Welcome to Djibouti
This small African country is probably one of my favorites to date and will always be a special one! It usually gets a bad rap but if you have the time to really explore this unique country, you will find how special it is.
COVID
Upon arrival at the airport, you must take a PCR for $30. It says they accept credit cards but they don't so bring cash. To depart, even if you don't need a PCR for your next destination you need it to leave Djibouti. You can take one at the hospital for $30, or you can do an express PCR for $60.
UPDATE | I visited Djibouti in December 2021 so PCR requirements may have changed since then.
SIM CARD / MONEY
Bought a Telekom sim card for 1000 DJF, then you can buy data for 500 DJF (3 days, 5 GB). The best place to withdraw money is the Bank of Africa in the main square. The fee was 600 DJF, whereas other random Bank of Africa/Saba Africa ATMs charged 1600 DJF. We stayed at CityGuest hotel on our first and last night in Djibouti City and had good wifi and AC for $60. One more thing to note, because of the conflict in Ethiopia, social media is banned in Djibouti. The only VPN that worked was the app "SuperVPN"
WHERE TO STAY
On our first and last night in Djibouti City we stayed at City Guest Hotel. For $60 it was decent and had good wifi and AC — that’s all you can ask for when going to off-the-beaten-path places in Africa, right?
Update: Unfortunately I can no longer find City Guest Hotel online, so here’s an alternative budget friendly option with great reviews.
SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Booking.com for more options in Djibouti City.
THE TRIP
We did a 3-day trip with a fantastic guide, Moussa. He was very responsive, super fun and friendly, and extremely hospitable. I can't recommend him enough. We compared pricing and trip offers with 8 other tour companies/fixers and Moussa by far had the best package. I know a lot of people aren't a fan of Djibouti, but Moussa made it such an incredible experience that I would love to go back one day!
Moussa Whatsapp: +25377278015
WHALE SHARKS
I'm an avid diver (freediving as well) and have been fortunate to swim with whale sharks in multiple locations around the world, but Djibouti is by far the best I've ever experienced. For predictability, visibility, few number of tourists, and the amount you see -- it can't be beat.
LAC ASSAL
We arrived in the evening on our first day after the whale sharks and camped nearby in local huts. There was a chef that cooked us a local meal, then we woke up early to float in the lake the next morning.
LAC ABBE
This was a long drive, but it was like being on another planet. We arrived for sunset on our second day, and there was a camp with electricity, nice toilets and showers. On the way back to Djibouti City we stopped at a local village. People were very friendly and welcomed photos.
