Djibouti travel guide

If there were a medal for the least known country in Africa, Djibouti would probably win it. Often overshadowed by its larger neighbour Ethiopia, little visited Djibouti makes up for its tiny footprint with a ton of spectacle. Turquoise salt lakes, limestone chimneys puffing out steam, hot springs, and flocks of flamingos bright pink against extinct volcanoes provide otherworldly drama in the interior, while Djibouti’s coast is home to pristine beaches and waters where whale sharks swim.

Culturally, Djibouti is a mélange of African, Arabic and Indian Ocean influences. Most people are Muslim with Somali the predominant language, and beyond the thriving, multi-ethnic capital, a small population of Afar tribespeople live a nomadic, traditional life in the harsh terrain. Travel here is a walk on the wild side, taking you from Djibouti City’s busy streets to apocalyptic landscapes, baking under the cloudless African sky.