#Lake Assal

[hiroshitanaka]

Top Things to Do in Djibouti for Adventurers

Djibouti, a small country located in the Horn of Africa, is known for its unique landscapes, rich culture and vibrant experiences. So whether you are seeking adventure or history, or just a quiet beach getaway, Djibouti has something to offer everyone. In this, we’re going to be taking you through the best things to do in Djibouti, to give you a taste of this lesser-known gem.

1. Explore Lake Assal

One of Djibouti’s most stunning natural wonders, Lake Assal is the third-lowest point on the planet — and a key site to visit. This saltwater lake is framed by stunning volcanic landscapes, perfect for all you shutterbugs out there. The high salinity makes for glistening salt flats that contrast with the blue waters. Visitors can stroll across the salt crust, and even scoop some up as a souvenir. The lake’s geography also makes it a key part of the country’s ecosystem. It’s an out-of-this-world experience you won’t soon forget.

2. Visit the Bustling Capital: Djibouti City

Djibouti City The capital is the center of the country, combining modernity and tradition Wander around the lively bazaars, where you can find local crafts, fabrics, and spices. The lively cosmopolitan city is an ideal place to immerse yourself in culture of Djibouti, from its popular music to its flavorful cuisine. Be sure to sample the local specialty, the spiced rice and meat dish called Skoudehkaris. Landmarks such as the Presidential Palace and the Place Menelik also provide insight into the country’s political and colonial past.

3. Dive into the Underwater World

Djibouti is a diver’s paradise with some of the finest underwater experiences available anywhere. In addition to that, at Tadjoura Gulf you can enjoy watching the corals and other types of marine life. Swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea, or discover the stunning coral gardens. Snorkelers can enjoy similarly magical experiences in the shallow waters around Moucha Island. You can also observe migratory patterns & some marine species not found anywhere else in the world on seasonal diving tours.

4. Take in Lake Abbe's Distinct Landscapes

Lake Abbe is a surreal place filled with tall limestone chimneys shooting steam into the air. It’s no surprise this spot served as a backdrop for science fiction films. Nomadic Afar communities inhabit the surrounding area, giving a taste of their traditional lifestyle. In the evening at Lake Abbe the sky dances with colors at sunset, a fresh background feature in the already bombastic scenery. Lake Abbe also is one of the most unique Djibouti tourist attractions you can visit.

5. Relax on Djibouti's Beaches

Djibouti's unspoiled beaches provide a peaceful refuge for sunbathers and relaxation visitors. Khor Ambado and Arta Beach invite you to relax on fine golden beaches and splash about in transparent turquoise waters. These calm Djibouti beach are perfect for sunbathing, picnicking or just taking in the tranquil atmosphere. Adventurous types can also take advantage of the resort’s setting with a range of water activities including kayaking, paddleboarding or windsurfing.

6. Experience Djibouti’s Vibrant Markets

The markets of Djibouti are a sensory feast of vivid colors, unusual aromas, and lively sounds. The Central Market in Djibouti City welcomes visitors to interact with hospitable merchants, taste local customs, and reproduce to discover local souvenirs. Markets offer everything from fresh produce to intricately designed jewelry and displays the rich history of the nation & dynamic culture. Do be sure to stop by the Fish Market, where the region’s fishy bounty is laid out in all it’s glory and offers insight into the local fisherman’s daily life.

7. Hike Through Goda Mountains

For the adventurous: The Goda Mountains provide a green respite in Djibouti’s desert landscape. This area is part of the Day Forest National Park with rich flora & fauna, including rare species of birds. Visitors can trek through the mountains and are rewarded with stunning views and an opportunity to enjoy nature. Higher elevation provides respite from the searing heat of the lowlands. Guided tours offer fascinating insight into this region’s unique biodiversity and the conservation work safeguarding this fragile ecosystem.

