and military parades, but you'll endure peak summer heat; alternatively, visiting during Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha provides fascinating cultural immersion though exact dates shift annually with the Islamic calendar. Budget travelers benefit from visiting November or March when accommodation prices drop 20-30% compared to the December-January peak, while diving enthusiasts should specifically target January-February when underwater visibility reaches 30+ meters and manta ray sightings become more frequent around the Seven Brothers Islands.