"Djibouti: Africa's Worst Tourist Trap" Top 5 Page for this destination Djibouti by hunwagner

Djibouti Travel Guide: 236 reviews and 680 photos

Typical Djibouti street scene - Djibouti

Of the 90 or so countries I have been to, this tiny Francophone corner of Africa gets the prize for being the least attractive - to say it politely.

The country is little more than a patch of desert centred on its capital, which is a busy port at the entrance to the Red Sea. While the countryside does have some minor attractions in the form of desert scenery, salt lakes, nomad life and beaches, there is nothing you couldn't find more and better of in the neighbouring countries - at a fraction of the cost.

Most people focus their visit on the capital, Djibouti City. This overcrowded place must simply be the worst hell-hole I have ever been to! Much of the city is nothing more than a sprawling slum, with poverty-stricken residents being baked in tin shacks in the steaming, humid heat of this hottest place on Earth. It is also about the dirtiest place I have ever seen - even rivalling India! Approaching from the Somali border, miles of garbage deposits welcome you to the capital.
OK, you might say, there are many poor countries in the World where standards are not exactly up to Western expectations. That is certainly true. However what sets Djibouti well and truly apart from other poor nations is the cost of living. To be able able to endure all the above, one is hit with just about the highest prices anywhere - I found Djibouti more expensive than Japan!!!
Oh, if it is so bad, it must at least be unspoilt by tourism, and friendly - some might think. Forget it! Djibouti is an important French and American military base, and well-paid soldiers, their families and other expats are a common sight in the centre of the city, along with plenty of hustlers trying to part them with some cash either by begging or selling souvenirs. I did meet some friendly locals out in the country, but can hardly think of any in the capital!

So why come?
Other than adding another country to your collection of passport stamps, the main reason to visit Djibouti is transiting through between Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somaliland and Yemen. This is why I had to visit the place twice.
Once there, it is worth having a look around the old, crumbling European Quarter of the city, but you would have to be a strange sort of person to want to linger.

Pros and Cons

Pros:None that I can think of ...
Cons:Unbearable heat, poverty, dirt, lack of sights & some of the highest prices anywhere
In a nutshell:The worst place I have ever been to!

Intro Updated Apr 1, 2007
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Reviews (20)

Lonely Planet: Africa on a Shoestring - Djibouti

Lonely Planet: Africa on a Shoestring What to Pack (1)

I don't know of any guidebook devoted to Djibouti alone. Most people use Lonely Planet's general Africa guide there,... more travel advice

Old French fort along the Ethiopian border - Djibouti

The countryside Off The Beaten Path (1)

If you haven't been to a desert country before and won't visit Djibouti's neighbours, it would be worth venturing out... more travel advice

The showpiece building Things to Do (7)

Much of the old European Quarter is in a very sad state of general decay, but two sides of this building have been... more travel advice

The railway station in Djibouti City - Djibouti

By rail Transportation (5)

The French built a railway line connecting Djibouti with neighbouring Ethiopia, but in the past years this has largely... more travel advice

Comments (19)

tjnomadi Sep 1, 2010 at 1:23 AM Report Abuse

great info to have..I have been reading up on djibouti and no lonely planet info ever suggests the overpriced issue..so for now I have put a little back on my list.
hindu1936 Jun 1, 2009 at 4:57 AM Report Abuse

By gosh, Lazslo, this is likely the most honest page I have ever seen. More, you justify your opinion. I hadn't planned on going there and know now I won't. thank you Sir
angiebabe Jul 7, 2008 at 7:15 AM Report Abuse

Interesting reading yr page - looks like Ill keep Djibouti on the lower rungs of my to-do list!
craic Apr 1, 2007 at 9:00 AM Report Abuse

it must be hell to live there
Travmad Apr 1, 2007 at 8:08 AM Report Abuse

Sometimes you have to just say it like it is. Thanks I remember this one!
Hildeal Jan 12, 2007 at 12:31 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for being so honest. I really enjoyed your travel page :)
frankcanfly Nov 19, 2006 at 12:42 AM Report Abuse

I agree. There is no reason to return.
zizkov Oct 26, 2006 at 10:37 AM Report Abuse

I enjoyed reading a page about somewhere someone really didn't like.
jayhawk2000 Jun 21, 2006 at 12:40 PM Report Abuse

Oh dear, guess I'll have to cross it off my list of places to see before I die ;)
kyoub Mar 4, 2006 at 3:01 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting page about your experience in Djibouti.