Djibouti, the East African nation is all about diversity and its rich antiquity makes it an interesting amalgamation of rich culture and striking antiquity. The port area of Djibouti is where a part of its beauty lies. Intriguing snorkelling adventures, surfing delights, and adventurous scuba diving activities make this nation a coastal fun zone. Not just that, the nerve-wracking dune bashing experiences and heart-pumping trekking trails make Djibouti an ultimate destination for thrill-seekers. Roam the local market spaces and take back home the most creative souvenirs made by the locals. The religious diversity also attracts many as every day here is a celebration for the people of the nation. So, come and immerse yourself in Djibouti's magnificence.
Useful Info About DjiboutiFAMOUS FOR: Religious Architecture | Coastal Spaces | Fine Resort Accommodations | Authentic Flavourful Cuisines | Rejuvenating Nature
TIME ZONE: UTC+3 (EAT)
DRIVING SIDE: Right
LITERACY RATE: 67%
AIRPORTS IN DJIBOUTIAVG. COST PER DAY: USD 100 to 150 approximately
NETWORK / CONNECTIVITYThe Internet is a major part of the telecommunication services in Djibouti and has become a part of daily life. Although the country does not have good setups throughout, it has good connectivity in a few urban areas. Statistically, only 5% of Djiboutians use the internet that makes it one of the least connected in the world.
The number of internet usage is not very high in Djibouti and due to less consumer interest, the internet scale is still in the developing stage. This makes the availability of the internet possible only in the capital location and other nearby spaces.
It is better to stick to your home connections and get a perfect plan that will support you during your whole travel period. In some parts, open Wi-Fi for the public is set up but due to connection issues, it is not reliable enough.
Recommendation: The best way to stay connected to your loved ones is via internet calling. Voice call or video call, choose any medium as internet call costs nothing. Use various mediums such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Skype, and much more.
The history of Djibouti has many ups and downs, diversity, drama, and much more. The nation was discovered by the Europeans and was under the rule of French invaders for a long period. Djibouti was also known as French Somaliland. From 1896 to 1977, Djibouti was a French territory.
In the early history of the nation, gatherers and hunters were residents of the nation, and all they did was live in caves and make hunting tools. Later, it became a land of interest due to its port entrance and soon the multi-ethnicities thrived on the land.
After numerous migrants came and settled here, the local population indulged in a lot of diverse work, starting from wood carving, handcrafting, and much more. Even the architectural face of the nation started to evolve as the rulers created many facades to leave a snippet of their legacy on this African land.
The geographical location of Djibouti is situated on the Eastern part of the African continent. Accurately, the country is situated in the Horn of Africa with coastal and land borders. The location makes it a point of interest in East Africa. The highest and lowest point of Djibouti is Mousa Ali at 2,028 m (6,654 ft), and Lac Assal at −155 m (−509 ft).
The total area of Djibouti is 23,200 km2 (9,000 sq mi) which makes it the 147th largest country in the world. Djibouti shares its borders with three other African countries, Eritrea (125 kilometres (78 mi)), Ethiopia (390 kilometres (240 mi)), and Somalia (60 kilometres (37 mi)).
The topography of Djibouti is a blend of deserts and mountainous hills. The country comprises rough paths and it is still very close to nature which means commercialization is still in a developing stage. The Gulf spaces are perfect for beach delights that control their extreme climate situations.
Djibouti is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual country and it has had a vast cultural diversity since the early ages. The cultural magnificence is quite prominent as its history is filled with numerous roles of migrants and invaders. Many ruled over the nation and hence, they made it what it is today. The then communities left their traces and the localities happily kept it all alive by adapting to it.
Religious festivalsDjibouti embraces distinct communities and the festivals of every ethnic community are its major points of interest. Catholics celebrate Christmas, Muslims celebrate Ramadan and other local people celebrate their interest in the festival. Therefore, the country has a continuous liveliness in it.
MusicDjibouti is a fan of cultural music and its diversity in music forms is much appreciated. Somali and Afar folklores are still heard during the cultural family celebrations. Music was always considered an art that connects people and hence the diverse population made it the nation and land of everyone through its music.
