Dikhil: The Gateway to Djibouti's Hidden Treasures

• HelloSalaam
  [sah-lahm]
• GoodbyeMa'aas-salama
  [mah-ahs sah-lah-mah]
• YesEey
  [ayy]
• NoMaya
  [mah-yah]
• Please/You're welcomeMinfadlak
  [meen-fahd-lahk]
• Thank youShukran
  [shook-rahn]
• Excuse me/SorryAfwan
  [ahf-wahn]
• How are you?Kifa haluk?
  [kee-fah hah-loo-k]
• Fine. And you?Zayn. O ant?
  [zayn. oh ahnt?]
• Do you speak English?Hal tatakallam al-ingliziya?
  [hahl tah-tah-kahl-lam ahl-een-glee-zee-yah]
• I don't understandAna la afham
  [ah-nah lah ahf-hahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAridu an ara al-qayima, min fadlik
  [ah-ree-doo ahn ah-rah ahl-kah-yee-mah, meen fahd-leek]
• I don't eat meatAna la akulu lahm
  [ah-nah lah ah-koo-luh lahm]
• Cheers!Fi sahetak!
  [fee sah-hay-tahk]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAridu an adfa', min fadlik
  [ah-ree-doo ahn ah-dfah', meen fahd-leek]

• Help!Musaid
  [moo-sah-eed]
• Go away!Ijha'
  [ee-jhah']
• Call the Police!Iddu nida' al-shurta!
  [eed-doo nee-dah' ahl-shoor-tah!]
• Call a doctor!Iddu nida' al-tabib!
  [eed-doo nee-dah' ahl-tah-beeb!]
• I'm lostDha'ayt
  [dha-ah-yt]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [ah-nah mah-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Aridu an ashtar...
  [ah-ree-doo ahn ahs-tahrr...]
• I'm just lookingAna faqat atadhakkar
  [ah-nah fah-kaht ah-tah-dhah-kahr]
• How much is it?Kam thamanuha?
  [kahm thah-mah-noo-hah?]
• That's too expensiveHadha ghali jiddan
  [hah-dhah gha-lee jeed-dahn]
• Can you lower the price?Hal tastati' tanzil al-si'r?
  [hahl tah-stah-tee' tahn-zeel ahl-seer?]

• What time is it?Kam as-sa'a?
  [kahm ahl-sah-ah?]
• It's one o'clockHiya al-wahida
  [hee-yah ahl-wah-hee-dah]
• Half past (10)Nisf min al-'ashara
  [neessf meen ahl-ah-shah-rah]
• MorningSabaah
  [sah-baah]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [doo-hoor]
• EveningMasaa
  [mah-sah-ah]
• YesterdayAl-bareh
  [ahl-bah-reh]
• TodayAl-yawm
  [ahl-yawm]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dahn]
• 1Wahid
  [wah-heed]
• 2Itnin
  [eet-neen]
• 3Thalatha
  [thah-lah-thah]
• 4Arba'a
  [ahr-bah-ah]
• 5Khamsa
  [kham-sah]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-tah]
• 7Sab'a
  [sah-bah-ah]
• 8Thamaniya
  [thah-mah-nee-yah]
• 9Tis'a
  [tees-ah]
• 10Ashara
  [ah-shah-rah]

• Where's a/the...?Ayna...
  [ay-nah...]
• What's the address?Ma huwa al-endiriss?
  [mah hoo-wah ahl-en-dee-rees?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Hal tastati' an turiyani (ala al-khariita)?
  [hahl tah-stah-tee' ahn too-ree-yah-nee (ah-lah ahl-kah-ree-tah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Mata huwa at-tariq al-qadima?
  [mah-tah hoo-wah aht-tah-reeq ahl-kah-dee-mah?]
• A ticket (to ....)Tathkira (ila ....)
  [tahth-kee-rah (ee-lah ....)]

Dikhil has long been a vital waypoint in the ancient caravan routes that crisscrossed the Horn of Africa. These trade routes connected the interior of the continent with the Red Sea and beyond, bringing goods such as spices, textiles, and precious stones through Dikhil. The town's strategic location made it an essential hub for merchants and travelers for centuries.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Dikhil became part of French Somaliland, a French colony. The colonial period brought infrastructural development to the region, including roads and communication lines, which further integrated Dikhil into the broader economic network of French East Africa. The influence of French culture and administration can still be seen in some of the older buildings and local customs.

Djibouti gained independence from France in 1977, and Dikhil has since evolved as part of the young nation. The post-independence era saw efforts to modernize the town and improve the living standards of its residents. Infrastructure projects such as the construction of schools, healthcare facilities, and improved road networks have been significant milestones in Dikhil’s development.

Dikhil is a melting pot of various ethnic groups, including the Afar and Somali communities. This diversity is reflected in the town’s vibrant cultural heritage, from traditional music and dance to local crafts and cuisine. Festivals and community gatherings are an integral part of life in Dikhil, celebrating the town’s rich cultural tapestry.

The region around Dikhil is an archaeological treasure trove, with numerous sites that offer insights into the prehistoric and ancient history of the Horn of Africa. Archaeological expeditions have uncovered tools, pottery, and remnants of ancient settlements, providing a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of the area.

Dikhil is located in the southern part of Djibouti. The nearest international airport is Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport in Djibouti City, approximately 120 kilometers away. From Djibouti City, you can take a taxi or a shared minibus to Dikhil. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. Alternatively, you can arrange for a private transfer with local tour operators.

Dikhil is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available, although they may not be metered, so it's advisable to agree on a fare beforehand. Shared minibuses (known locally as 'bush taxis') operate within the town and to nearby villages. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Djibouti is the Djiboutian Franc (DJF). Credit cards are not widely accepted in Dikhil, so it is important to carry cash. ATMs are limited, and it is advisable to withdraw sufficient cash in Djibouti City before traveling to Dikhil. Currency exchange services are also scarce in Dikhil, so plan accordingly.

Dikhil is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for the police, 18 for the fire department, and 19 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Dikhil. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dikhil like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Djiboutian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the nearby Lake Abbe, known for its surreal landscape and hot springs. For a unique experience, consider attending a traditional dance performance or local festival.