Djibouti Travel Information

Djibouti is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and unique wildlife. From scuba diving in the Red Sea to exploring ancient ruins and traditional markets, there is no shortage of things to do in Djibouti. Here are the top 10 things to do in Djibouti:

1. Lake Assal

Lake Assal is a salt lake located in the center of Djibouti and is the lowest point in Africa. Visitors can swim in the lake and take in its breathtaking natural beauty.

2. Scuba Diving

Djibouti is home to some of the best scuba diving in the world, with crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays.

3. Arta Beach

Arta Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, known for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. It is a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation.

4. Day Forest National Park

Day Forest National Park is a protected area of tropical forest that is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, antelopes, and hyenas. It's a great place for hiking and wildlife spotting.

5. Lac Abbé

Lac Abbé is a salt lake located in the northern part of Djibouti, known for its stunning rock formations and hot springs.

6. Grand Bara

Grand Bara is a desert located in southern Djibouti, known for its towering sand dunes and stunning sunsets.

7. Moucha Island

Moucha Island is a small island located off the coast of Djibouti, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can go snorkeling, swimming, and enjoy fresh seafood.

8. Djibouti Palace Kempinski

Djibouti Palace Kempinski is a luxury hotel located in the capital city of Djibouti, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.

9. Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum in Djibouti City showcases the rich cultural history of Djibouti, with exhibits on traditional clothing, music, and crafts.

10. Central Market

The Central Market in Djibouti City is a bustling bazaar where visitors can purchase local handicrafts, spices, and traditional clothing. It's a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.

Climate

Djibouti has a hot and arid climate, with high temperatures year-round and very little rainfall. The hottest months are from May to September, with temperatures reaching up to 45°C (113°F). The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F).

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Djibouti is during the winter months from December to February, when temperatures are cooler and more bearable for outdoor activities. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Alternatively, the months of November and March can also be good times to visit, as the weather is still relatively mild and there are fewer crowds.

Avoid visiting Djibouti during the summer months from May to September, as temperatures are extremely high and can make outdoor activities uncomfortable and even dangerous.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Budget-friendly Accommodation

There are several budget-friendly accommodation options in Djibouti, including guesthouses and backpacker hostels. These are great options for travelers who are looking to save money and don't need all the amenities of a luxury hotel.

Mid-range Hotels

Djibouti also offers a variety of mid-range hotels, which offer more amenities than budget-friendly accommodation, such as air conditioning and private bathrooms. These hotels are a good option for travelers who want more comfort and convenience.

Luxury Hotels

For travelers who are looking for more luxury and comfort, Djibouti offers several high-end hotels, many of which are located on the coast with stunning views of the Red Sea. These hotels offer amenities such as swimming pools, spa services, and gourmet restaurants.

Eco-lodges

For travelers who are interested in sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, Djibouti has a few eco-lodges that offer a unique and eco-friendly experience. These lodges are often located in more remote areas and offer activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing.

Camping

For travelers who are interested in outdoor activities and camping, Djibouti has several campsites located in national parks and reserves. These campsites offer a unique and immersive experience in nature, and are a great way to experience the country's stunning natural beauty.

Taxis

Taxis are the most common mode of transportation in Djibouti, and can be easily hailed on the street or found at taxi stands. Taxis are generally inexpensive, but it's a good idea to negotiate the price before getting in.

Buses

There are several bus companies in Djibouti that offer services to different parts of the country. Buses are generally more affordable than taxis, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Car Rental

For travelers who want more flexibility and independence, car rental is also an option in Djibouti. There are several car rental companies in the country, but it's important to be aware that driving in Djibouti can be challenging due to poor road conditions and aggressive driving.

Motorbikes

Motorbikes are a popular mode of transportation in Djibouti, especially for shorter trips within cities. However, it's important to wear a helmet and drive safely, as motorbike accidents are not uncommon.

Ferries

Djibouti is located on the coast of the Red Sea, and there are several ferry services that operate between Djibouti and nearby countries such as Yemen and Saudi Arabia. However, it's important to check the safety and security situation before taking a ferry, as piracy and political instability can be a concern in the region.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.