Djibouti
Africa · Country #77
Did you know?
Djibouti sits on one of Earth’s most tectonically active zones where Africa is slowly splitting apart, creating future ocean formation.
My Experience
Djibouti is one of the hottest countries on Earth, and during my visit I experienced temperatures of 120°F while exploring the desert. Despite its harsh climate, the country is home to some remarkable landscapes, including Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa and one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth. The stark volcanic terrain surrounding the lake felt almost otherworldly.
But the most memorable part of my trip came while wandering through a local market in the capital. I discreetly tried to photograph people chewing khat, a stimulant plant widely used throughout the Horn of Africa. A shopkeeper noticed, reported me to the police, and before I knew it, I was surrounded by officers who accused me of being an American spy. They confiscated my phone and took me to jail, where I was interrogated by the head of the national police. It was a stressful and thoroughly unpleasant experience, but it certainly gave me one of the most unforgettable stories from my journey around the world.
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