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HomeRoad TripsAfricaEast AfricaDjiboutiDjibouti
Salt lake

Djibouti Road Trip

Djibouti City - Lake Assal - Balho - Dorra - Tadjoura - Obock - Khor Angar - Moulhoulé - Ghoubbet al Kharab - Ali Sabieh

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Security Security
Djibouti Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages11 km892 h/stage1.8

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Djibouti Road Trip in Djibouti?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,296EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 1,111EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,524EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,820EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,944EUR drive & more 163EUR sleep & more 1,903EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,498EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,442EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 3,240EUR drive & more 213EUR sleep & more 3,168EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,957EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 7,197EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,700EUR drive & more 238EUR sleep & more 660EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,186EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,886EUR
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Djibouti Road Trip Itinerary

Experience the beauty of Djibouti on a 12-day road trip starting at Djibouti City. Take in the stunning landscapes and attractions of Lake Assal, Balho, Dorra, Obock, Khor Angar, Moulhoulé, and Ali Sabieh along the 892km route. This drive is suitable for all experience levels, although be aware of the partly curvy roads and overall poor road conditions. The best time of the year to drive is during the dry season, from November to April. This road trip can be managed on a moderate budget. Enjoy the adventure and explore Djibouti!
number of days 12 number of days
route length 892 km route length
budget fair budget
good for survivalist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level extreme accident level

START Djibouti City

Distance 892 km Driving time 19.5 h Pace: modest 232.0 kWh Airports JIB
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Djibouti City is the ideal starting point for the Djibouti Road Trip. This vibrant capital of Djibouti is home to a variety of cultural attractions and activities, making it a great place to begin your journey. The main international airport serving Djibouti City is Ambouli International Airport (JIB). From there, visitors can easily rent a car and begin exploring the city and its surroundings. Among the most famous attractions in Djibouti City are the Grand Mosque, the Central Market, the Presidential Palace, and the Lagon Bleu. The Grand Mosque is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture, while the Central Market is a great place to purchase souvenirs. The Presidential Palace is the official residence of the president of Djibouti, while the Lagon Bleu is a unique lake located in the center of the city. Visitors to Djibouti City should also take the time to explore the nearby beaches and islands, such as the Seven Brothers Islands and the Day Forest National Park. The Seven Brothers Islands are a beautiful cluster of islands just off the coast of Djibouti, while the Day Forest National Park is a great place to take in some of the area's wildlife. Djibouti City is the perfect place to start your Djibouti Road Trip. With its beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and great attractions, Djibouti City is sure to make your journey an unforgettable one.

1 Djibouti City - Lake Assal

Distance 110 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: modest 28.6 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options 4WD recommended stretches of gravel road limited number of petrol stations
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Djibouti City to Lake Assal, a distance of 110km, with a driving time of fewer than two hours. This journey is best done in a 4WD car, as there may not be any gas stations along the way. This is one of the most interesting stages of a larger tour, with plenty of attractions to be discovered. Start your journey in Djibouti City and take in the sights of the city, from the bustling markets to the vibrant culture. Then, take a drive along the winding roads to the coast and admire the stunning views of the Red Sea. After that, you will come to the stunning Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa, and enjoy the salty shores and the surrounding desert. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please visit the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey and make sure to take plenty of pictures!

2 Lake Assal - Balho

Distance 62 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: modest 16.1 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended stretches of gravel road inaccessible for caravans limited number of petrol stations dining venues scenic road
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Embark on an epic road trip from Lake Assal in Djibouti to Balho, a journey of 62km and less than 2 hours of driving. This journey will take you through the stunning Lake Abbe and its surrounding areas. Make sure to take a 4WD car for this trip as some sections may be inaccessible to cars with camper trailers. Keep in mind that there may be a lack of gas stations along the way. Lake Assal is a salt lake located in the Afar region of Djibouti. It is the lowest point in Africa, at 155 m below sea level, and the third-lowest depression on Earth. The lake is surrounded by dramatic volcanic formations and the colors of the lake change from shades of green to blue, depending on the time of the day. Lake Abbe is a saline lake located in the Afar Region of Ethiopia. It is known for its stunning scenery with its hot springs, salt flats and volcanic formations. The lake is also home to various species of birds and is a great spot for bird watching. Finally, you will arrive at Balho, a small town located on the edge of the Awash River. The town is home to the Balho Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Ethiopia. The town also offers great views of the surrounding countryside and the Awash River. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage.