8. Learn About Djibouti’s History

History buffs can find much in the way of colonial vestiges and the country’s historical role as a port of the littoral east. Djibouti tourism offers a glimpse into its rich history, from ancient trade routes to colonial influences. Just allow for window shopping where chimes even take the form of the old railway station, which is now just a remnant of the French colonial era, or the historic Hamoudi Mosque, one of the country's oldest sights. The places represent the culture and history of Djibouti. Also good to see, the Ethnological Museum houses an admirable selection of artifacts and exhibits outlining Djibouti’s history over the years.

9. Apply for a Djibouti eVisa Before Traveling

The new digital visa system is one of the many initiatives the government is taking as part of its strategy to attract more tourism in Djibouti and facilitate new international visitors to the country. Your Djibouti eVisa application is very easy to apply and it is also a very quick process so you will be able to enjoy your international trip to the fullest. If you do not want to spoil your mood at the last minute and do not want to get into any problems, then apply for the visa on time, after reading the requirements. 

10. Take a Look at the Nomad Lifestyle

Nomadism is central to Djibouti’s cultural identity. Embrace the chance to meet with some of the local tribes, and learn about their music, traditions, and way of life including Afar and Somali tribes. Exploring them provides a closer view of the variety of threads that make up the country’s multicultural fabric. Experience traditional dances, taste authentic dishes, and listen to stories passed from generation to generation. This creates a bond that is more than just sightseeing.

Summary of this Blog

Djibouti’s appeal is being able to pack adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment into the same trip. Whether you’re scheduling an expedition around its natural wonders, submerging into its sea gems, or embracing its energetic customs, Djibouti is a place that will leave the visitor with a deep impact. With a deep commitment to sustainable tourism, the country aims to preserve its natural wonders and cultural heritage for future generations. Thus prepare, apply for your Djibouti e visa, and embark on an adventurous trip to this mystical land of eternal beauty!

[have-you-been-here]

Lake Assal, Djibouti

[council-of-beetroot]

What do i think about when a country is mentioned or what do I associate it with

Algeria - Sahara desert

Angola - thumb pianos, Luanda being an incredibly expensive place to live

Benin - dahomey, voodoo

Botswana - diamonds and the fact that it has been called the success story of Africa

Burkina Faso - Ouagadougou formerly called upper volta.

Burundi - drums used during a revolution there. Gorillas

Cabo Verde - the shape of the country is like a ring of islands all around another island

Cameroon - soccer, limnically active lakes

Central African Republic - the French language

Chad - Lake Chad, Taureg People particularly the blue headscarves

Comoros - Anjouan Moheli and Grand Comore. Has had lots of coups

Congo DRC - my sister is into epidemiology so she talks about it a lot.

Congo - across a river from Brazzaville is Kinsasha

Cote d'Ivoire - Chocolate and the flag is the reverse of ireland

Djibouti - Lake Assal

Egypt - the pyramids

Equatorial Guinea - Spanish speaking, usually the country I use to explain why GDP per capita can be skewed.

Eritrea - architecture influenced by italy

Eswatini - I once got it confused with Switzerland, there's a holiday called Incwala

Ethiopia - a book I read a kid called "children just like me" also pizza hut, weddings, raw beef.

Gabon - oil and the fact that they have places called ogooue

Gambia - the shape and Yaya Jammeh

Ghana - also soccer, Elmina Castle

Guinea - One of the countries my sister knows a lot about

Guinea-Bissau - hippos

Kenya - Jeff

Lesotho - mountains

Liberia - my sister does a great impression of the I'm Liberian meme. Ebola, Ebola in town, don't touch your friend

Libya - Gaddafi, Has a much better flag now. A transit point in human smuggling.

Madagascar - vanilla

Malawi - perch

Mali - Houses built out of mud, west African Islamic architecture.

Mauritania - slavery, I watched a lot of videos during quarantine about modern day slavery.

