Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DJIBOUTI CITY
POP 600,000
Djibouti City is evolving at a fast pace, and there's a palpable sense of change in the air.
Today's city is vastly different from the battered French outpost to which it was reduced in
the 1980s and 1990s. Thanks to its geostrategic importance and its busy port, Djibouti City
has been transformed from a sleepy capital to a thriving place. In recent years, increasing
waves of foreign investment have sparked a number of building projects. Yet under its ven-
eer of urban bustle, the city remains a down-to-earth place, with jarring cultural and social
combinations. Traditionally robed Afar tribesmen, stalwart GIs, sensuous Somali ladies and
frazzled businessmen with the latest mobile phones stuck to their ear all jostle side by side.
Djibouti City boasts good infrastructure, including hotels, bars (a note for those who've
just come from Somaliland: yes, they're licensed), clubs and restaurants - it's
the
place in
the Horn of Africa to treat yourself to a fine meal. Sure, it lacks standout sights, and its ar-
chitecture doesn't have much to turn your head, but stick around this engaging city long
enough and you might fall prey to its unexpected charms. It's also the obvious place to or-
ganise forays into the fantastic hinterland, or boat excursions.
