The Republic of Djibouti is a country in East Africa. Around 820,000 inhabitants live in this country across a total area of 23,200 square kilometres.
The majority of Djibouti’s population, around 60%, belong to the Somali people, and about 35% to the Afar people. For these reasons, Somali and Afar are among the most widely spoken local languages in the country. The official languages, however, are French and Arabic. In Djibouti, Islam is the predominant religion, with only a small minority in the country adhering to Christianity.
Highlights of Djibouti
Among the many attractions in the country, the capital city of Djibouti stands out in particular. This culturally diverse city features numerous Arabic and French buildings, such as the impressive Hamoudi Mosque. In addition to the vibrant metropolis, tourists can retreat to the secluded beaches of the Maskali and Moucha Islands, located just off the city.
Another highlight of the country is the Ghoubbet Bay. From around October to January, whale sharks can be observed snorkelling or diving here, as they come close to the coast during this time. The most impressive attraction in Djibouti is certainly the desert landscape with its numerous volcanoes. The Lac Assal in this region, at 150 metres below sea level, forms the lowest point on Earth. The Lac Abbé, near the capital Djibouti, is also situated in a striking landscape of steaming volcanoes. In the evening, numerous flamingos can be seen at Lac Abbé.
Location and Climate of Djibouti
Djibouti is located on the Horn of Africa, on the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The country has a coastline of 370 kilometres. Djibouti also shares borders with Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
With temperatures exceeding 40°C from June to August and 27 to 30°C in January, Djibouti is considered one of the hottest countries on Earth. Even at night, temperatures in January only drop to around 22°C. At the same time, humidity in Djibouti is very high throughout the year, at around 45% in summer and up to 75% in winter. The water temperatures of the Red Sea are pleasant year-round, at around 30°C in summer and up to 27°C in winter. Due to the high summer temperatures, the winter season, which lasts from around October to March, is considered the best time to travel to Djibouti.
Entry and Arrival
Djibouti can be reached via the international Djibouti-Ambouli Airport. There are direct flights from Paris. The airport is located about five kilometres from the capital. From there, travellers can use taxis for onward travel. The country is also accessible via the port in Djibouti. From there, Yemen can be reached by sailboat.
German nationals require a visa to enter Djibouti. This must be applied for in advance at one of Djibouti’s embassies. Travellers should allow up to four weeks for processing. Upon arrival at Djibouti’s airport, travellers also have the option of obtaining a short-term tourist visa for a fee. However, this can lead to significant delays.
