Discovering Djibouti

Djibouti is a country found in the Horn of Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea in the north; Ethiopia in the southwest and in the southeast by Somalia. The remainder of the border is formed by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. With a land area of 23,151sq km, Djibouti is mainly a barren strip of land around the Gulf of Tadjoura, varying in width and with a dominantly white sandy 300 km coastline stretch. Inland is the semi-desert and desert, with scattered plateaus, thorn bushes, and grasslands plus volcanic mountain ranges.
Geographically Djibouti lies in Northeast Africa on the Gulf of Aden at the southern entrance to the Red Sea – a geological feature known as the Afar Triangle – one of the hottest and most desolate places on Earth. Part of the Great Rift Valley system, it is a block of flat desert stretching into the Ethiopian Massif.
This former French colony which became self governing in 1977 is dominated by the Muslim community (94%). Other minority religions are Roman Catholic, Protestant and Greek Orthodox. The official languages are Arabic and French. Afar and Somali are spoken locally. English is spoken mostly by those active in the tourism and other service sectors such as hoteliers, tour operators, safari agents, in business transactions and flights.
Highly recommended safari tours to the country will introduce you to amazing attractions such as the Tropical Aquarium with underwater exhibits from the Red Sea and the beautiful Presidential Palace.
Nature and birdlife enthusiasts should visit the wilderness around Lake Abbé a spot of strange natural steaming chimneys popular with thousands of flamingoes and pelicans. You may tour the several dormant volcanoes and lava fields and Lake Assal in the southwest of Djibouti city. Shopping tours are common into the lively Central Market near the Mosque.
Djibouti honeymooners will also go without a miss. The country has a coastline that boasts an inviting atmosphere with immaculate beaches at Doralé and Khor-Ambado (about 15km from Djibouti); as well as Ghoubet al Kharab which has black-lava cliffs. These beaches offer perfect destinations for vacation trips and Djibouti holidays. They host numerous safari activities such as safe swimming, diving and snorkelling. Another wonderful spot is the Gulf of Tadjoura suitable for sport fishing and underwater photography because of its several fish species and corals.
Most holiday travelers to Burundi stay in Djibouti City. There are a number of classy hotels up to five star standard, and smaller local hotels. There is a beach holiday village on Moucha Island. There are several other lesser hotels in other towns.
The season running from September to May usually is the best time for Djibouti travel and safari vacations as the waters of the Red Sea are clear. Water skiing and windsurfing are also popular sporting events here.