Travel Guide to Obock

• HelloSalaam
  [sah-lahm]
• GoodbyeMa'a salama
  [mah ah sah-lah-mah]
• YesEey
  [ee-y]
• NoMaya
  [mah-yah]
• Please/You're welcomeMarhaba
  [mar-ha-bah]
• Thank youShukran
  [shook-rah-n]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?Kif halek?
  [keef-hah-lek]
• Fine. And you?Mnayin. W halek?
  [m-nah-yin. oo hah-lek]
• Do you speak English?Tatakallam al-ingliziya?
  [tah-tah-kah-lahm al-een-glee-zee-yah]
• I don't understandAna ma fhimt
  [ah-nah mah fee-himt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBari an ara al-qayima, min fadlik
  [bah-ree ahn ah-rah al-kah-yee-mah, meen fahd-leek]
• I don't eat meatAna ma akul lahman
  [ah-nah mah ah-kool lah-mahn]
• Cheers!Saha!
  [sah-hah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBari an adfa, min fadlik
  [bah-ree ahn ah-dfah, meen fahd-leek]

• Help!Musaada!
  [moo-sah-dah]
• Go away!Ijannab!
  [ee-jah-nahb]
• Call the Police!Ud'u al-shurta!
  [oo-doo al-shoor-tah]
• Call a doctor!Ud'u al-tabib!
  [oo-doo al-tah-beeb]
• I'm lostDhaa'iftu
  [dha-ah-eeftoo]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [ah-nah mah-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Bari an ashtari...
  [bah-ree ahn ash-tah-ree]
• I'm just lookingAna faqat atadabbar
  [ah-nah fah-kat ah-tah-dahb-bahr]
• How much is it?Kam thamanuh?
  [kahm thah-mah-noo-h]
• That's too expensiveHadha ghali jiddan
  [hah-thah gha-lee jeed-dahn]
• Can you lower the price?Hal yumkinuk tanzil althaman?
  [hal yoom-kee-noo-k tahn-zeel al-thah-mahn]

• What time is it?Kam alwaqt?
  [kahm al-wah-kt]
• It's one o'clockHuwa alwaahid
  [hoo-wah al-wah-heed]
• Half past (10)Nisf ba'd al-ashara
  [neessf bahd al-ah-shah-rah]
• MorningSabaah
  [sah-bah]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [doo-hoor]
• EveningMasaa
  [mah-sah]
• YesterdayAms
  [ahms]
• TodayLyawm
  [lyawm]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [ghah-dahn]
• 1Wahid
  [wah-heed]
• 2Ithnayn
  [ith-nah-yin]
• 3Thalatha
  [thah-lah-thah]
• 4Arba'a
  [ahr-bah-ah]
• 5Khamsa
  [kham-sah]
• 6Sitta
  [siht-tah]
• 7Saba'a
  [sah-bah-ah]
• 8Thamania
  [thah-mah-nee-ah]
• 9Tis'a
  [tees-ah]
• 10Ashara
  [ah-shah-rah]

• Where's a/the...?Ayna...
  [ah-y-nah]
• What's the address?Maa huwa al'adresse?
  [mah hoo-wah al-ad-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Hal yumkinuk an turiyanii (ala al-khariit)?
  [hal yoom-kee-noo-k ahn too-ree-yah-nee (ah-lah al-kah-ree-eet)]
• When's the next (bus)?Mata sayakunu alqadam?
  [mah-tah sah-yah-koo-noo al-kah-dahm]
• A ticket (to ....)Tathkira (ila ...)
  [tahth-kee-rah (ee-lah ...)]

Obock is one of the oldest towns in Djibouti, with its origins dating back to the mid-19th century. It was established as a French colonial outpost in 1862 when France signed a treaty with the local Afar Sultan, marking the beginning of French influence in the region.

Due to its strategic location near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Obock served as a critical point for maritime navigation and trade routes between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. The town became a crucial hub for French colonial expansion and control in the Horn of Africa.

From 1884 to 1896, Obock was the capital of French Somaliland. During this period, it saw significant development with the construction of administrative buildings, a port, and other colonial infrastructure. However, the capital was later moved to Djibouti City due to its more favorable location and harbor facilities.

The construction of the Franco-Ethiopian Railway in the late 19th century significantly impacted Obock. Although the railway line primarily connected Djibouti City to Addis Ababa, it underscored the importance of the region and facilitated better access and communication between different parts of French Somaliland.

During World War II, Obock experienced a decline in its strategic and economic significance. The town was largely overshadowed by the more prominent Djibouti City. After the war, efforts to revitalize Obock were minimal, leading to a period of stagnation.

Obock is home to a rich cultural heritage that reflects its diverse history. The town's architecture, traditional markets, and local cuisine offer a glimpse into the fusion of indigenous Afar culture with French colonial influences. Visitors can explore historic sites and enjoy the vibrant local traditions.

Today, Obock is a quiet coastal town that serves as a gateway to some of Djibouti's most stunning natural attractions, including the Godoria Mangrove Reserve and the nearby islands. While it may not hold the same strategic importance as in the past, Obock remains a place of historical significance and cultural richness.

Obock is located in the northern part of Djibouti. The nearest international airport is Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport, situated in the capital city, Djibouti. From the capital, you can take a domestic flight to Obock, though options may be limited. Alternatively, you can travel by road, which typically takes about 4 to 5 hours. The road conditions can vary, so it's recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle. Another option is to take a boat from the port in Djibouti City to Obock, which offers a scenic and potentially faster route, depending on sea conditions.

Obock is a small town, and its main attractions are generally within walking distance. For longer distances, local taxis and motorbike taxis (bajaj) are available and relatively inexpensive. Public transportation options such as buses are limited, so renting a vehicle or arranging guided tours may be more convenient for exploring surrounding areas.

The official currency in Djibouti is the Djiboutian Franc (DJF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller vendors and rural areas. ATMs are limited in Obock, so ensure you have sufficient cash before traveling. Currency exchange services are available in the capital, Djibouti City.

Obock is generally a safe destination for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night, and be cautious of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas. While crime rates are relatively low, petty theft can occur. It's best to keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items. The town itself is safe, but always consult local advice when planning to visit remote areas.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for police assistance or 18 for medical emergencies. Obock has a local police station and a small medical facility, but for serious medical issues, it may be necessary to travel to Djibouti City. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly in rural areas and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. It's respectful to cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a polite nod. Use formal titles and address people respectfully. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Obock like a local, visit the local markets where you can purchase fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historic lighthouse and the nearby beaches, which offer a glimpse into the daily life of the community. For a unique experience, try to join a local fishing trip or explore the rugged coastline and its natural beauty.