Djibouti

Tiny, but ambitious: this is Djibouti. Despite its lack of natural resources, the country tries hard to be recognised as a little Dubai in the Red Sea. Djibouti is an ideal spot to recharge your batteries before (or after) an overland trip through Eritrea or Ethiopia.

Top Accommodation

Top Restaurants

Djibouti swelters all year round, with slightly more friendly conditions, and a few wet days, in and around January. The relatively dry conditions guarantee lots of sun and just bearable heat, peaking around 29-32°C (85-90°F) between October and April. In between these months things get extreme, with 40°C (104°F) days not uncommon.

Transport

Getting around

Buses link the capital with virtually every town in the country for a standard fare of around 3.00, but as the bus only leaves when it is full you may have a long wait. There is a train to Ali Sabieh, and boats leave daily (and unpredictably) from L'Escale in Djibouti for Tadjoura and Obock on the north-east coast of the Gulf of Tadjoura.

Getting there and away

Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, Eritrean Airlines, Daallo Airlines, Yemenia and Djibouti Airlines serve Djibouti. Travel overland to Eritrea is now possible as the relations between the two countries have normalised, but traffic is limited to shared taxis from Obock to Moulhoule, the last town before the border. There should be other taxis plying the route from Moulhoule to Assab in Eritrea. There is a regular bus service to Dire Dawa in Ethiopia. It's also possible to go to Yemen by dhow from Djibouti City. Travel to Somaliland is also possible - there are bush taxis and planes from Djibouti City to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland.

Health & Legal Requirements

Visas overview

Everyone needs a visa. They cost around 35.00 and are valid for one month. Visitors also require evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.