1 Day Djibouti Introduction Tour – Djibouti was once known as French Somaliland (1896–1967) and later as the French Territory of the Afars and Issas (1967–1977). The country became independent from France on June 27, 1977.
The capital, Djibouti City, is built on coral reefs that stretch into the southern end of the Gulf. Other important towns include Obock, Tadjoura, Ali Sabieh, Arta, and Dikhil.
Although it is a coastal country, Djibouti plays an important role in the region. The capital has a modern deep-water port that supports shipping in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. It also hosts a French naval base.
The city is the center of the country’s only railway, which connects to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.
On your first visit to Djibouti, you will experience the busy life of the capital and explore the wide salt fields of Lake Assal, Africa’s lowest point.
Day 1: City Tour & Visit to Lake Assal
We will pick you up from your hotel or the airport and begin a city tour of Djibouti. You will visit some of the most popular places in the capital, including the European and African quarters, the train station, and other key landmarks.
After the city tour, we drive to Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa. Along the way, you will enjoy wide views of Canyon Adaleh and the Goubet area.
At Lake Assal, the large salt field will make you feel like you are standing in the middle of nowhere. The colors of the water change depending on how the sun reflects off the salt. After exploring, we drive back to the city and transfer you to your hotel or the airport for your flight home.
Djibouti’s local food is a mix of Middle Eastern and French styles. For example, shawarma is served with French bread. Some places serve alcohol, but it is usually expensive.
Djibouti, officially called the Republic of Djibouti, is located in the Horn of Africa. It shares borders with Somalia to the south, Ethiopia to the southwest, Eritrea to the north, and the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to the east. The country covers an area of 23,200 km² (8,958 square miles).
Djibouti is in a strategic location where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aden. Its ports handle about 95% of Ethiopia’s trade and also serve as transit points for goods moving between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Djibouti has strong ties with France, which keeps a military base in the country. Other countries with a military presence in Djibouti include the United States, Japan, Italy, Germany, Spain, and China.
