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Djibouti Travel Resources

Essential Apps for Djibouti

Navigation and Communication

  • Google Maps (offline)

    Download offline maps for Djibouti City and nearby regions. This navigates even without internet.

  • Google Translate (offline French/Arabic)

    Download offline language packs for French and Arabic for communication.

  • WhatsApp

    This messaging app is widely used for communicating with locals, including with tour companies.

  • Flight Tracking App

    Stay updated on flight statuses for international and domestic travel.

  • Weather App

    Monitor daily temperatures and conditions for open-air recreation planning.

Planning and Local Information

  • Djibouti e-Visa Portal

    The the main site for applying for your e-Visa: Evisa.gouv.dj.

  • Local News Outlets

    Follow local or regional news for current events and community updates.

  • Foreign Travel Advice

    Consult your home country's foreign travel advice for safety advisories.

  • Social Media Groups

    Look for local tourism pages for updates and inspiration.

  • Travel Blogs and Forums

    Find firsthand accounts and practical tips from other travelers.

Print Resources

Guidebooks

Often considered the most comprehensive and up-to-date guidebook specifically for Djibouti. Essential for in-depth information.

Regional Guides

A broader regional guide that could include a the section covering Djibouti. Useful for multi-country trips.

Local Literature & Maps

Read "In the Footsteps of Rimbaud" for historical background and cultural setting. English-language publications are limited, but "La Nation" (French) offers local news.

Language Learning Resources

Digital Language Tools

  • Use apps like Babbel for The french language phrases. Start learning with Babbel.
  • Focus on basic greetings and courtesies
  • Practice pronunciation for common terms
  • Listen to podcasts on Horn of Africa culture

Physical Learning Aids

  • Carry basic phrasebooks for French and Arabic
  • Jot down helpful expressions in a small notebook
  • Practice with locals to deepen your interaction
  • Understand regional linguistic variations

Online Communities and Forums

General Travel Forums

  • Lp Thorntree
  • Check out traveler discussions
  • Ask specific questions
  • Find recent updates from peers

Reddit Communities

  • Reddit r/travel
  • Search for Djibouti-specific threads
  • Discover niche tips
  • Connect with seasoned travelers

Social Media Groups

  • Facebook Groups
  • Look for specific Djibouti groups for travel
  • Acquire peer advice
  • Find shared experiences

Emergency & Medical Information

Important Emergency Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 17
  • Fire: 19
  • Ambulance: 18
  • Your Embassy/Consulate

Medical Facilities

  • Peltier Hospital (Djibouti City)
  • Clinique de la Paix (Djibouti City)
  • Local pharmacies
  • Emergency dental services

Lost Documents

  • Contact your embassy immediately
  • File a police report for lost/stolen items
  • Keep electronic copies of documents
  • Notify your local authorities at home

Health and Safety Preparedness

Medical Advice

  • Consult a travel health clinic for vaccinations
  • Pack any necessary personal medications with prescriptions
  • Carry a basic first-aid kit for minor ailments

Safety Measures

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
  • Follow local authority advice for any natural disaster protocols
  • Inquire with your lodging about their emergency plans

Further Reading & Exploration

Medical Advice

  • "In the Footsteps of Rimbaud" for historical context
  • Books on Horn of Africa history
  • Documentaries on the Afar Triangle and Great Rift Valley geology

Music and Art

  • Explore traditional Afar music
  • Discover Somali cultural expressions
  • Search for podcasts on the Horn of Africa

Cultural Immersion

History and Geology

  1. "In the Footsteps of Rimbaud"
  2. Books on Horn of Africa history
  3. Documentaries on the Afar Triangle
  4. Geological insights into the Great Rift Valley
  5. Local accounts from the past

Arts and Music

  1. Explore traditional Afar music
  2. Discover Somali cultural expressions
  3. Seek out local art exhibits (when accessible)
  4. Listen to regional folk tales
  5. Modern Djiboutian artists

Dive into Djibouti

Documentaries

Search for documentaries on the Afar Triangle, its geology, or the Great Rift Valley for unique landscapes.

Music & Art

Explore traditional Afar and Somali music to immerse yourself in the local culture before or during your trip.

Podcasts

Find podcasts on the history, culture, or travel experiences within the Horn of Africa area for valuable context.

Critical Safety Reminder

Always bring a duplicate of your passport and visa, keeping originals in a safe location. Inform your family of your travel itinerary.

Additional Resources

Specialized Travel Tips

Solo Traveler Pointers

  • Safety Precautions

    Djibouti is relatively safe, but exercise caution, especially walking alone at night.

  • Itinerary Sharing

    Share your itinerary with someone, especially for remote excursions.

  • Social Opportunities

    Stay in hotels with common areas or join group tours to meet other travelers.

Family Travel Advice

  • Heat Management

    Be extra vigilant with children for hydration and sun protection.

  • Kid-Family-friendly Activities

    Focus on boat excursions, gentle walks, and enjoying hotel pools.

  • Food Preferences

    International hotels often offer more familiar food options for picky eaters.

Essential Packing Organization

Smart Packing

Efficient packing helps manage luggage and travel smoothly. Use packing cubes for better organization.

Clothing Choices

Pack light, lightweight fabrics suitable for hot climates. Include modest options for cultural sensitivity.

Health Essentials

Include a basic first-aid kit, sunblock, insect repellent, and any personal medications.

Connectivity & Safety Tools

Digital Security

  • Use a VPN like NordVPN on public Wi-Fi for security. Secure your connection.
  • Protect your devices having robust passwords and two-factor authentication
  • Back up important documents and photos to cloud storage
  • Keep your phone charged and carry a battery pack

Communication

  • Purchase a local SIM upon arrival for easier communication
  • Identify Wi-Wireless internet hotspots at hotels and cafes
  • Inform family and friends of your travel plans and contact methods
  • Set up international roaming as a contingency

Respectful Interaction Guidelines

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Be respectful when connecting with residents, honor customs and beliefs
  • Always ask for permission before photographing individuals
  • Maintain modest attire, especially in public and holy places
  • Learn basic phrases to demonstrate respect for local languages

Environmental Awareness

  • Minimize your waste, especially single-use plastics
  • Conserve water, a precious resource in this arid nation
  • Respect natural environments; avoid disturbing wildlife or trampling fragile ecosystems
  • Pack out what you pack in from nature areas

Cultural Enrichment Note

Showing genuine interest and being respectful of the local culture and traditions deepens your travel experience. A simple "thank you" in a local language goes a long way.

Djibouti Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts