How to Find Luxury Hotels in Djibouti

The Republic of Djibouti is a small country located in East Africa. Its capital, also called Djibouti, is an important port due to its location on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in the famous Horn of Africa.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Passport
• Visa
• Telephone
• Computer with Internet access

Choose Your Lodgings

1. Book a room at the Sheraton in the city of Djibouti. Sheraton is one of the few international chains with a presence in the country, and their hotel in the capital provides accommodations that include private beach access. Book online at the hotel's Web site (see Resources below) or call 011 ([phone] .

2. Stay in the capital. The city of Djibouti is the only modern metropolis in the country, and is home to the lion's share of its transportation and tourism options. Rates are generally inexpensive by Western standards.
   

3. Head to the shore. The beaches of Dorale and Kor Ambad are both within 10 miles of the capital.

4. Visit the coastal town of Obock. Located on the Gulf of Tadjoura, it has beaches and a port.

Organize Transportation

5. Fly into Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport in the capital.

6. Take taxis to get around the city. For those planning to explore the wider continent, flights are available to major African cities and train service is available between the capital and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.

Know Your Destination

7. Understand that Djibouti is a developing country and that tourist facilities are limited or absent in many areas of the country outside the capital city. Accommodations options are limited as well and should be booked in advance.

8. Prepare for hot temperatures. Djibouti's location in the Afar triangle makes it one of the warmest places on the planet.

9. Obtain a visa from the Djibouti Embassy in Washington before your trip. Apply at least a month in advance to ensure ample time for processing. For information, call [phone].

Tips & Warnings

• 011 is the dialing prefix used for telephoning abroad from the United States. If you're calling from another country, check which international dialing prefix to use. All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a “+” sign.
• You will need a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever to enter the country. Check the Centers for Disease Control Web site (see Resources below) for additional health guidelines.
• Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. Officials routinely check identity paperwork of people as they come in and out of cities.