Tourist Places to Visit in Obock, Djibouti, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Obock, Djibouti, Africa

Obock or Obok or Ubuk, is a port town situated on the coastline of the Eastern African nation, Djibouti. Located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Tadjoura, Obock holds the most beautiful beach of Djibouti voted by visitors frequented to the city. Obock geographically coordinates with 11°58′ N latitude and 43°17′ E longitude, lying at an altitude of 13 meters.

Obock is located to the northeast of the national capital, Djibouti City, connected by both bus and ferry. The climate of Obock is classified as a hot and semi-arid climate under the Koppen climate classification.

 

History of Obock:

Obock is one of the oldest settlements of Djibouti dating from the Middle Ages, when it was under the rule of the Ifat Sultanate and the Adal Sultanate. Obock became one of the parts of the French Somaliland protectorate in the beginning of the 20th century and came out from their rule along with the independence of the country.

 

How to reach Obock:

There is an airport in Obock but flights are not frequent. So international visitors are needed to reach Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport in Djibouti City first and then can choose taxi or bus or ferry from Djibouti to Obock. Including Paris, Istanbul, Dubai and Riyadh, the Djibouti Airport covers many African and some Middle Eastern and European cities.

Ferry service from Djibouti to Obock is limited to only twice a week and round trip takes around eight hours.

 

Food and Shopping in Obock:

Shops and food corners can be found all around Obock of which most are traditional options, spreading local culture and cuisine style to visitors.

 

Things to do in Obock:

  • Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Surfing

 

Places to see in Obock:

 

Obock Beach:

The Obock Beach is one of the highlights of Obock featuring volcanic rocks and distinct black sand. There are shells of dead tortoises can also be seen on the beach. The beach can be easily reached by a short walk from the town centre. One can also enjoy diving, snorkeling, and surfing activities there.

 

Obock Port:

Commercially, the Obock Port is one of two important ports of Djibouti, another being Djibouti City Port. There are import and export taking place regularly at the airport. Visitors are allowed.

Obock Airport:

The Obock Airport is a modern airport, located around 1,390 meters above sea level at 11°58′06″ N 43°16′43″ E. Flights are rare to see there but one can see airport construction and its surroundings.

 

Tadjoura:

Tadjoura is a coastal town, holding a dignity of the oldest town of Djibouti and is located on the highway RN14 connecting it to Obock. Other than black sandy beaches, Obock is also a favorite of national and international tourists for whitewashed buildings and historical sites.

 

Other places of interests in and around Obock are as follows:

  • The Port of Djibouti
  • The Decan Refuge
  • Mabla Mountains
  • Beaches in Loyada
  • Goda Mountains
  • The Grand Mosque of Hamoudi
  • Korijib Mosque
  • Aden Bay Casino
  • Heron Beach in Djibouti City
  • Beaches in Djibouti
  • The Aquarium Tropical de Djibouti
  • Arrei Mountains
  • Red Sea Beach
  • Siesta Beach in Djibouti City

 

Best time to visit Obock:

Undoubtedly, from October to April is the best and most popular time to visit Obock to explore its beaches.

 

Accommodation Options in Obock:

Red Sea Village is famous accommodation centre in Obock, located around one mile away from the centre of Obock, featuring a restaurant, an entertainment center and all the basic facilities and services. Visitors can also refer hotels in Djibouti City for more comfort that are listed below:

  • Hotel Residence de l’Europe
  • Hotel Horseed
  • Sheraton Djibouti Hotel
  • Les Acacias Hotel Djibouti
  • Hotel Menelik
  • Djibouti Palace Kempinski
  • Lagon Bleu Village
  • Hotel la Siesta
  • Hotel Bellevue
  • Hotel Dar Es Salam
  • Residence Hotel Bellevue
  • Imperial Resort And Red Sea Hotel
  • Auberge le Heron

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Loyada, Djibouti, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Loyada, Djibouti, Africa

Loyada is a town located in the Arta region of the Eastern African country, Djibouti. It lies on the west coast of Gulf of Aden on the border of Nigeria-Djibouti where only the Djiboutian road is linked to Nigeria. It is located at an elevation of 10 meters, around 20 km southeast to the national capital, Djibouti City. Due to its position on the border line and seashore, Loyada is one of the major cities of Djibouti.

