Not to miss

Tadjoura

Tadjoura's setting is spectacular, especially when viewed from the sea. Within 10km (6mi) of town there are several peaks that rise to more than 1300m (4264ft), and there are superb coral reefs accessible to snorkellers and divers close to shore.

Ali Sabieh

The road from Djibouti to Ali Sabieh crosses two spectacular desert plains, Petit Bara and Grand Bara, and at the eastern end you can go windsurfing on wheels. There are one or two hotels in town and you can see several traditional Afar huts around town.

Lac Abbé

Lac Abbé must rate among the most desolate places on earth. The scenery is unique: the plain is dotted with hundreds of limestone chimneys, some standing as high as 50m (165ft), belching out puffs of steam. These spikelike chimneys are the result of calcareous deposits across time. It's often described as lunar, and Planet of the Apes was filmed here.

Though desolate, it is not uninhabited. Numerous mineral-rich hot springs feed the farms of local nomads who graze their camels and goats here. The banks of the lake are also where flamingos gather at dawn.

Marché Central

The chaotic central market in Djibouti is a must. Go there early morning or late afternoon, when it bursts with activity. Around 13:00, don't miss the arrival of qat (leaves with narcotic properties chewed as a stimulant): a cacophony of car horns and shouting breaks out, heralding the arrival of the nation's daily addiction, fresh from Ethiopia.

Tadjoura

Tadjoura is Djibouti's oldest town, and as such it gave its name to the gulf separating the Afar and Issa lands. Originally a small Afar village trafficking in slaves, it's nestled in the shadow of the green Goda Mountains with the bright blue sea lapping at its doorstep.

When viewed from the sea, Tadjoura's setting is especially spectacular. Within 10km (6mi) of town, there are several peaks that rise to more than 1300m (4260ft), and there are superb coral reefs accessible to snorkellers and divers close to shore.