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- Destinations
- Africa
- Djibouti
Djibouti
Djibouti is a tiny, arid and easily overlooked country seated on
the rim of Africa's horn - an unpopular (though often frequented)
pit-stop for vessels passing in and out of the Red Sea, but not
much ventured into by tourists. This is unfortunate because
Djibouti has some rare qualities that abundantly reward the
intrepid visitor.
Large parts of the country's interior sit within the Afar
Depression, a region lying 500 feet (155m) below sea level that is
rich in ancient fossils and one of the hottest places on Earth,
with temperatures reaching 118°F (48°C). Lake Assal, 75 miles
(120km) south of Djibouti City, is the lowest point in Africa and
the water steams at an unswimmable 34°C. The pressure underneath
fissures around the lake cause fantastic plumes of steam to hiss
out of the surrounding plateau.
Most of the country is desert with no arable land, crops,
irrigation or forestland. The interior is mountainous in the
centre, filtering down to the coastal plain on the east and the
arid plateau in the west. Any ventures into the interior have to be
conducted in a 4x4. If you want to get out of Djibouti City but not
travel too far, the beaches at Doralé and Khor-Ambado provide warm
waters to swim in and exotic marine life to dive with. Two thirds
of the 700,000 strong population live in the capital of Djibouti
City, while the rest live just as residents of the country have for
centuries - as nomadic herders.
There is no industry in the city, and thus in the country, but a
large informal market economy thrives. For visitors looking to
spend a few hours in the city, the Central Market, the Stade du
Ville (national stadium), Presidential Palace and Hamouli Mosque
are all worthwhile stops. But getting around is not cheap, the lack
of infrastructure and regulation means that a taxi may overcharge
heavily for a ride. Unlike her neighbours Ethiopia and Eritrea,
Djibouti enjoys political stability and a relatively safe
atmosphere.
Information & Facts
Customs
Customs and culture in Djibouti are reserved and formal: women
should maintain modest dress at all times with their shoulders and
thighs covered, and ankle length pants or skirts if visiting a
mosque. Always address those older than you with respect.
Duty Free
Visitors to Djibouti must declare all currency and firearms on
arrival and departure.
Passport Visa
Nationals of any country can obtain a visa on arrival in
Djibouti (valid for a maximum stay of one month), provided they are
holding: (i) return or onward tickets; (ii) required entry
documentation for their next destination; (iii) sufficient funds to
cover their stay in Djibouti or a voucher if travelling in an
organised tour. The visa fee is DJF 10, 000. NOTE: It is highly
recommended that your passport has at least six months validity
remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.