AttireThe fashion sense of the nation has always been on point. Colourful prints and impressive designs display a lot about what creativity is for the localities. The patterns and contrasts are nature-inspired; hence they make it a theme surrounding nature.
FOOD & DRINKThe food in Djibouti is an amalgamation of flavours, spices, nature-inspired and fresh ingredients. The coastal border offers access to a variety of tasteful seafood that is the staple of Djibouti. The plate is filled with colours when roasted fish is served with cherry tomatoes and greens on the side of it.
Meat is popular amongst the local cuisines, especially the fried and roasted ones. Chicken and lamb are savoured all over the country that is cooked with the use of rich spices and string flavours. The food tastes heavenly.
Drinking is not allowed in public areas visitors will very rarely spot any liquor store open in crowded places. So, it is recommended to go to a licensed bar and enjoy the drinks.
For other beverages, there are a variety of juices available made from fresh fruits and vegetables that keep the tummy happy and have medicinal properties. The famous refreshing drink in Djibouti is coconut water that is a pure heat-buster.
Must-Try Delicacies: Qado, Casho, Maraq, Bread, Fish, Roasted Meat, Grilled Chicken, Fried Vegetables, and much more.
Must-Try Drinks: Regional Drinks, Fresh Juice, Hard Drinks, and much more.
The best time to visit Djibouti is considered the cooler season that falls in between November and April. It is the time when cool and moderate temperature rules over the nation and the pleasant weather offer amazing activity scenarios.
The coastal area is considered perfect to visit during the last months of the year as the cool breeze ascending from the ocean rejuvenates your senses, makes you feel fresh and offers a sense of peace and calmness.
The average temperature of Djibouti in the cooler season (November to April):
Djibouti city is the capital of Djibouti and it is best known for its century-old architecture, coastal entrance, and authentic cuisines. So, come and admire the amazing French colonial buildings, Moorish arcade, cafe shops, and grand landmark mosques.
Djibouti attractions: Old cafes, Hamoudi Mosque, Antique buildings, and much more places.
Tadjoura, DjiboutiTadjoura is best known for its Gulf spaces, scuba diving adventures, hill areas, and mosques. The city takes you to discover its excellent natural treasures that offer serenity all time of the year. So, venture into the natural corners plus enjoy your trip in the local markets.
Tadjoura attractions: Les Sables Blancs Beach, Day Forest National Park, Gulf of Tadjoura, and much more places.
Obock, DjiboutiObock is one of the most famous port towns in Djibouti, best known for its seafood cuisines that speak a lot about the authentic taste of Djibouti. Visitors can also engage in fishing delights and learn a lot about the techniques used by the local fishermen.
Obock attractions: Mainly near the port area.
Dikhil, DjiboutiDikhil is another town in Djibouti that offers a perfect escape to Ethiopia due to its border area. The town holds a majority of Somali ethnicity that makes it the perfect place to discover Somali food, culture, and traditions.
Dikhil attractions: Local market areas.
If you can make time...
More places to explore in DjiboutiNew Year is one of the biggest celebrations in Djibouti as people commence the year in a festive spirit. Everyone gets along with their family and friends and enjoys a hearty meal, sing, dance, and have fun as it is a holiday for everyone.
Location : Djibouti
Date : 1 Jan
Ramadan is celebrated by a majority of Djibouti people. For straight 30-days, Islam followers keep fast and celebrate the ending of their fast with a heavy feast. Families gather together, cook numerous dishes, wear new clothes and offer their prayers to Allah, after which they indulge in a variety of home-cooked meals that include meat and many sweet servings.
Location : Djibouti
Date : July
Independence Day plays an important role in the festival chart of Djibouti and holds national importance too. The day is celebrated to mark the freedom from France and as a celebration highlight, military parades are held along with many shows on TV that say a lot about the country's journey.