Mauritius - hinduism

Morocco - markets and tangines

Mozambique - Cabo Delgado

Namibia - San People

Niger - The coup, the orange dot on the flag

Nigeria - Boko Haram

Rwanda - Rwandan Genocide

Sao Tome and Principe - water access for some reason

Senegal - I think this one YouTuber I watch is from there

Seychelles - Hetalia

Sierra Leone - Civil War

Somalia - it's shaped like a music note

South Africa - Vuvuzelas

South Sudan - Francis Bok

Sudan - There are more pyramids here than in Egypt

Tanzania - zanzibar

Togo - for here or Togo meme. I'm sorry Togo I know nothing about you

Tunisia - Arab spring

Uganda - Mr. Moseby

Zambia - the shape of the country reminds me of a fetus. There is also some really cool waterfalls I think, not sure.

Zimbabwe - Mugabe

[countriesgame]

Please reblog for a bigger sample size!

If you have any fun fact about Djibouti, please tell us and I'll reblog it!

Be respectful in your comments. You can criticize a government without offending its people.

[haootia]

i was wrong. it is lake assal, not lake natron. 😔

[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade In the recently released Henley Passport Index for Q2 2023, the Nigerian passport rose from its previous 100th position to 91st among the 199 countries and 227 travel destinations studied. The index showed The Gambia, leading the ECOWAS, ranked 72nd, Sierra Leone at 74th, Cabo Verde at 75th, Ghana at 76th, Benin at 78th, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast at 79th, Guinea at 80th, Senegal and Togo at 81st, Niger at 82nd, Mali and Guinea Bissau at 83rd, Liberia at 87th and Nigeria at 91st. However, there are visa-free countries accessible to all Nigerian passport holders. With just a valid passport, you can gain entry into these countries without having to stress yourself over a visa. Some may, however, be required to apply for a visa at their point of entry. 1. RWANDA Rwandan government has waived entry visas to Nigerians, other Africans and members of the Commonwealth in a bid to promote the ease of doing business and attract investors into the Central/Eastern African Community 2. DJIBOUTI In East Africa, one of the best places to visit from Nigeria is Djibouti Nigerian citizens who are planning a trip to Djibouti aren’t required to apply for a visa if they wish to go for short stays (tourism). But it’s required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA or eVisa) before entering Djibouti. The country has beautiful places to visit such as Lake Assal, which is the lowest point on land in Africa. In the world, it is only the third after the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. 3. CAPE VERDE A visa is not required for Nigerian passport holders visiting Cape Verde for a short-term stay: 90 days. Cape Verde is an island country that is found on the West African coast. It is one of the most welcoming tourist destinations on the continent as it has great weather and beautiful spots that you could have a splendid vacation. 4. BURKINA FASO A visa is NOT required for Nigerian passport holders visiting Burkina Faso for a short-term stay. The country plays host to the International Arts and Crafts Fair, Ouagadougou which is regarded as one of the most important African handicraft fairs. 5. BENIN REPUBLIC As a Nigerian passport holder, you can visit Benin Republic and stay for 3 months without a visa. A country located close to Nigeria, there are a number of tourist attractions in the country that may interest you like the nominated UNESCO World Heritage site named Pendjari National Park. 6. BURUNDI Nigerians are allowed a visit to Burundi for 30 days without a visa requirement. The country is known for its craft works that serve as a great gift option for tourists. From shields, baskets and masks to statues and pottery. An important part of the culture in Burundi is drumming, the Royal Drummers of Burundi have been performing for 40 years. The oral tradition of the country through poetry, storytelling and songs is also something worth enjoying. 7. CAMEROON Nigerian citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Cameroon. Cameroon Visa free is free for Nigerian citizens. With this visit visa stay is usually short with a period of 90 days. Applicant is not required to be present when applying for Cameroon Visa free. Enjoy a great time in Cameroon. Check out the National Museum & Mvog-Betsi Zoo in Yaounde or the La Pagode Maritime Museum in Douala. There are a number of wildlife species ranging from lions and antelopes to snakes and birds, you will find at any of the parks. 8. COTE D’IVOIRE Ivory Coast visa is not required for Nigerian citizens. Nigerian passport holders do not need to apply for a visa. Nice places to visit in Ivory Coast: The beach resorts of Assinie, the Parc National de Tai, valleys of Man and the artsy Grand Bassam are some of the breathtaking tourist attractions you can see in Cote d’ivoire. You may also enjoy the lagoon boat tour or visit the open markets in Treichville or Cocody.

