MileHacker Logo
What to Pack for Djibouti

Season-Specific Clothing

Djibouti's climate dictates specific clothing needs for both its cooler and hot seasons.

Cooler Season Oct-Apr

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen).
  • Long sleeves and trousers for sun protection and modesty.
  • A Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.

Hot Season May-Sep

Focus on maximum ventilation.

Karan Season Attire

  • Extremely lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Long sleeves and pants for sun protection.
  • Avoid tight clothing that restricts airflow.

Footwear Recommendations

Casual Wear

Sandals or flip-flops are comfy for city walking and casual wear.

City comfort

City Exploration

Closed-toe shoes offer protection against dust, heat, and uneven terrain in markets.

Market & urban areas

Excursions

Hiking shoes or boots are necessary for desert and mountainous regions. Water shoes are useful for rocky beaches.

Desert, mountains, marine

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Documents

Careful organization of your travel documents prevents potential problems. Keep both physical and digital copies.

  • Original Passport (6 months validity beyond stay).
  • E-Visa/Visa Approval printout.
  • Photocopies and digital copies of passport/visa.
  • Travel insurance policy details.
  • International Driving Permit (if you are driving).
  • Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
  • Prescriptions/health records.
  • Printed/digital copies of reservations (flights, hotels, tours).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Djibouti uses 220-240V electricity and Type C/E/F plugs. You CAN buy local sim cards from Djibouti Telecom.

Essentials

Camera & Apps

Protect your camera from heat and dust. Offline maps and translation apps are useful.

Recommendations

  • Dust-proof Camera equipment, extra batteries, wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
  • Offline maps (Google Maps/OSMAnd) for navigation.
  • Google Translate with French/Arabic offline packs.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use cloud-based storage for photos and important documents.

External Drives

Consider an External hard drive for physical backups.

VPN Services

NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet browsing.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked personal health kit is a clever inclusion for every trip to Djibouti.

Essential Kit

Sun & Insect Protection

The intense sun and presence of mosquitoes make protection advisable.

Special Health Concerns

Motion Sickness

  • Bring Motion sickness medication for bumpy roads or boat trips.
  • Long journeys can be uneven.
  • Altitude sickness is generally not relevant in Djibouti.

Personal Hygiene

  • Pack specific brands of toiletries or menstrual products.
  • Hand sanitizer is always useful.
  • Local selection might be limited for specific items.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & Trekking

Gear for desert treks and remote exploration.

Snorkeling & Diving

Gear for marine journeys in the Bay of Tadjoura.

Camping & Tours

Items for overnight desert stays or specialized tours.

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Consider Bringing

  • A private snorkeling Mask and snorkel for comfort and hygiene.
  • Specific camera lenses or advanced photo gear.
  • Prescription medications and precise hygiene products.
  • Any specialty items difficult to find locally.

Consider Renting

  • Basic underwater exploration gear (the quality differs).
  • Camping equipment through tour operators.
  • four-wheel drive transportation for the desert excursions.
  • Specialized adventure equipment not easily transported.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items add to your comfort, security, and convenience.

Travel Aids

Sustainable & Local Items

Embrace sustainable travel practices and consider region-specific items.

Eco-Conscious Travel

Other Useful Items

Phrasebook

Basic French/Arabic phrases.

Reading Material

For downtime or long journeys.

Headphones

For quiet on shared transport.

Entertainment

Portable games or downloaded movies.

Local Considerations

Khat Consumption

  • Chewing Khat is common among locals, specifically men.
  • Understand its effects and legal status.
  • Observe local customs with discretion.

Affiliate Electronics

  • For camera gear and electronics: B&H Photo.
  • eSIMs for connectivity: Airalo.
  • General consumer retail: Amazon.

Packing Pro Tips

Bring or plan to rent gear specific to your planned adventures.

Items like specific types of sun hats, high-quality insect repellent, or certain toiletries might be difficult or expensive to purchase locally. Bring these from home.