Travels around the world 2009-2024
Exploring our beautiful planet

Djibouti landscapes

December 15, 2013  —  Djibouti

Djibouti is a desert and volcanic country with a very arid climate and temperatures near 35 degrees Celsius during the day... sometimes even up to 40 degrees. The scenery is fantastic, but it is not a place where to go for a small holiday or to enjoy the Christmas holiday. It is too hot, the climate is too dry and there is a lack of green that could make it more appealing.

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Ali Sabieh region

Ali Sabieh region - Djibouti
Road near the town of Ali Sabieh.
Ali Sabieh region - Djibouti
Yeah! A bit of shade under the heat.
Ali Sabieh region - Djibouti
Ali Sabieh region - Djibouti
Ali Sabieh region - Djibouti
Ali Sabieh region - Djibouti
There are a lot of these very poor villages.
Grand Barra Depression - Djibouti
Sand storm in the Grand Barra (a vast sandy area of several tens of kilometres).
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Ghoubbet Bay

Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti

We had chosen Djibouti as a destination to spent Christmas and the New Year since we wanted to enjoy the beach in some sort of resort. We wanted to relax and enjoy a bit more luxury without driving around too much.

In the old travel guide that we were using, several beaches were listed as nice and with camp sites available. However, at the first beach we visited, we were quite disappointed. Travelling with a guide book that is more than 10 years old can sometimes reserves some surprises.

Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
This beach was recommended in our guide book, but everything has changed. The place is abandoned and the huts have been left to rot. Moreover, the water is not very appealing.
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
The only interesting thing at the beach.
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
We then decided to bush camp... with a view on the bay.
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
Djibouti is essentially a volcanic country very unwelcoming... but very scenic.
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
Bay of Ghoubbet - Djibouti
Sunset on the Ghoubbet Bay.
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Tadjoura region

Tadjoura region - Djibouti

Everywhere in Djibouti, we got the impression that everything was wasting away. Everything seems to be neglected and sometimes there is a lot of trash on the side of roads and near villages.

However, some untouched sites are still very lovely.

Tadjoura region - Djibouti
Bush camping.
Tadjoura region - Djibouti
The main road.
Tadjoura region - Djibouti
Tadjoura region - Djibouti
Tadjoura region - Djibouti
Tadjoura region - Djibouti
Tadjoura region - Djibouti
Tadjoura region - Djibouti
Open air dump.
Tadjoura region - Djibouti
Tadjoura region - Djibouti
Tadjoura region - Djibouti
The road along the Gulf of Tadjoura.
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Plage des Sables Blancs

Beach of Sables Blancs - Djibouti

We went to several beaches and this one is the only one that looked like it was maintained. We stopped there for a few hours to do some snorkelling. We didn't stay for Christmas for the reason listed above, but also because the staff was expecting more than 100 guests on that day. The beach must have been filled with so many people... not very appealing to us.

Beach of Sables Blancs - Djibouti
The only nice beach.
Beach of Sables Blancs - Djibouti
At the entrance, we had some doubt about the place.
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Road from Tadjoura to Randa

Tadjoura-Randa road - Djibouti
Tadjoura-Randa road - Djibouti
Tadjoura-Randa road - Djibouti
Tadjoura-Randa road - Djibouti
Tadjoura-Randa road - Djibouti
Tadjoura-Randa road - Djibouti
Tadjoura-Randa road - Djibouti
Tadjoura-Randa road - Djibouti
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Road from Dikhil to Galafi

Dikhil-Galafi road - Djibouti

Truck accidents are very frequent in Djibouti. Of course, with more than 1000 trucks going to the border every day, it is possible to see several upturned trucks or worst. The border is only open during the day, thus I think it is normal that some truckers may sometimes be eager to reach it before it closes.

Dikhil-Galafi road - Djibouti

Rain is quite rare in the country. So, to help the people to survive this harsh environment, water is provided for them. These barrels are filled with water for people living a few tens of metres away from the road.

Dikhil-Galafi road - Djibouti

These white mounds are in fact gypsum. It is the material used in gypsum boards for our houses.

Dikhil-Galafi road - Djibouti
Dikhil-Galafi road - Djibouti
Dikhil-Galafi road - Djibouti
Plastic producing trees...
Dikhil-Galafi road - Djibouti
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Goda Mountains

Goda Mountains - Djibouti