9. COMOROS You can travel to Comoros without a visa but you can get the visa on arrival. Comoros Island is made up of four developed islands with white sandy beaches, giant fruit bats, volcanoes, and rainforests. Enjoy one of the best adventures on Comoros Island and make memories of a lifetime. 10. BARBADOS Nigerian nationals do not require a visa to travel to Barbados for a period of 180 days. However, they need to possess a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond their intended date of exit from Barbados.   #countries #Nigeria #passport #tourists #Visafree

[is2daytuesday]

 Lake Assal, Djibouti / Aerial, 2015

John Warburton-Lee photography 

[sandra1219]

Afar camel caravan crossing the salt flats of Lake Assal, Djibouti by Nigel Pavitt.

[viagginterstellari]

Salt - Lake Assale, Danakil depression, 2018

[equatorjournal]

Jacques Cousteau, Lake Assal, 1970. "Philippe Cousteau at the controls of our hot-air balloon, of which he is the only qualified pilot. The balloon proved very useful in guiding us through coral formations when it seemed that the Calypso was hopelessly trapped. The balloon descends slowly to the sea. It will be hauled aboard the Calypso." From "Life and death in a coral sea", 1971. https://www.instagram.com/p/CM5Ki5TgxW9/?igshid=rqu6t5qg31ot

[onelobe]

Camel Caravans of Lake Assale | Ethiopia

[isnt-it-necromantic]

Salt encrusted cattle skull on the shores of Lake Assal, Djibouti

[sebastianburch]

The shores of Lake Assal, the world’s largest salt reserve in Djibouti

[in99days]

The shores of Lake Assal, the world’s largest salt reserve in Djibouti

[earthstory]

The Devil's Cauldron

We recently posted on some sedimentary rocks deposited in the world's youngest forming sea in the Afar triangle (see http://on.fb.me/1791Pmn), mentioning that the continental rifting involved also resulted in a variety of volcanic events. These range from the volcanic plateaus of Ethiopia, through the chains of Africa's Great Rift to the coastal smaller scale basaltic volcanic fields on both coasts of the Red Sea, both clearly visible as zones of dark rock in satellite photos.

Somewhat south of the Danakil Depression, right on the tip of the Horn of Africa curling into the sea towards Yemen is the tiny Republic of Djibouti, one of whose volcanic treasures is the bay of Ghoubbet Al-Karab. There are many fissures here that have leaked lava as the continent is slowly pulled apart like a pizza surrounded by starving teenagers, resulting in extensive volcanic fields, many of whose features formed in a single eruption. Between eruptions, coral reefs grow in the lava.

The bay is 20km long by 20 wide, on the borders of Lake Assal, itself a volcanic crater. Djibouti also sits on the triple junction between the Indian, African, and Eurasian tectonic plates. As the new oceanic spreading centre creates new marine crust between them, they are being pushed apart as the Red Sea grows. The process in ongoing, with new faults opening up and spewing lava every now and again.

The bay is surrounded by 600 metre cliffs and supposedly the haunt of fiery devils, who drag down unwary sailors to Davy Jones's Locker. The waters are deep, some 200 metres, and sealed off from the main body of the sea by powerful currents. The sea level can show up to a metre in difference between the bay and the surrounding gulf. Within the bay are a couple of old volcanic cones, known as the Devil's Islands. Whales and sharks abound in these waters, along with dolphins, barracuda and other predatory fish.

Loz

Image credit: Bernhard Edmaier

http://www.bernhard-edmaier.de/en/portfolio.html http://www.yannarthusbertrand2.org/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&Itemid=0&func=detail&catid=82&id=1648&lang=en&l=1366 http://www.visitdjibouti.dj/explorer http://www.cntraveller.com/news/2013/january/the-best-undiscovered-dive-sites/page/goubet-al-kharab,-republic-of-djibouti

[shotgunzencom]

The shores of Lake Assal, the world’s largest salt reserve in Djibouti