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Djibouti

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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View of traditional houses against mountains

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Overview

This tiny speck of a country packs a big punch. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. Few countries in the world, with the possible exception of Iceland, offer such weird landscapes – think salt lakes, extinct volcanoes, sunken plains, limestone chimneys belching out puffs of steam, basaltic plateaus and majestic canyons. Outdoorsy types will enjoy a good mix of land and water activities, including hiking, diving and whale-shark spotting in the Gulf of Tadjoura.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Abourma Rock Art Site

    Djibouti

    This superb archaeological site features well-preserved rock engravings dating back to Neolithic times, which are striking both for their rich complexity…

  • Decan

    Djibouti

    Weary of the hustle and bustle of Djibouti City? Have a soft spot for endangered species? The well-organised wildlife refuge Decan is about 10km south of…

  • Les Allols

    Djibouti

    It does not get the hype of the iconic Lac Assal and Lac Abbé, but Les Allols depression is one the most spectacular natural sites in the Horn. The…

  • Governor’s House

    Djibouti

    Obock is where French colonialism all began. In 1862, the Afar sultans of Obock sold their land to the French, and construction of the town began. But it…

  • Grand Barra

    Djibouti

    This spectacular plain of dried and cracked white clay, 27km long and 12km wide, was once an ancient lake. You can't miss it if you're heading to Lac Abbé…

  • Cimetière Marin

    Djibouti

    The eerily quiet Cimetière Marin (Marine Cemetery), on the western outskirts of town, contains the graves of French soldiers who died from fever on their…

  • Ras Bir Lighthouse

    Djibouti

    About 6km east of the centre, this well-kept lighthouse is worth a gander. It’s completely isolated, and there’s an eerie atmosphere.

  • Petit Barra

    Djibouti

    The road from Djibouti City to Lac Abbé crosses this desert plain, which was once an ancient lake.

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