Djibouti

Densely inhabited with nearly 70% of Djibouti’s population, Djibouti City was founded by the French in 1888 and serves as the location for the world’s biggest shipping lanes and is both a refueling and transshipment center. It also the grounds for many international and non-profit organizations and companies.

Nicknamed the “French beach” after militaries who would bring their families to the beach, there’s a variety of water activities for all ages at this beach. Worth its weight in gold: make sure you have 4-wheel drive to reach this refreshing escape from the relentless summer heat.

Considered one of Djibouti’s national treasures and the third lowest point on earth, Lake Assal is a saline lake sitting at 155m below sea level. As the world’s largest salt reserve, Lake Assal measures 350 square miles and consists of white plain dry lake bed and a highly saline water body. During summertime, water temperatures reach a scorching 126 degrees Fahrenheit.

Located to the south of the Red Sea entrance, this gulf is comprised of fishing grounds, coral reefs, and pearl oysters. Covering the majority of the coastline of Djibouti, it is also home to numerous marine habitats and small islands.