Djibouti Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Adventures

So, you’re planning a visit to Djibouti, very awesome choice! It’s almost like stepping onto another planet with its seriously unique landscapes. You see, there’s that much beyond Djibouti City, just waiting for you to go see it. The perfect way to see a good slice of the area is to plan a couple of day trips. Here are five destinations that provide the best, ahem, little adventures Djibouti has to offer.

1. Lac Assal: The Lowest Point in Africa

First up, we have Lac Assal. This is, actually, not just another lake; you know, it’s the lowest point on the entire African continent. That’s seriously something, eh? As I was saying, the shimmering salt flats here give the landscape sort of, you know, that surreal feel, while that intensely blue water really pops against the white surroundings. You might find that the salt from Lac Assal has potential healing properties, but that’s yet another matter. Anyhow, the location gives some seriously unique photo ops.

As a matter of fact, you want to plan for early morning or late afternoon. This tends to give you softer light and less heat. So, in that case, bring your sunglasses and sunscreen. Oh, very crucial, bring water to keep you hydrated as there is basically very little shade. Arguably, you should haggle with your driver to perhaps stop at nearby viewpoints for panoramic shots of the lake and its surroundings. Usually, those views are seriously breathtaking.

2. Île Moucha and Île Maskali: Coastal Getaways

Need a break from the desert landscape? Île Moucha and Île Maskali, these two coastal islands, honestly, offer seriously relaxing getaways. They provide an easy escape, and it’s almost like you’re getting away from that Djiboutian heat, okay? In a way, these little spots have very awesome beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. As a matter of fact, both islands provide an oasis of calm for anyone looking to seriously unwind.

Now, of course, you’ve got to go on the dhow, or that traditional sailing vessel. So, too it’s almost like stepping into an experience itself as you sail to either of those islands. Very cool. Then again, maybe think about what you are planning to do once you get there: swim, snorkel, or even sunbathe. So, just relax and soak up the seriously chill vibe of these coastal gems. Obviously, Île Moucha is slightly bigger. It provides more amenities and a pretty cute village to poke around, so maybe think of going there! Then again, Île Maskali tends to be smaller, which really provides you with a truly peaceful escape. That’s just how I roll, as a matter of fact, very relaxed.

3. Day Forest National Park: A Glimpse of Green

So, are you needing a bit of green? Well, here comes Day Forest National Park, and it seriously differs wildly from Djibouti’s typical desert landscape. I mean, instead of sand, the area boasts, obviously, the country’s biggest forest area. That said, as a matter of fact, its juniper and olive trees provide sanctuary to tons of birds and that unique wildlife that really brings the region to life. Also, there’s that little bit of peace when you get in that sort of place, you know? Oh, and that hiking there, perfect!

If you want to actually visit, then think about arranging, maybe, a trip through a local tour operator. In this case, they really can deal with the required permits. And then, of course, listen to your guides; basically, they will, you know, lead you along the pretty trails and basically point out all of the cool plants and also the wild animals. By the way, remember it gets significantly cooler up there. So, in other words, carry a light jacket to perhaps stay comfy as you explore this green retreat. Oh, one very important note: watch out for that baboon. So sneaky!

4. Tadjoura: The White City

Tadjoura is a really interesting, and arguably awesome, coastal town. And oh boy, that’s actually one of the oldest towns in Djibouti. The whitewashed buildings have some truly awesome architectural styles and give it a truly awesome vibe that really sticks out in your memory. It’s that atmosphere and also those surrounding mountains, those add up to that specific scenic charm that tends to make the town worth seeing. So, that makes it one of the destinations that you need to experience when you are in Djibouti.

I feel like, now, you need to wander around those super cute narrow streets. Obviously, you can check out all those local shops. Basically, they sell fabrics and also incense and spices. Seriously good. And don’t leave Tadjoura prior to trying some freshly caught seafood; typically, it’s grilled at one of those seaside eateries. So, very tasty. I mean, just plan for this: you can hire a taxi or perhaps find local buses going to Tadjoura from Djibouti City. As I was saying, just be ready to perhaps haggle about the fares; that’s actually sort of the custom.

5. Ghoubbet-el-Kharab: The Devil’s Cauldron

And last on the tour, we get to Ghoubbet-el-Kharab. Or perhaps the “Devil’s Cauldron.” I mean, come on, what a specific name, very scary! But it also happens to be something you might love as you see the body of water meet up against some seriously dramatic volcanic cliffs. Now, arguably, that’s because that area really is an actively seismic area. As such, people can only view this place up from a distance; it tends to make the place feel that little bit extra imposing. The views alone totally sell that spot to tourists who enjoy unusual destinations. Oh, yes. This really is something else to witness. In addition, I think it should appeal to adventurous travelers looking for something a bit different from what they normally get.

For this, it may be easier to get a private driver. Obviously, they would really understand the roads and then just get you through that, you know, a little rugged terrain around Ghoubbet-el-Kharab. Basically, arrange your journey such that you have stops by that Lake Assal as well. Like your chances will, almost always, let you cover these landmarks during one long-ish outing from that Djibouti City. It’s almost like killing two rockstars with one stone, seriously. Oh, and don’t just ever forget to bring a truly high-resolution camera, because that specific scenery really is something. Seriously!