In 2015, nestled in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti promised an unconventional adventure characterized by stark contrasts and stunning natural beauty. Unlike its more frequented African neighbors, this small nation isn’t often highlighted on the typical tourist trail, making it a fascinating destination for those looking to delve into an unexplored corner of the world.
**Arrival in Djibouti City**
My journey began as I touched down in Djibouti City, the capital and largest city of Djibouti. The city’s modest skyline, flanked by turquoise waters on one side and dusty desert on the other, presented a unique first impression. The blend of French, Arab, and African influences was immediately apparent in the architecture and diverse population.
Djibouti City’s markets were alive with color and activity. I navigated through throngs of people at the Central Market where vendors sold everything from intricate handicrafts to local spices that tickled my senses. The blend of languages around me – French, Arabic, Somali – was an aural testament to the country’s strategic position as a cultural crossroads.
**Adventures in Lake Assal**
One cannot discuss Djibouti without mentioning Lake Assal. Located about 100 kilometers from the capital, it is the lowest point on land in Africa and one of the saltiest bodies of water outside Antarctica. The lake is enveloped by volcanic hills and a stark white salt crust which contrasts dramatically with the deep blue waters. The journey there felt like traveling on another planet.
Visiting Lake Assal was surreal. The intense heat waves shimmering off the salt flats made it feel like walking on a giant mirror reflecting the sun’s rays. Even though swimming can be tricky due to high salinity levels that make you hyper-buoyant, floating effortlessly was a unique experience not to be missed.
**The Call of Lac Abbe**
Further adding to Djibouti’s otherworldly landscapes is Lac Abbe — famous for its lunar-like landscape dotted with limestone chimneys that emit steam due to geothermal activity beneath its surface. Staying overnight at a traditional Afar camp near the shores allowed me to experience one of the most ethereal sunrises imaginable. As dawn broke, the steam vents created an eerie atmosphere while nomadic shepherds led their flocks across this seemingly desolate expanse.
**Snorkeling at Moucha Island**
Seeking some respite from my desert adventures, I took a boat trip to Moucha Island, a small coral island off Djibouti’s coast famed for its pristine marine life. Snorkeling here was phenomenal; vivid coral reefs teemed with colorful fish darting through clear waters — a stark contrast to my earlier terrestrial explorations.
**Cultural Insights in Tadjoura**
My travels also took me across Tadjourah Bay to visit Tadjoura: one of Djibouti’s oldest towns characterized by white-washed buildings and tranquil streets lined with palms. Here I immersed myself deeper into local culture visiting several mosques which beautifully reflected Islamic architecture amidst serene settings.
**Reflections on My Journey**
As my trip neared its end in December 2015, I reflected back on how this small country encapsulated such diverse experiences — from alien landscapes and humid city markets to serene beaches and vibrant coral life undersea.
Djibouti challenged many preconceived notions I had about travel within Africa; it offered not just safaris but also geological marvels and cultural depth that would satiate any keen explorer looking beyond typical destinations.
*As I packed up my diary filled with notes and sketches*, *I knew that what made my travel diary special wasn’t just where I went but all that I had witnessed: timeless places poised gracefully between sea*, *sky*, *and volcanic earth*.