Djibouti is a small African nation located on the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia and has a population of just over 900,000 people. Despite its small size, Djibouti is home to an array of stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and fascinating cultural sites. Here are the top 20 places to see in Djibouti.
1. Lac Assal
Lac Assal is the lowest point in Africa, sitting 155 meters below sea level. The lake is surrounded by a stunning landscape of salt flats, and its waters are incredibly salty, with a salinity level of 34.8%. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl.
2. Grand Bara Desert
The Grand Bara Desert is a vast expanse of sand and scrub stretching across the southeastern edge of Djibouti. The desert is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Addax antelope, and is a popular spot for camel-riding safaris.
3. Day Forest National Park
Day Forest National Park is the largest protected area in Djibouti. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the critically endangered mountain nyala, and is a great spot for birdwatching.
4. Lake Abbe
Lake Abbe is a salt lake located on the border between Djibouti and Ethiopia. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl. The lake is also renowned for its stunning landscape, with towering limestone chimneys and other geological formations.
5. Moucha Island
Moucha Island is a small island located in the Gulf of Tadjoura. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, and is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
6. Tadjoura
Tadjoura is a small port city located on the Gulf of Tadjoura. The city is home to a variety of historic sites, including the 17th century Tadjoura Mosque, and is renowned for its stunning views of the Gulf of Tadjoura.
7. Arta Plage
Arta Plage is a stunning beach located on the Gulf of Tadjoura. The beach is renowned for its white sand and crystal-clear waters, and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
8. Lake Assal
Lake Assal is a stunning crater lake located in the Afar Region of Djibouti. The lake is renowned for its striking turquoise waters, and is a popular spot for swimming and fishing.
9. Lake Abbé
Lake Abbé is a large lake located on the border between Djibouti and Ethiopia. The lake is renowned for its stunning landscape, with towering limestone chimneys and other geological formations. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl.
10. Djibouti City
Djibouti City is the capital of Djibouti and is located on the Gulf of Tadjoura. The city is home to a variety of historic sites, including the 19th century Grand Mosque and the National Museum of Djibouti.
11. Goda Mountains
The Goda Mountains are a small mountain range located in the Afar Region of Djibouti. The mountains are renowned for their stunning landscape, with towering cliffs and lush vegetation. The mountains are also home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered mountain nyala.
12. Lake Abhe National Park
Lake Abhe National Park is a protected area located on the border between Djibouti and Ethiopia. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl. The park is also renowned for its stunning landscape, with towering limestone chimneys and other geological formations.
13. Moucha Island Marine Reserve
Moucha Island Marine Reserve is a protected area located off the coast of Djibouti. The reserve is home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, and is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
14. Ali Sabieh
Ali Sabieh is a small town located in the south of Djibouti. The town is renowned for its stunning views of the Grand Bara Desert, and is home to a variety of historic sites, including the 19th century Grand Mosque.
15. Khor Ambado
Khor Ambado is a stunning beach located on the Gulf of Tadjoura. The beach is renowned for its white sand and crystal-clear waters, and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
16. Afar Triangle
The Afar Triangle is a region located in the northeast corner of Djibouti. The region is home to a variety of unique landscapes, including the Danakil Depression, and is renowned for its spectacular views of the Red Sea.
17. Forêt du Day National Park
Forêt du Day National Park is a protected area located in the south of Djibouti. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the critically endangered mountain nyala, and is a great spot for birdwatching.
18. Ambouli International Airport
Ambouli International Airport is the main airport of Djibouti, located just outside of Djibouti City. The airport is renowned for its stunning views of the Gulf of Tadjoura, and is a popular spot for plane-spotting.
19. Lake Assal National Park
Lake Assal National Park is a protected area located in the Afar Region of Djibouti. The park is renowned for its stunning landscape, with towering limestone chimneys and other geological formations. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl.
20. Obock
Obock is a small port town located on the Gulf of Tadjoura. The town is renowned for its stunning views of the Gulf of Tadjoura, and is home to a variety of historic sites, including the 17th century Obock Mosque.