Djibouti Local Custom Tips by adelinemmc Top 5 Page for this destination

No English spoken - French & Arabic only!

People in Djibouti speak local languages, including Arabic, and French. They generally do not speak English.

I was in a group of divers, most coming from England. The English divers had obviously not researched Djibouti well because they expected to be understood by everyone.

Djibouti is one of a few places on Earth where you will not get away with English, so please, for your own enjoyment, learn a few words of French. This will enhance your experience of Djibouti, allow you to communicate with its inhabitants and you will receive better service because people will understand you!

Salt caravans

If you are very lucky, while on a trip to Lake Assal, you might see a caravan of camels going to or coming back from Ethiopia.

The Afar tribe still undertakes the 4-day trip to Ethiopia to barter their salt for corn flour in the local markets. They then come back (another 4 days!).

Please respect them and be discreet when taking pictures. They do not like to have their photograph taken so if you see them, take only a picture or two and always from a distance.

If you are driving your own vehicle, slow right down when passing the caravan.

If you can read French, follow this link for a book about the salt caravans of Djibouti:
http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/2913874118/ref=wl_it_dp/402-3308942-8472139?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2JZ82FIXIIXSM&colid=2VBH6B25JW8OG