DECAN Refuge, Petit Bara Desert Travel Guide

4.3 (45)

Discover Djibouti's wildlife at DECAN Refuge, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and preserving the region's unique animal species.

DECAN Refuge, a wildlife sanctuary near Djibouti City, offers a unique opportunity to observe rescued and rehabilitated animals in a natural setting. Founded by a French veterinarian, the refuge is home to cheetahs, lions, antelopes, and various bird species, providing a safe haven and promoting conservation efforts.

A brief summary to DECAN Refuge

BP 2136, RN2, Djibouti, DJ
Click to display
Click to display

Thursday 3:30 pm-6:30 pm
Friday 3:30 pm-6:30 pm
Saturday 3:30 pm-6:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring DECAN Refuge.

Visit during the late afternoon (3:30 PM - 6:30 PM) on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays for the best chance to see the animals active and being fed.
Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing, especially for observing birds and animals in larger enclosures.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as you'll be exploring the refuge on foot.
Consider contacting the refuge in advance to inquire about guided tours or special events.
Support DECAN's conservation efforts by purchasing souvenirs or making a donation during your visit.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Grand Bara

Day Forest National Park

Arta Beach

Mosquée Al-Hamoudi

Dolphin Excursions Djibouti

Explore DECAN Refuge on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near DECAN Refuge, mapped for you.

Getting There

Taxi/Ride-Share

The most convenient way to reach DECAN Refuge from Djibouti City is by taxi or ride-share. Negotiate the fare beforehand, as taxis in Djibouti do not typically use meters. A round trip, including waiting time (2-3 hours), should cost approximately 7,000-8,000 DJF. Head south on RN2 (Route Nationale 2) towards the Somaliland border. The refuge is located about 10 km outside of Djibouti City on the right side of the road. The ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Be aware that some drivers may try to renegotiate the price upon return, so clarify the terms beforehand.
Public Transport

To reach DECAN Refuge by public transport from Djibouti City, head to the bus station near Place Menelik. Look for a local bus heading south along RN2. The bus fare is around 200 DJF. Ask the driver to drop you off at BP 2136 on RN2, which is near the refuge entrance. From the drop-off point, there's a short walk (approximately 10 minutes) to the refuge entrance. Ensure you confirm the return bus schedule, as service frequency may be limited, especially in the late afternoon.

Discover more about DECAN Refuge

Located approximately 10 kilometers south of Djibouti City, DECAN Refuge (Découvrir et Aider la Nature) is a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and preserving Djibouti's wildlife. Founded in 2003 by French veterinarian Bertrand Lafrance, the 30-hectare refuge provides a home for animals that have been injured, orphaned, or illegally captured. DECAN is home to a diverse array of animals, including cheetahs, lions, ostriches, tortoises, Somali donkeys, caracals, squirrels, oryx, antelopes, kudus, zebras, porcupines, gazelles, baboons, green monkeys, and nearly 200 species of birds. Many of these animals were saved from poaching or were once kept illegally as caged pets. The refuge actively works to combat poaching and reintegrate animals that had disappeared from the region. Visitors can witness the dedication and care that goes into rehabilitating these animals, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild whenever possible.DECAN also serves as an educational center, raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. The refuge welcomes visitors on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons, offering guided tours and educational programs for customs officers, police, and school children. These programs aim to educate the public about the threats facing Djibouti's wildlife and the importance of protecting its natural heritage. DECAN also organizes eco-tourism camps in protected areas, offering opportunities to observe gazelles, birds, and small mammals in their natural habitats.DECAN's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its various initiatives, such as community clean-up efforts and plans to expand the refuge to include a mangrove ecosystem. This expansion will provide additional habitat for wildlife and enhance the refuge's biodiversity and conservation impact.