3 Balho - Dorra

Distance 38 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: modest 10.0 kWh View map Itinerary
stretches of gravel road not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road 4WD recommended
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Balho, Djibouti to Dorra, a journey of only 38km that will take you less than 1 hour. You will traverse the Goda Mountains, a scenic road that requires a 4WD car. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and the vast desert on the way. Make sure to stop at the most interesting places along the way. Visit the small villages, the rocky hills and the breathtaking landscapes. Get a glimpse of the traditional Djibouti culture and admire the unique architecture of the old buildings. Don't forget to take pictures of the beautiful sunsets and the starry night skies. Enjoy the journey and make the most of it. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

4 Dorra - Tadjoura

Distance 78 km Driving time 1.8 h Pace: modest 20.3 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended stretches of gravel road not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road
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Embark on an adventurous road trip from Dorra to Tadjoura, Djibouti! This 78 km journey takes you through some of the most stunning and picturesque landscapes in the country. Start your journey by taking in the breathtaking views of the Dorra mountain range, and then make your way towards the Lake Assal, the world’s largest lake of salt water. As you drive, keep an eye out for the wildlife that inhabits the area, such as the Oryx, Gazelles and Warthogs. Next, take a break at the breathtakingly beautiful beach of Lake Abbe, where you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters. Finally, end your journey in Tadjoura, a charming town with plenty of attractions to explore. From the old French fort to the vibrant local markets, there is plenty to explore here. Make sure to take a boat ride to the nearby islands for a unique experience. For the adventurous, you can also go on a desert safari. A 4WD car is recommended for this journey, as some of the roads may be challenging. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” section of this stage.

5 Tadjoura - Obock

Distance 61 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: modest 15.9 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues
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Welcome to the Tadjoura - Obock road trip stage! This is one of the most exciting parts of a larger tour, and you won't regret it. You'll be covering a distance of 61km in less than 2 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the most interesting places in Tadjoura and Obock. In Tadjoura, you can visit the beautiful Lake Assal, the lowest point on the African continent and the third-lowest in the world. You can also see the stunning Gulf of Tadjoura and the city's beautiful beaches. In Obock, you can visit the Obock Marine Park, the first marine park in Djibouti. You can also explore the beautiful coral reefs, the mangroves and the diverse marine life. You can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great journey!

6 Obock - Khor Angar

Distance 55 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 16.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Obock, Djibouti to Khor Angar, a 55 km drive that will take you less than an hour. Enjoy the scenic road as you travel through the countryside and take in the breathtaking views of the surroundings. Take a break at the beach of Khor Angar and enjoy its crystal-clear waters. Make sure you take a few pictures of the stunning beaches and the nearby mountains. Visit the nearby village of Khor Angar and explore its unique culture and customs. Take a walk around the village and get to know the locals. You can also try some of the local delicacies and dishes. On your way back to Obock, make sure you stop at the famous Obock lighthouse. Take in the beautiful view of the ocean and the surrounding area. This is just one of the exciting stages of your road trip. To make the most of your journey, make sure you check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.

7 Khor Angar - Moulhoulé

Distance 29 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: fast 8.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Embark on a 29 km road trip from Khor Angar, Djibouti to Moulhoulé that will take you less than an hour. On this scenic route, you will be able to witness the beautiful landscape of the region and the many attractions that it has to offer. Visit the Khor Angar Fishing Village, where you can observe the local fishermen as they go about their daily activities. The village also has a small beach where you can relax and take a refreshing swim. Continue your journey to the nearby city of Moulhoulé. Here, you can find a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, as well as a number of shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. There are also a few cultural sites and monuments to explore, such as the old French fort and the ancient mosque. Make sure to take some time to explore the surrounding countryside and the nearby villages. You may even come across some wild animals such as gazelles and baboons. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

8 Moulhoulé - Obock

Distance 81 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: modest 21.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Moulhoulé in Djibouti to Obock? This route is 81km long and takes less than two hours to complete. Along the way, you'll get to experience the beautiful scenery of this region. Keep an eye out for the occasional wildlife you may encounter. In Moulhoulé, take a moment to explore the local culture. Visit the nearby markets and sample the traditional delicacies. In Obock, you can take a break and relax on the beach or explore the nearby historical sites. This is just one of the many stages of your journey. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for your next adventure!

9 Obock - Ghoubbet al Kharab

Distance 143 km Driving time 3.1 h Pace: modest 37.1 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended stretches of gravel road stretches of winding road
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Embark on an incredible road trip starting in Obock, Djibouti and ending in Ghoubbet al Kharab! This 143 km journey will take around three hours and is best done in a 4WD car, as some sections of the road are very winding. Along the way, you’ll get to visit some of the most interesting places in both locations. In Obock, make sure to check out the traditional fishing village of Damerjog, where you can watch the local fishermen in action. You can also explore the nearby beaches and take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Red Sea. As you make your way to Ghoubbet al Kharab, you’ll be able to admire the stunning scenery of the Djibouti countryside. Be sure to stop at the small town of Tadjoura, where you can explore the old souk and the Tadjoura Mosque. For more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your amazing road trip today!

