Djibouti (city)

Djibouti (جيبوتي) is the capital city of Djibouti and has a population of around 400,000.

Understand
The city was founded in 1888 and was designated the capital of French Somaliland three years later. The city has some beaches along its eastern shore. Today it's mostly notable for its harbour, which accounts for much of the local economic activity.

By train
There are passenger trains from Addis Abeba via Dire Dawa every second day. Journey time for the full trip is about 12 hours. The new trains are comfortable and there is a dining car on board. Tickets are sold at the station and should be bought at least few days beforehand. Additionally, there is a ticket office in central Djibouti.



Get around
Get around by Green TaxiCabs. Some people will tell you to avoid the taxis with the drivers chewing khat, which is a natural, amphetamine-like stimulant. It gives the local Djiboutians and Somalis something called Merran, which is the Somali word for 'energy'.

Taxis cost from 500 Fdj to any amount, depending on distance. For example: Camp Lemonier to the city centre cost 1,500 Fdj. Negotiate and you may get a lower price, but there are better things to do than to argue over 500 Fdj.

See

 * Beaches on the eastern shore.

Stay safe
For taxis, make sure you go with someone who knows the city; otherwise, you will pay way more than you should. Agree on the price in advance, and only enter the taxi once you have agreed.