Ambado River: Djibouti's Hidden Oasis
Discover Djibouti's hidden gem: the Ambado River, a tranquil oasis offering nature, culture, and adventure in an unexpected landscape.
The Ambado River offers a refreshing contrast to Djibouti's arid landscape, providing a tranquil escape with lush greenery and diverse wildlife. It's a place to connect with nature and experience the authentic beauty of Djibouti, often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
A brief summary to Ambado
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Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy by the riverside, as there are few dining options nearby.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the hiking trails around the river.
- Respect local customs and traditions when engaging with nearby communities.
- Always carry water and sun protection, as some areas can get quite hot.
Getting There
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Car
If traveling by car from Djibouti City, head towards the coastal road (Route Nationale 1) along the Gulf of Tadjourah. Continue for approximately 60 kilometers, looking for signs to Ambado. Turn onto a smaller road leading to Ambado; GPS navigation is recommended due to limited signage. Parking is available near the river. There are no tolls.
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Public Transport
To reach Ambado via public transport from Djibouti City, take a local bus or shared taxi ('taxi-brousse') towards Tadjourah. Inform the driver you want to go to Ambado. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The fare is around 200-300 Djiboutian Francs (approximately 1-2 USD). From the drop-off point, a short walk to Ambado may be necessary. Check the bus/taxi schedule in advance as they can be infrequent.
Discover more about Ambado
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ambado
0.0 km
Discover the serene beauty of Ambado River in Djibouti, a hidden oasis offering tranquility, cultural immersion, and stunning natural landscapes for an unforgettable escape.
Le Dauphin Khor Ambado
9.0 km
Discover Khor Ambado, Djibouti's coastal gem: pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and breathtaking sunsets await in this tranquil paradise, offering a unique blend of relaxation and adventure.
Arta Maison des Randonneurs
9.4 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and adventure sports at Arta Maison des Randonneurs, your perfect lodge in Djibouti for an unforgettable experience.
Douda
18.6 km
Experience the serene beauty of Douda River in Djibouti, a tranquil paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
RESTAURANT LOYADA
19.1 km
Experience authentic Djiboutian cuisine at Loyada Restaurant in Balbala, where traditional flavors meet warm hospitality.
Bharat mahal
20.9 km
Experience authentic Indian flavors in the heart of Djibouti City at Bharat Mahal, a culinary journey through India's rich cuisine.
Bawadi Mall Djibouti
20.9 km
Discover a modern shopping and entertainment experience at Bawadi Mall, Djibouti, with diverse retail, dining, and leisure options for everyone.
Antiquités yéménites Yemeni antique تحف تراثية يمنيّه
20.9 km
Discover Yemeni artistry at Antiquités yéménites in Djibouti's Bawadi Mall. Explore unique antiques and handcrafted artifacts with rich cultural stories.
L'Elixir Parfumerie
21.0 km
Discover authentic international fragrances and cosmetics at L'Elixir Parfumerie in Djibouti's premier shopping destination, Bawadi Mall.
JANOHOUSE Appart-Hôtel
21.7 km
Experience the comfort of home in Djibouti at JANOHOUSE Appart-Hôtel, offering fully equipped apartments and a convenient location near the airport and city attractions for an unforgettable stay.
Mosqueé Al-Nadwat
21.7 km
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Buses for Ali Sabieh
21.8 km
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Turkish Mosque
21.9 km
Djibouti's largest mosque, a gift from Turkey, showcasing Ottoman architecture and a symbol of strong bilateral relations.
Institute Djiboutien Des Arts
22.0 km
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Royal Palace Djibouti
22.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Parc Ou Est Mon Camarade
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Arta Beach
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Plage de Doraleh
13.7 km
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Cagadaalis
17.6 km
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Wahle Daba
17.6 km
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Barache
17.7 km
Explore Barache in Balbala – A scenic treasure trove of culture and breathtaking landscapes waiting to be discovered.
Bahaache
18.4 km
Explore the tranquil beauty of Bahaache Park in Balbala, a serene escape perfect for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying nature's charm.