10 Ghoubbet al Kharab - Ali Sabieh

Distance 92 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: fast 27.7 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended not recommended for caravans dining venues stretches of winding road
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Ghoubbet al Kharab to Ali Sabieh, Djibouti! This 92 km journey will take you less than two hours to complete, and it is advisable to have a 4WD car to navigate the winding roads. Along the way, you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in the area. Start off your journey in Ghoubbet al Kharab, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the beach, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. From here, you can also take a short drive to explore the nearby mountains and the lush green landscapes. Continue your journey to Ali Sabieh, where you can explore the bustling markets, or take a tour of the old city. You can also take a hike up to the nearby mountain, where you can get a stunning view of the city. This is just one of the many stages of an amazing road trip in Djibouti. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

11 Ali Sabieh - Djibouti City

Distance 143 km Driving time 5.3 h Pace: slow 32.9 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options 4WD recommended not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Start your journey in Ali Sabieh, Djibouti, and embark on a thrilling road trip to Djibouti City. This 143 km journey should take less than 6 hours, so you have plenty of time to admire the stunning views along the way. A 4WD car is recommended for this route, as some sections of the road are very winding. Keep your eyes peeled for the picturesque scenery, including the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Abbe, the rolling hills of Mabla Mountains, and the stunning views of the Gulf of Tadjoura. Don't forget to make a stop at the famous Grand Bara desert, where you can take a walk and admire the unique wildlife. And if you're looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and campsites along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites, please check the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

  Djibouti City

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Djibouti City, the capital of Djibouti, is the perfect ending point to your Djibouti Road Trip. Located at the entrance of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, this city is known for its deep cultural heritage and stunning views. One of the most popular attractions in Djibouti City is the Grand Mosque, which is the largest mosque in the city and has a stunning architecture and intricate interiors that are worth exploring. Another must-see place is the Central Market, where you can find a variety of souvenirs and local products. If you prefer to admire nature, then the beaches of Djibouti City are a great place to start. You can find white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an incredible view of the Red Sea. Be sure to take some time to explore the nearby islands where you can find some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world. If you are looking for even more adventure, you can explore the nearby desert landscapes, the breathtaking landscape of the Goda Mountains, and the amazing Lake Assal. For those traveling by air, Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB) is the closest international airport. No matter how you choose to explore Djibouti City, you will find plenty of activities and attractions that will make your Djibouti Road Trip an unforgettable experience.

Djibouti Road Trip at a glance

Surely, our itinerary idea has inspired you.
The plan we’ve prepared can be used as a foundation that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original stopovers of your choice.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a bunch of things to be mindful of to turn your adventure into pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for holidaymakers who are considering hiring a car or renting a camper.
In Djibouti, there are a number of traffic rules to be remembered while sightseeing. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all when travelling around Djibouti. Tourists should remember that the legal alcohol limit is not very high and equals only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum permissible speed, which is 50km/h, when travelling around the urban areas may result in a speeding ticket. Outside the cities, holidaymakers can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 80km/h. Avoid driving faster than the permissible speed of 100km/h when travelling along highways. Having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in your car and driving with your headlights on at daytime greatly increase the safety of your passengers.
The majority of holidaymakers wonder about the costs of the whole trip. Well, the money that you have to pay depends on the budget option of your choice. A wide range of budget options is presented below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 892km while travelling around Djibouti may cost roughly 125 EUR. Economy accommodation options may cost tourists around 1,111 EUR. Those who want to benefit from this option will spend approximately 288 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay around 1,296 EUR if they choose the budget rental car option as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from more or less 1,524 EUR to about 2,820 EUR.
Holidaymakers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay more or less 163 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the itinerary. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses may amount up to around 1,903 EUR. For food and restaurants within the standard range of services, you will have to pay about 432 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car should expect a cost of about 1,944 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 4,442 EUR for travellers who would like to try vehicle rental and 2,498 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
Holidayers who would like to take advantage of the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium offer. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 7,197 EUR for drivers who are considering car hire and 2,498 EUR for those who will not be renting. Travellers who would like to cover the itinerary in a premium rental car should expect a cost of roughly 3,240 EUR. When it comes to the premium configuration of the adventure, you have to spend the maximum of 213 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the trip. Holidayers who opt for top services in all aspects of their road trip should expect to pay more or less 576 EUR for food and restaurants and more or less 3,168 EUR for hotels.
Djibouti Road Trip is also an excellent opportunity for all camper lovers. If you choose this transport option, the expenses are around 2,700 EUR. You will spend more or less 238 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the road trip. Holidayers who will go for camper hire should expect to pay more or less 660 EUR for overnight stays and approximately 288 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the above-mentioned details in a straightforward way.
The period between October and March is superb to visit the part of Djibouti described in our road trip idea. There are plenty of exciting journeys that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip opportunities. Even the most demanding of travellers will definitely be taken aback by the great variety of travel opportunities available on our website.

Facts for safer driving in Djibouti

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 80 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 100 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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