Loyada experiences relatively warm climate with about 103 mm of rainfall every year and its average annual temperature measures 30 °C. The warmest month Loyada is July (average of 36 °C).

 

History of Loyada:

The name of Loyada may be derived from the Afar language term Lē-ádu which literally means “white watering-location”. As like the rest of Djibouti, Loyada came under the rule of Adal and Ifat Sultanates during the Middle Ages.

 

Connectivity to Loyada:

Loyada is served by Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport, located around 18 km away from the centre of Loyada. This airport in Djibouti City, handling flights from and to Paris, Berbera, Dubai, Jeddah, Mogadishu, Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Ta’izz, Jeddah, Hargeisa, Nairobi, Doha, Istanbul, Mogadishu and Sana’a.

Taxis are always being ready to serve visitors at the airport and in addition of availing taxis, buses are also convenient for airport travel.

 

Food and Shopping in Loyada:

Being a beach town, Loyada boasts a variety of variety of shopping and restaurant options, but, be remember, many shops and food corners in Loyada don’t accept credit cards, so keep local currency in pocket.

 

Things to do in Loyada:

  • Beach exploration
  • Visiting casino
  • Shopping

 

Tourist Attractions in Loyada:

 

Beaches in Loyada:

Lying on the coastline, Loyada houses a spectacular beach with the opportunities of different water sport activities. One can find may palm trees situated on the beach.

 

Tombs in Loyada:

Loyada is a town with the tombs of many famous personalities of which the most commemorate historical leaders in the region. These tombs can be easily found using a guided tour or take help of locals.

 

Aden Bay Casino:

Aden Bay Casino is a popular casino, situated at Sheraton Hotel in Djibouti City, around 20 km away from Loyada. It is featured with 40 poker machines, roulette tables and many other different modern features. It is allowed for visitors between 6PM and 4AM (Friday-Wednesday) and 6PM-5AM (Thursdays).

 

The Aquarium Tropical de Djibouti:

The Aquarium Tropical de Djibouti is home to a wide range of sea creatures found in the Red Sea. Small fee is charged, although it is worth a pay. Don’t miss it.

Beaches in Djibouti:

Djibouti City is the capital of Djibouti, located on the seacoast, holding many top class striking beaches including the Siesta Beach, Heron Beach and Doraleh Beach. The beaches in Djibouti City can be reached by a rental vehicle from Loyada.

 

Other places of interest in Loyada include:

  • The Port of Djibouti
  • The Decan Refuge
  • Mabla Mountains
  • Arrei Mountains
  • Goda Mountains
  • The Grand Mosque of Hamoudi
  • Korijib Mosque

 

Best time to visit Loyada:

Probably the ending and beginning months of the year are ideal to travel Loyada in Djibouti.

 

Accommodation options in Loyada:

Loyada houses few standard accommodation options, it is advised for visitors to consider hotels of Djibouti City for accommodation purpose. Most hotels in Djibouti offer advance booking facility. The prominent hotels in Djibouti (around 20 km from Loyada):

  • Djibouti Palace Kempinski
  • Lagon Bleu Village
  • Hotel la Siesta
  • Auberge le Heron
  • Hotel Horseed
  • Sheraton Djibouti Hotel
  • Les Acacias Hotel Djibouti
  • Hotel Menelik
  • Hotel Bellevue
  • Hotel Dar Es Salam
  • Hotel Residence de l’Europe
  • Residence Hotel Bellevue
  • Imperial Resort And Red Sea Hotel

Tourist Places to Visit in Holhol, Ali Sabieh, Djibouti, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Holhol, Ali Sabieh, Djibouti, Africa

Holhol is a town belonging to the Ali Sabieh Region of Djibouti, lying around 470 meters above sea level. It is in the southeastern apart of the country, around 30 km northeast of the regional capital, Ali Sabieh and 50 km southwest of the regional capital, Djibouti City. Holhol is the 7th largest city of Djibouti in terms of population. Holhol is geographically positioned between 11°19′ N latitude and 42°56′ E longitude, receiving heavy rain during winter months and its average annual temperature is 27.6 °C. July is the hottest month in the while the temperature reaches up to 39°C.