Location : Djibouti
Date : 27 June
Christmas is celebrated with utmost pleasure in Djibouti just like the other American countries. People decorate their homes with lights, cook meals, and enjoy family gatherings. People sing Christmas jingles, visit churches, and light up candles to offer their prayers.
Location : Djibouti
Date : 7 January
The visa requirements for Djibouti have become much less complicated over the years. To travel to Djibouti, your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. The Djibouti Tourist e-visa is only available to travellers who plan to enter the country through the Ambouli International Airport.
For Cameroon Citizens: Djiboutian citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 44 countries and territories.
Visa-Free TravelList of Countries that can travel visa-free to Djibouti:
Singapore and China
Visa on arrivalVisa on arrival is permitted to the passengers who have a minimum valid passport of six months from the arrival date.
Transit VisasVisitors can apply for a transit visa valid for three days or a single-entry visit visa valid for 31 days.
Get more information on âHow to get a visa to Djibouti' through the Official website of Djibouti.
**Please note that the information is subject to change. For the latest information and updates, please contact your embassy.
Rent-a-car or take-a-taxi is the best way to move around Djibouti. The road quality is not very good for driving but it is fine to drive for 4X4 vehicles. It can be a bit expensive but the comfort is impeccable. Finding a taxi on the roads can be hectic, so it is recommended to contact an official car rental company. In fact, at night the car renting price and taxi fare increase due to low availability of customers. Price varies as per the car services, distance travelled and the number of people travelling.
Ride a busMini-buses are cheaper than any other means of transportation in Djibouti. There is frequent availability of buses to almost every part of the nation from towns to cities to villages and the stop on demand at any place to get more riders. But it can be hard to spot in some of the rural spaces. So, it is recommended to not solely depend on the bus rides.
Air toursA private chartered flight might be available in the urban part of the country.
Visitors can feasibly reach Djibouti by road. Take a bus ride or simply book a car. Djibouti caters as a perfect getaway to neighbouring countries like Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The connectivity with nations via road is perfect for an amazing tour experience.
Via Air RouteAs a fun fact, Djibouti has more than five airports and the frequent availability of flights is convenient. The flights serve numerous destinations but are a bit expensive. So, book the tickets and fly to this gem locale.
Via Water RouteDjibouti has an impressive coastline that offers an entry gate for many maritime travellers. Ferry availability is not consistent but it is worth exploring.
Eritrea is a neighbouring country of Djibouti and it is best known for its coastline as well as Egyptian, Italian and Turkish architecture. The local eating hangouts serve the most delectable and health-enriching food.
Ethiopia (682.8 km)Ethiopia is an East African country bordering Djibouti, best known for its history, archaeological findings, and impressive architecture. The country has a dominant impression of history and culture that makes its presence incomparable.
Somalia (202.5 km)Somalia is another East African country renowned for its coastal area that is the place to taste the quintessential flavourful cuisine of the nation. The beauty this country holds is extremely charming and all this attracts a major part of the tourist around the world.
Distance Between Places of Importance in and around DjiboutiCountry calling code: +253
Embassy of UAE in Djibouti: (+253) 21 323 303 | (+253) 77 827 000 Click for more info here.
Ambulance: 19
Fire: 18
Police: 17
Djibouti's official currency name is Djibouti Franc. The name of the Central Bank of Djibouti is the Central Bank of Djibouti (Banque Centrale de Djibouti) and the currency code is DJF. Centime is the subdivided unit of DJF and Fdj is the symbol of Franc.
Symbol: FDJ
Code: DJF
1 FDJ= 100 centime
Cameroon currency to AED:
1 Djibouti Franc (DJF)= 0.021 United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) (as on 6 March 2021)
DJF notes can be found in denominations of 5000 Fdj, 10000 Fdj, 1000 Fdj, 2000 Fdj.
DJF coins can be found in denominations of 10 Fdj , 1 Fdj, 50 Fdj, 5 Fdj, 100 Fdj, 20 Fdj, 250 Fdj, 2 Fdj, 500 Fdj.
DJIBOUTI CURRENCY CONVERSIONS:
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