.svg/100px-Djibouti_on_the_globe_(Africa_centered).svg.png)
Introduction
Djibouti (in French: Djibouti; in Arabic: جيبوتي Jībūtī), officially the Republic of Djibouti (in French: Republic of Djibouti; in Arabic: جمهورية جيبوتي Jumhūriyyat Jībūtī), it is a country African, located in the region of Horn of africa. Share borders with Eritrea for the North, Ethiopia to the west and south and Somalia by the southeast. It also has coasts bathed by the Red Sea and the gulf of aden, which separates it from Yemen.
Djibouti It is located on the Horn of Africa peninsula in the Gulf of Aden. The country can be divided into three regions; the coastal plain and the volcanic plateaus in the center and south of the country and the mountain ranges in the north. Much of the country is a wasteland with practically no arable land.
Cities
- Djibouti - the capital and by far the largest city.
Towns
- Galafi
- Obock
- Tadjoura
Other destinations
- Day Forest National Park - The only national park in Djibouti.
- Lake Abbe - On the border with Ethiopia there is a desolate, smoky lake surrounded by limestone chimneys and a lunar landscape used as the "Forbidden Zone" in Planet of the Apes.
- Lake Assal - It is the lowest point in Africa (157 meters below sea level) and the saltiest lake outside of Antarctica. Its shores are largely saline and nearby is the Ardoukoba volcano, which last erupted in 1978.
- Moucha Island - A small semi-desert island located 15 kilometers north of the city of Djibouti, it is one of the few protected areas in the country.
Understand
Djibouti is located near the Suez Road, one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, has made the country important for international trade.
Weather
Djibouti's climate is very hot, humid and arid, especially in summer. However, the summer heat is moderate thanks to a breeze in the coastal city of Djibouti. From October to April, the temperature is cooler, with occasional rains. Cyclones in the Indian Ocean create heavy rains and flash floods.
To get
Visa requirements
Most nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for 15,000 Yibutan francs (DJF) or 90 USD (as of November 2018), valid for one month. Transit visas are valid for 10 days and are available upon arrival at the airport for citizens of the European Union, Scandinavian countries and the USA for 10,000 DJF. If you plan to enter by land, you must apply for visas in advance. Visas can be obtained from neighboring countries (for example, the embassy in Addis Ababa makes the visa in one day). When there is no Djiboutian embassy, they can often be obtained from the French embassy. The types of visas include: Entry (visa de séjour); Tourist (visa de tourisme); Business (visa d’affaires); and Transit (transit visa). Those traveling on Singapore passports can get a visa for free. It is possible to do an electronic visa, although there are many reports of rejections and delays without any explanation.
By plane
The Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB IATA) connects Djibouti with Ethiopia, Eritrea, France, Kenya, Qatar, Somalia, Somaliland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates Y Yemen. Air France and Daallo Airlines, based in Djibouti, operate flights to Dubai International Airport and Hargeisa. The airport is 5 km (3.1 miles) south of the city.
By car
There are roads from Djibouti to Assab (Eritrea) and going west towards Ethiopia via Dikhil. Those who use them should be aware that road conditions are generally poor and personal safety may be at risk when traveling, especially to Ethiopia. Visitors are advised to check the traffic regulations, as political conditions in Ethiopia and Eritrea are changing. There are no formal border posts with Eritrea. Four wheel drive vehicles are recommended for indoors. There is a new road from Djibouti to Tadjoura. Driving is on the right. It is advisable to bring water and gasoline on any expedition outside the main routes. An international driving license is recommended, although it is not a legal requirement. Local authorities can apply for a temporary driver's license on presentation of a valid UK driver's license.
By train
Passenger train services between Ethiopia and Djibouti City resumed in December 2016. While the line primarily serves as a vital cargo link from landlocked Ethiopia to Djibouti's main port, it also has passenger service. Passenger trains reportedly reach a top speed of 160 km / h (99 mph) and take 12 hours on the journey of more than 700 km (430 miles) from Addis Ababa that used to take three days by road.
By bus
Buses operate from Djibouti to most cities and towns across the country. Buses leave when they are full. A minibus service operates in Djibouti, stopping on demand. A fixed fee system is used.
Boat
There are ferry services connecting Djibouti with Yemen. Djibouti City is one of the main ports in East Africa, making it a popular route.
Travel
- Taxis are available in Djibouti and from the airport to the city, when leaving the airport there is a large sign showing the expected taxi fares, look for it; also in Ali-Sabieh, Dikhil, Dorale and Arta. Rates may increase by 50% after dark.
- Riding a bike is a great way to get around the little capital.
- Ferry services run daily from L'Escale (Djibouti) to Tadjoura and Obock. The trip takes about three hours.