 

Conenctivity to Holhol:

There is no airport in Holhol, so international tourists are needed to reach Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport in the capital city, Djibouti City, where taxis are generally accessible and also one can use minibus service for inexpensive airport travel to cross the distance of 40 km between the airport and Holhol. This airport covers many Middle East cities including Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and Sana’a as well as the European cities like Istanbul and Paris.

Holhol also can be reached by a private transfer from Djibouti City.

For local travel in Djibouti City, minibuses and rental cars are the options.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Holhol:

The Afro-Asiatic-speaking ethnic groups’ people are the major parts of the town’s population, covering nearly complete population of the town.

There are shops and restaurants limited to traditional options and for modern options, visitors can head towards Djibouti City.

 

Things to do in Holhol:

  • Hiking
  • Village tours
  • Shopping

 

Tourist Attractions in Holhol:

 

Holhol Railway Bridge:

The Holhol Railway Bridge or viaduct was constructed in the year 1900 and measures a length of 45 meters and height of 29 meters. It can be reached by walk or rental vehicle.

 

Ali Sabieh:

Ali Sabieh is a nearby town of Holhol, located around 30 km away from the Holhol town centre. The town is renowned for the Ali Sabieh Mountain which is a symbolic mountain on which the national emblem of Djibouti was depicted. The town also houses the 3 sport facilities including a basketball court.

 

Lagarde Park:

The Lagarde Park is a renowned recreational centre in Djibouti City, located around 50 km away from Holhol. The park is also famous among tourists and locals as a sightseeing point.

The Presidential Palace of Djibouti:

The Presidential Palace of Djibouti is the official residence of the President of Djibouti. It overlooks the Overlooking the Gulf of Tadjoura, is well known for its striking constriction and lucid surrounding environment. It is located in Djibouti City.

 

Hamoudi Mosque:

The Hamoudi Mosque is a landmark mosque in Djibouti City, located around 50 km away from Holhol. The famous personally, Haji Hamoudi was the founder of this magnificent historic structure, founded in 1906.

 

Other places of interest in and around Holhol include:

  • Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
  • Mosquée Saoudi
  • Djibouti Kitesurf
  • ISSS Faculty of Medicine
  • University of Djibouti
  • Port of Djibouti
  • Grande Pecherie
  • Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
  • The Djibouti National Assembly
  • Khor Ambado Beach
  • Place Menelik

 

Best time to visit Holhol:

Throughout the year is best, especially from November to February is the ideal time to visit Holhol.

 

Accommodation options in Holhol:

Holhol doesn’t have any reputed hotels, so one can consider hotels of Djibouti City to have standard hospitality services with all latest amenities. Here are some such accommodation options in Djibouti (around 50 km away from Holhol):

  • Hotel Menelik
  • Djibouti Palace Kempinski
  • Lagon Bleu Village
  • Hotel la Siesta
  • Auberge le Heron
  • Sheraton Djibouti Hotel
  • Les Acacias Hotel Djibouti
  • Hotel Horseed
  • Hotel Dar Es Salam
  • Hotel Residence de l’Europe
  • Residence Hotel Bellevue
  • Imperial Resort And Red Sea Hotel
  • Hotel Bellevue

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Djibouti, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Djibouti, Africa

Djibouti is an African country located in the eastern part of the continent, sharing its borders with Eritrea towards the north, Somalia towards the southeast, Ethiopia towards the south and west and its eastern border touches the shores of Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Djibouti City is the capital and largest city of Djibouti, covering around 65% of the total population of the country. The next four largest cities of Djibouti are:

  • Ali Sabieh
  • Tadjoura
  • Dikhil
  • Obock

The tourism of Djibouti is concentrated on wildlife areas and also the country is home to many renowned large historic mosques and furthermore, every town in country houses a mosque.