Cheik Moussa
18.7 km
Experience the tranquility of Cheik Moussa Park in Balbala, a beautiful urban oasis perfect for relaxation, picnics, and cultural encounters.
Balbala Caadi
19.1 km
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Phare de balbala
19.5 km
Experience the beauty and heritage of Phare de Balbala, a picturesque lighthouse in Djibouti offering stunning coastal views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Gulf of Tadjoura
20.3 km
Explore the stunning Gulf of Tadjoura, a paradise of crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural experiences in Djibouti.
Makka Al Moukarama
20.8 km
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Bouh Garden
21.2 km
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bosquet
21.3 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Bosquet Park in Djibouti, a perfect escape for relaxation and natural beauty.
Phare de Venice
22.2 km
Discover the stunning Phare de Venice lighthouse in Djibouti, a picturesque landmark offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region's maritime heritage.
Essential places to dine
trois plages
3.9 km
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Arrey Restaurant
8.9 km
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Restaurant
11.1 km
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Prive
11.1 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of vegetarian cuisine at Prive in Arta – where health meets deliciousness.
مطعم كعبول
12.2 km
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Kayla dahab
16.2 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Kayla Dahab in Balbala with diverse menus and welcoming ambiance perfect for all ages.
Deeqsan café & Restaurant
16.3 km
Experience authentic Djiboutian cuisine at Deeqsan Café & Restaurant in Cité Hodan – where flavor meets hospitality.
New era
18.5 km
Experience authentic Djiboutian cuisine at New Era Restaurant, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
O grill Turkish restaurant
20.6 km
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Waffle Factory
20.8 km
Experience the ultimate waffle indulgence at Waffle Factory in Djibouti - where every bite is a taste of happiness.
Wadago
20.9 km
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Katkout
20.9 km
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Alberto’s restaurant
20.9 km
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Chicking Djibouti
20.9 km
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Ayla Cafe Djibouti
20.9 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Boutique AG
11.1 km
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Épicerie
11.1 km
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Boutique AF
11.1 km
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Boutique MA
11.1 km
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Boutique OD
11.1 km
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Beauty Bar djibouti
11.1 km
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RAR1
11.1 km
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Kafka ab
11.1 km
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Samex International Trading
11.3 km
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École primaire d'arta
12.0 km
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Magasin kadira
12.0 km
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Kadira Abdi et Hawa Samod.
12.0 km
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Boutique kadira
12.0 km
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Arta
12.0 km
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patisserie arta
12.0 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cite cheikh osman
19.5 km
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TE'AMO,VBawadi Mall
20.9 km
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Bar gelateria piccola sburrata
21.5 km
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VOGUE DJIBOUTI
22.0 km
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L'Atypique
22.0 km
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NAAN STOP RESTAURANT
22.1 km
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Deluxe
22.1 km
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Pit stop restaurant
22.2 km
Experience authentic barbecue in Djibouti at Pit Stop Restaurant, where flavor and hospitality meet in a vibrant setting.
Cantina
22.2 km
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Combat Cafe
22.2 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sunny Hill Center
12.2 km
Escape to Sunny Hill Center in Arta for a serene stay amidst breathtaking hills, merging comfort with the beauty of Djibouti's nature.
Arta Plage
13.5 km
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Irmaan Exchange
17.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Djibouti at Irmaan Exchange, where music, dance, and culture converge for an unforgettable evening.
B.SALE
18.2 km
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Djib-Dance
20.8 km
Explore the vibrant dance culture in Djibouti at Djib-Dance, where every step brings you closer to the local beat.
ROYAL PLAZA Hotel
22.2 km
Discover the Royal Plaza Hotel, where exceptional comfort meets the vibrant culture of Djibouti, perfect for relaxation and exquisite dining.
Pub Palmier Zink
22.3 km
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Club Hermes
22.3 km
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Ambassador
22.3 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Djibouti at Ambassador Night Club, where music, dance, and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable evening.
Timeout Restaurant and Sport Bar
22.4 km
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La Galette Bretonne
22.4 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of La Galette Bretonne, Djibouti's premier night club for music, dance, and local culture.