Djibouti - General Info

Description:

This large commercial port is a crossroads for sea based commerce. After a long period of unrest due to piracy activity around the Horn of Africa, the port is now opening up to visiting yachts.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

Cruisers recommend that after leaving the IRTC* at point A (11°54.095'N 45°0.010'E), aim for way point 11°46.350'N 43°8.499'E north of Iles Moucha and follow the recommended track on Navionics.

If arriving at night, anchor 6NM outside the port at the islands and proceed into the port at daylight. There are a number of unlit moorings that are difficult to see at night on the approaches to the port.

* The International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) is a shipping route through the Gulf of Aden that is patrolled against pirates by international naval forces. The IRTC is 490 nautical miles (910 km) long and 20 nautical miles (37 km) wide.

Continuing on to the Red Sea

If heading north to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, the advice is to wait for winds to calm down in Bab el Mandeb before leaving Djibouti. Often winds average 25+ kts gusting 40+kts in this area.  Stay on the west side just outside the shipping lane and follow the westerly route (south of the Hanish Islands).  Caution is advised close to Position: 13°22.644'N 42°34.859'E.

Eritrea, Yemen and Sudan are still considered areas to be stay away from due to ongoing internal conflict.  See the Reports section for latest information from cruisers who have sailed this route in 2023.

Cruiser Highlights:

This is a useful port to stop for fuel and re-provisioning before heading north.  There are big French supermarkets with everything including alcohol. While it may be necessary to use an agent for clearance processes, it is possible to do it yourself.

Position:  

11°35'57" N, 043°07'56" E (anchorage)

Last updated:  August 2023