Best Tourist Places to Visit in Dikhil, Djibouti, Africa
Dikhil is a town coming under the region with same name (Dikhil Region) in the western part of Djibouti, sprawling over an area of 10 sq. km. It is located near the Ethiopian border with Djibouti, around 100 kilometers southwest of the national capital, Djibouti City. Dikhil is a green town, dotted by gardens and fruit trees all around the town. The economy of Dikhil is based on its agricultural activities and is also a trade link between Ethiopia and Djibouti City.
Geographically, Dikhil is located at an elevation of 507 meters, between 11°06′30″ N latitude and 42°22′16″ E longitude.
History of Dikhil:
Dikhil is ancient town and its history goes back to fourth or third millennium BC which is concluded from the archeological site Handoga Dikhil, located near the town. The name of Dikhil may be derived from the Afro-Asiatic Somali language, meaning “water hole or a well”. Along with the rest of Djibouti, Dikhil had also seen the rule of the French from the late 19th century to 1977 when Djibouti became an independent country.
How to reach Dikhil?
Dikhil hosts an airport but it is currently served by no flights, so international visitors can make Djibouti City as their way to Dikhil. After arriving Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport, one can take an airport taxi to Dikhil or wait until the arrival of bus. Although availability of buses in Djibouti City, the first option taxi is more comfortable and convenient one.
By bus, it takes around three hour from Djibouti City to Dikhil.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Dikhil:
People belong to Issa Somali and the Afar form the higher proportion of Dikhil’s population, whose languages are also unique. Dikhil houses a few modern shopping and restaurant options.
What to do in Dikhil?
- Village tours
- Hiking
- Exploring Lake Abbe
What to see in Dikhil?
Lake Abbe:
The Lake Abbe is a spectacular lake, shared between the countries of Ethiopia and Djibouti. The lake measures an average depth 36 meters and surface area of 45,000 hectors. The lake is a heaven for the bird lovers, inhabited by thousands of flamingos. The lake is not too far from Dikhil, can be accessed by a rental car from Dikhil.
Palm garden of Dikhil:
The green town Dikhil is rich in vegetation, holding a great number of palm garden all around which is well supported by relatively cool weather of the region.
Dikhil Airport:
The Dikhil Airport is one of the major landmarks as well as tourist attraction of Dikhil. Although not receiving frequent flights, the airport draws a group of tourists for its nice construction and surrounding location with cool environment.
Other attractive places to see in and around Dikhil include:
- Ali Sabieh Mountain
- Lagarde Park
- The Presidential Palace of Djibouti
- Hamoudi Mosque
- Sports stadiums in Ali Sabieh
- Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
- Mosquée Saoudi
- ISSS Faculty of Medicine
- University of Djibouti
- Port of Djibouti
- Grande Pecherie
- Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
- The Djibouti National Assembly
- Khor Ambado Beach
- Place Menelik
- Djibouti Kitesurf
When to visit Dikhil?
Throughout the year is best, though the most ideal time to travel nature town Dikhil is from November to March while the weather in condition and supportive to explore nature points of Dikhil.
Where to stay in Dikhil?
Being a tourist favor town, Dikhil boasts some traditional accommodation options but modern hotels are difficult to find here, for which one can drive towards Djibouti City. The prominent hotels in Djibouti (around 100 km from Dikhil):
- Djibouti Palace Kempinski
- Lagon Bleu Village
- Hotel la Siesta
- Sheraton Djibouti Hotel
- Les Acacias Hotel Djibouti
- Hotel Menelik
- Hotel Residence de l’Europe
- Auberge le Heron
- Hotel Bellevue
- Hotel Dar Es Salam
- Hotel Horseed
- Residence Hotel Bellevue
- Imperial Resort And Red Sea Hotel