Talk
Although French and Arabic are the official languages, Somali and Afar are widely spoken. English can be spoken in tourist facilities, but locals or taxi drivers don't speak it much.
Watch
- Lake Assal.150 m below sea level, Lake Assal is the third lowest point on Earth. You will need to rent a car or ask someone who lives in Djibouti to drive you there. Expect a difficult journey - the roads outside the capital are destroyed by truck traffic between Djibouti and Ethiopia. The path passes within sight of Devil's Island and breathtaking views. Expect to be amazed. (Updated July 2016 | Edit )
- Lake Abbe It is one of the most desolate places on Earth and is dotted with limestone chimneys up to 50 m high. It was described as lunar, and El planet of the Apes was filmed here.
Do
- DivingDespite the arid landscape of the country, off the coast there are several reefs teeming with all kinds of life.
- Sea kayak - Sea kayaking allows you to enjoy the Gulf of Tadjoura and Ghoubet Kharrib in an ecological way, with the possibility of observing whale sharks and sea turtles.
- Whale shark tours: You can also snorkel or dive with whale sharks, although the chance of seeing them varies throughout the season (70-80% in November-January and close to zero during the warmer months).
To buy
Money
| Djiboutian Franc Exchange Rates As of January 2020:
Exchange rates fluctuate. Current rates for these and other currencies are available at XE.com |
The currency of Djibouti is the Djiboutian franc , denoted by the symbol " Fdj "(ISO currency code: DJF ). The Djibouti franc is pegged to the US dollar. You can convert dollars to francs with the local exchange houses located in the market area of Djibouti. Street money changers are women who line the street waiting to convert foreign coins into francs. While they are generally honest brokers, it is wise to be ready and check the exchange rate in advance. Most of them speak basic English.
Shopping
Khat: An exhilarating leafy popular with the locals. He flies into the country every morning from Ethiopia and arrives by truck at Djibouti's central market around 1:00 p.m. It's fairly inexpensive, but the quality varies a lot, so shop with caution. Khat cannot be taken out of Djibouti through the airport and its possession is illegal in many other countries.
You can buy general merchandise and groceries in department stores with US dollars. Tourist traps will see you go a mile away and hit you with ridiculous conversion rates and tourist prices. If you have access to Camp Lemonnier, head to the disbursement office for the best rate.
Eat and drink
Djibouti City has many places to eat, including tourist traps. Western food is often expensive cuisine, and local cuisine is much cheaper. For example, him Ethiopian Community Center It offers a wide variety of local, tasty and reasonably priced dishes. The average price for food outside the tourist areas is US $ 4 including drinks.
Security
Natural hazards include earthquakes and droughts. Occasional cyclonic disturbances in the Indian Ocean cause heavy rains and flash floods.
Visitors should be aware of the risk of banditry outside the capital.
Health
Medical insurance is recommended. Doctors and hospitals can expect immediate cash payment for any medical treatment. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for visitors over one year of age coming from infected areas. Cholera is also a serious risk and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided on their effectiveness. Typhoid vaccination is generally recommended.
The risk of malaria, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists year-round. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. Mefloquine, doxycycline, or atovaquone / proguanil are recommended.
The prevalence rate of HIV / AIDS in adults is higher than 3% or 1 in 33 Adults. Protect yourself.
Tap water it is not safe to drink unless it has been boiled or otherwise sterilized.
Respect
| Ramadan Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar and lasts between 29 and 30 days. Muslims fast every day for its duration and most restaurants will be closed until the fast breaks in the evening. Nothing (including water and cigarettes) is supposed to pass the lips from sunrise to sunset. Non-Muslims are exempt from this, but should still refrain from eating or drinking in public as this is considered very rude. Working hours are also reduced in the business world. The exact dates of Ramadan depend on local astronomical observations and may vary somewhat from country to country. Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr , which can last several days, generally three in most countries.
If you plan to travel to Djibouti during Ramadan, consider reading Travel During Ramadan. |
Casual clothing is widely acceptable, but Djibouti is a Muslim country and certain codes of conduct must be observed. Shorts are generally not appropriate outside of hotels, beaches, or sports activities.
Connect
The 13th French Foreign Legion Demi-Brigadeis (13ème DBLE), permanently stationed in Djibouti, consists of about 800 men. They can be contacted by mail at: 13ème DBLE - Djibouti, Quartier MONCLAR, SP 85030, 00815 ARMEES.
There is also a US military presence in Djibouti: more than 2,000 troops in Camp Lemonier across the runway from the international airport.
There is a 3G telephone network in the country that operates at 900MHz. The maximum speed is 7 mbps, but it is expected to be lower. You can get 1GB of data for about US $ 3. You can get more information here
external links
Wikipedia has an article on Djibouti.w: Djibouti
Wikimedia Commons houses multimedia content about Djibouti. Commons