 

History of Djibouti:

Djibouti was first mentioned in its pre-history as a part of the Land of Punt which was an Egyptian trading partner region in the 25th century BC. The real colonization in Djibouti began by the French Empire at the end of the 19th century which resulted in making Djibouti a part of the French Somaliland colony and finally the French rule in Djibouti came to end on June 27, 1977 which transformed Djibouti as a republic country.

 

How to reach Djibouti?

The Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport is the gateway to Djibouti, located around 6 km away from the centre of the capital, Djibouti City. The airport handles flights from Dubai, Paris, Riyadh, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Sana’a, Dire Dawa and Jeddah. Air Djibouti is the national airline of Djibouti.

Djibouti City can be reached by boat from Yemen and other Middle East countries.

All the major cities and towns of Djibouti are connected well each other by bus and minibus services.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Djibouti:

Muslim is the predominant religion in Djibouti who constitutes over 90% of the nation’s population. Somali and Afar are the national languages as well as the commonly spoken languages in Djibouti.

Franc is the currency used in Djibouti. Traditional wood-carved jars are the most famous product among foreign shoppers in Djibouti. Some spicy and popular dishes of Djibouti are Xalwo, yetakelt wet and Fah-fah.

 

Must see in Djibouti:

 

Moucha Island:

Situated off the Djibouti’s coast, Moucha Island is a beautiful coral island, famous among for its diving sites. There is an airport on the island, working during dry season. Worth a visit.

 

Day Forest National Park:

The Day Forest National Park is situated in the Goda Mountains of Djibouti, holding a title of the largest forest of the country. Covering a total area of 13900 hectors, the park is rich in vegetation, mainly Olea africana, Buxus hildebrantii, Tarchonanthus camphoratus and Juniperus procera species.

 

Lac Assal:

Lac Assal or Lake Assal spans over an area of 54 km² with a length of 19 km and width of 7 km, is situated in the central-western part of the country, around 120 km from Djibouti city. This crater Lake is the largest salt reserve in the world and also holds a population birds, lizards and camels on the shore.

 

Aden Bay Casino:

The Aden Bay Casino is situated in the Sheraton Hotel in the capital city, Djibouti city. The casino features 40 poker machines, roulette tables, black jack and many other specialities. It is open from 6PM-4AM (Friday-Wednesday) and 6PM-5AM (Thursday).

 

Mosques in Djibouti city:

Djibouti city houses numerous large historical mosques of which the Hamoudi Mosque and Saoudi Mosque are the most famous ones among visitors coming to the city. There are also parks surrounding these mosques.

 

Other places of interest in Djibouti include:

  • The Presidential Palace of Djibouti
  • Ali Sabieh Mountain
  • Lagarde Park
  • Khor Ambado Beach
  • University of Djibouti

 

Best time to visit Djibouti:

The climate of Djibouti varies from arid to semiarid, the northern, western and central Djibouti experiences a semiarid climate while the northeastern Djibouti features an arid climate. As the weather is concerned, during the months between December and February is ideal to visit Djibouti.

 

Accommodation options in Djibouti:

The hospitality industry of Djibouti is concentrated in the capital city, Djibouti City, which boasts more than 40 standard hotels of which the most are shared between downtown Djibouti City and beachfront. List of the tourist favor hotels in Djibouti City in Djibouti:

  • Sheraton Djibouti Hotel
  • Les Acacias Hotel Djibouti
  • Hotel Menelik
  • Djibouti Palace Kempinski
  • Lagon Bleu Village
  • Hotel la Siesta
  • Auberge le Heron
  • Hotel Horseed
  • Residence Hotel Bellevue
  • Imperial Resort And Red Sea Hotel
  • Hotel Bellevue
  • Hotel Dar Es Salam
  • Hotel Residence de l’Europe
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