Birding in Djibouti

There are more than 360 birds in Djibouti with some of them listed as critically endangered species and others residents in the different eco-regions of Djibouti such as the Day forest national park, Djibouti National park and on the forested hill slopes of Goda and Marbla mountains

The Djibouti Francolin is the only endemic species in the country found in Goda Mountains and in Day forest National Park. Other birds in Djibouti include raptors: steppe Buzzards and steppe eagles, endangered species like Egyptian vulture, Saker Falcon, Atlantic Petrel, Pallid Harrier, red footed Falcon, Lesser flamingo, sooty falcon, European roller, Euroasian curlew and corn cake among others.

Day forest National Park

Day Forest National Park is located along the Al Sabieh road to Djibouti city in northern part of the country. It is one of the lush region of a largely dry country covering an estimated 3.5sq km on a high altitude zone with scenic rocks like Mt Goda (1783m) .

Some of the attractions in this park include several species of exotic plants like Euphrobia, ficus tress and ziziphus. They are the relics of an ancient era, when the Sahara was covered in flowers and gramineaes. The Bankoualé waterfall, half way between Randa and the Day Forest, is home to a beautiful palm tree forest. Some of the endemic birds in Day Forest National Park include the Djibouti francolin while mammals include grevy’s zebra, baboon, hunter’s antelope, gazelle, warthog and many others.

Other national parks and reserves in Djibouti include Djibouti National park and Yoboki National Park.

The country is believed to have existed more than 1000 years ago. Formerly a French colony, Djibouti is predominantly an Islamic nation occupied by Somalis and Afar people

Tourist Attractions

Djibouti city is the capital city and is a vibrant city in trade and people. Although the country is in war prone Africa, many people or travellers are brought to think that the capital in wars.  Some of the attractions in the main city include the Mosque and the central markets.

Tadjoura is one of the oldest towns in Djibouti overlooking the majestic Goda Mountains. It was a former slave trade centre and today lives to make a border between the Issa and Afar villages. The beaches are remarkable on diving adventures, snorkelling to the superb coral gardens and reefs.

The Goda Mountains are a sacred place in Djibouti. The highest peak is standing at 1750m above sea level North West on the Gulf of Tadjoura. The Foret du day National park is the only park in Djobouti is and found in these towering mountains. The tombs of the foremer religious leadess Sheikh Abu Yazid and others are found in the Goda Moutains. It is these tombs that make this place a sacred site in Djibouti

The coast on the Red Sea is a significant destination on Djibouti Holidays. The Bay of Ghoubeet is occasional sighted with whale sharks while the white sand beaches on Moucha Island are good for beach holiday activities. October to January is the best time to catch sight of the whales and dolphins of Djibouti at le Lagon Bley

Part of the country is under the semi-desert. Lac Abbe is a unique place to visit in Djibouti. The desolate area was the setting of the film Plant of the Apes.  It is majorly defined by limestone chimney plains and the mineral rich hot springs that attract several herds of livestock (Camel and goats) keeping communities in Djibouti.

Getting there

The main airport is located 5km from the capital Djibouti city. There are flights to Djibouti from Paris France on Air France, Addis Ababa & Dire Dawa in Ethiopia with Ethiopia Airways, flights to Asmara with Eritrean Airlines and other international airlines from Dubai (Dallo Airlines), Nairobi Kenya (Kenya Airways) and others.

Travel to Djibouti by road via the border at Ethiopia and Eritrea using public buses or taxis. A bus from Dire Dawa in Ethiopia takes 12 hours to reach Djibouti City!

Alternatively, travel by sea is by traditional dhows that often have routes to Yemen. The journey takes nearly 20 hours to reach the port Mokha in Yemen.

The dry months run form May to September, cool temperatures setting in before the start of the rainy season that begins in October to April.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are some options for accommodation in Djibouti City such as hotels and traveler’s hostels. Some of the recommended options include La Maison Blanche (B&B), Auberge Sable Blance (Guesthouse), Hotel de France Djibouti, Hotel Ali Sabieh, Menelik Djibouti Hotel and Hotel Horseed among others.

AMBOULI International Airport is the main airport in Djibouti (coded JIB) with flights from Neighboring countries, Europe and Asia.

Airlines and destinations

• Air France (Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Galsgow to Djibouti)
• Daallo Airlines (London-Gatwick, Paris-Charles de Gaulle)
• Djibouti Airlines (Addis Ababa, Aden, Borama, Boosaaso, Dire Dawa, Dubai, Hargeisa.)
• Eritrean Airlines (Asmara)
• Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa)
• Inter-Somalia
• Kenya Airways (Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dubai, Yemenia,)
• Livingston Airlines (Milan-Malpensa)
• Yemenia (Sa’naa)
• Lufthansa Airlines (from Heathrow
• African Express Airways
• Jubba airways
• Felix airways

Tadjoura is known to be the oldest town in Djibouti and it’s the capital of Tagjourah region. It lies on the Gulf on Tadjoura.Its a coastal area with great reefs, rickety atmosphere and for those who love diving and snorkeling; it’s the best destination to visit. The most exciting thing about Djibouti is that its capital city is located on a peninsular and it has a beautiful ambience that is more like that of France. The markets are standard with all the products sold and more in particular the local narcotic leaf khat that is imported from Ethiopia.Norcotic is more liked by people than khat

When to Visit Djibouti

The country has a hot weather all year round but with some winter months between November and March. There are the best months to visit Djibouti. Rain is usually scarce although the best months for rain are December and January

Travel Warning

By now, Djibout could be a settled country but a mere fact that it borders Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea; this has been a problem to the country with many immigrants. Fortunately the big population is Muslim, American as well as the French troop deployment.Torrorist attack is not common and the crime rate is low although people are hostile to each other. Homosexuality is forbidden.

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Congo Gorilla Safari, Congo Safaris

The location of Congo has enjoyed an enormous natural heritage, Because of the beauty of the country; some land has been set aside for conservation. The parks include,Conkouati-Douli National Park,Odzala National Park,Lac Tele Community Reserve as well as Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. These parks are protected and conserved well thus it may not be easy for anyone to just access them and that is the reason as why there are in a good shape. The scenic view of these parks enables you see and interact with the gorillas more so the lowland gorillas that are in a big number.This Country is such a great destination to visit because of its large population of chimpanzees as well as forest elephants that are in danger of extinction in other parts of Africa.

The lovers of game fishing, Congo is the country to visit, its one destination that can give one of the biggest Tiger Fish in the world with about 56 kilograms. Congo has beautiful fine beaches which is not the same for Central Africa. Besides the beaches, The Republic has a wonderful culture that you will enjoy. It’s known to be the best selling Marijuana country in the world and still has the best Afro-rhythms on the continent. Brazzaville is also a nice destination full of activities such as dancing, jumping, drinking and eating. It has a multinational restaurants and hotels that will suite any tourist that visits the country.

When to Visit Congo Republic

Usually in the mid year, heavy rains stop and the temperatures drop. Although around the year expect heat, constant rain and humidity.

Travel Warning

The country has been experiencing unrest and rebel wars of late although the situation is getting better. Unlike in the border regions where peace is not achieved. Crime rate is low but violent crimes such as carjacking and other attacks are common. Checkpoints are many to keep law and order.

HIV/AIDS is so high and other diseases such as water born, malaria is rampant.