Goda Mountains

Entering the Goda Mountains can be a shock, as you transition rapidly from the harsh desert you are used to, to dank cloud forest. These mountains tower to the north-west of the gulf in which Djibouti City sits. They capture the moisture that the rest of the area so evidently misses. Their flanks are patched with forest, and surprisingly pleasant Afar villages nestled in their verdant fields. Sadly, climate change is meaning that the forests are degrading (with a big decline in juniper trees) and various animals becoming rarer, including antelope and warthog.

The nearest area to Djibouti City is the Foret du Day, a fascinating cloud forest at around 1,500m on the south-eastern flanks. It is home to birds galore, including raptors, deer and monkeys. Various walks can be made in the area. 

Next round, to the north land on the eastern side of the Foret du Day, is Dittilou. Again, it is the dank forest, which is the draw here, including walking to the stunning Toha waterfall - apx 4 hrs return - and a longer walk to an airplane wreck.

The furthest away is Bankouale, which sits in wonderful landscape, with peaks, cliffs, gorges and waterfalls. This makes for marvellous walking, both to explore the beautiful mountain oasis and to climb to a well-known bat cave (4-5 hrs round trip).

There is camping in all these places, and guides can be found.

You will need a 4WD to get to these bases.