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As a Djiboutian. Djibouti is a camera-phobic country due to corruption the police are asking this money for Khat (drug). The weirdest past is the government is trying to be like Dubai and Singapore. Back a decade ago i could take my camera everywhere and the police cannot do nothing about it. But sadly things have changed.
That is so terrible. I was looking forward to spending a lot of time in Djibouti, but I left after just two days. The police made it too terrible for me to travel there. However, the people were very kind and helpful! I feel very sorry for the level of corruption that you have to endure - hopefully, one day the country will 'clean up' the Police and make your country the place it deserves to be 👍
I took a picture of my wife coming in to visit me at the airport and the policeman tried to take my phone said I was a terrorist. Wanted a bribe. I refused.
@@DrifterDave The police can be asses when it comes to filming, but when there are more people around it is easier since you can get lost in the crowd with locals and the police are less likely to come to you. Even if the police come hassling, best thing to do is keep cool - they won't really do anything to you, since they know what they themselves are doing is against the law and they can get into trouble, so they are just hoping the tourists are intimidated to give them some money (the police would be even less likely to hassle you if you were French or EU citizen, because those relations with France and EU are very important for Djibouti - Djibouti has a special relations with military bases and investment from them).
@@NikoChristianWallenberg I visited the year prior to COVID (2019)! I agree with you that their goal is to intimidate tourists who they hope will just give in to the pressure.
I am a Djiboutian, and i feel really sorry for you. There is a lot of corruption for a drug called khat and policemen will do everything to have money to buy this drug. But if you come back one day and have a Djiboutian friend i think that they will just ignore you or try to even if a Djiboutian i with you but they will let you go more faster than if you where alone. Once more a big sorry from all the honest Djiboutians.
What are u talking about. Safety is the 1st priority, whatever he come from he have to obey the order. There are restricted area and they think a Western passport will bring them a favor.
The West Shows önly Our Bad environement just to feel better, wht Else did u except from this, i mean not all the turist do this but most of them. Some of them even convered as Tourismus and in realy they are illitary or CIA and when they See Natur resource they will cover themself as milliRy, even thought jabuti is alredy facing strugly of betrayal Millitry compase. So no camera just enjoy the Trip.
@@moustaphahoussein1927 i agree with u, Western has its own tourisrules tht everybody as to follöw but if it comes to africa they want as to chnage. The hell think they are. Just a tourist so behav as a tourist.
The Railway Station at 2:50 is the old one. That was for the metre gauge line built around 1900 largely abandoned. The new station is to the south of the city on a new standard gauge (1435mm 4ft 8 1/2") electrified railway to Addis Ababa. I take it you did not see the new line
Did you ever get that feeling when that local lead you down those back narrow alleyways that he was taking you to a special place where they harvest organs for the black market?
LOL, not at all. He was a decent guy! 😎 There have been times in my travels that people have seemed shady - you just have to rely on instinct & intuition & give people the benefit of the doubt.
Maybe they have their reasons. People used images of country in Africa not to promote good things in the media. I don't know just my opinion. People associates African country as a dump
The police and the government in that country are digging their own grave. Scaring away tourists has never benefited a country, only makes it more isolated and poorer than it could have been, Djiouti could benefit greatly from tourism.
I agree - this experience left me never wanting to return. It's a shame, because the country actually has a lot to offer tourists, if they'd just open up and welcome them.
@ plus 80% of Ethiopias import/export comes/goes through Djibouti drawing annual income of about 2 billion dollar., its a lot for country like Djibouti with small population, where does the money go.....
Outside of Camp Lemonnier is a goddamn shanty town and that's putting it nice. Everyone is trying to hustle you and they treat their country/environment like they're getting a new one sometime soon. It really made me appreciate my life back in the states. As harsh as the training was over there it was really beautiful at sunset.
Interesting to hear your experiences. From the conversations I've had on here, it seems that there are many Djiboutians that want much better for their country - let's hope they receive that.
I’m here right now and drive out to Chabelley for work every day. You are spot on about everything you said. 5:30-630 pm is the best part of being here. The workers I encounter are mostly friendly although they seem a little skeptical and intimidated
I've been living in Djibouti almost 9 years. I laugh when you said you are a little bit paranoid while filming Presidential Palace by the water. The colonial building in Menelik Square renovated lately, and it is far beautiful than that time. Although all compounds have barbed wires on the walls, I can say Djibouti is a safe country, even at night.
Might be so, but I was accosted quite aggressively by the POS police. Horrible country - definitely the worst I've ever visited. It's only redeeming quality are its sights outside of the city, I've heard. I wasn't about to pay $800 USD for a tour to find out. There's a reason almost every travel vlogger has hated the place - and I can see why.
It really pains me to see the sad reality of my country, I am really sorry for what happened to you with the corrupt police officers! They have definitely given a bad image of our country!
It’s okay - the people were very friendly. It’s only the police that ruin it for tourists - they make it very difficult to do any sightseeing at all. Hopefully it will improve in the years to come!
@Rener Oslo I agree - unfortunately, they left me with two options: pay, or return to my hotel and "stay inside" - I chose to go to my hotel (but did not obey the order to 'stay inside' - I simply put my large camera rig away and relied on my iPhone for footage). I did not pay, as I didn't want to establish a precedent that such behavior will be tolerated by tourists.
Been assigned for a month in Djibouti back in 1996. Back then,there's no mobile phone to take videos. Same observations in here, one thing I admire is their strong Ethiopian espresso coffee.☕
I would have loved to try their coffee! I didn't get to do much outside of the resort due to the security situation. The police are incredibly corrupt and will not leave a tourist alone. It's sad.
Woook! Different perspective about Djibouti. Most videos give it that beautiful country perspective... And beautiful streets and women... Anyhow, love from kampala, Uganda
Thanks for watching! I tried to be as fair as possible about Djibouti. Definitely won't be back there until they have a major regime change & clean up their act.
So sad to know that, hopefully the things will get better soon in my beloved country and these policies will be banned in the very worst condition for doing such as stupid corruption.
@@jamiljama3904it just to be in somaliweyn but the french took it but they later became independent. Are you saying me as a southern somali is not welcome in djibouti? All somali territory is for all somalis
hey man great content I'm from Africa I appreciate people who travel hopefully you get some income to travel Africa you'll definitely become seasoned surviver. subscribed
Djibouti is my neighbor country and i go there sometimes for business. I 100% agree with you on the police case and they can be dumb as well. If you have known a local or someone there , your experience will have changed drastically. The downtown is exciting at night and there are very cool places you should have seen. They have the coolest hotel and a very big Mall where a lot foreign ppl come. The best thing about djibouti is the Food there.
I'd love to give Djibouti another chance eventually (though I'm not sure the government would want to welcome me back with my honest feedback! 😂 ). It sounds like there are some great spots in Djibouti. For me, I could barely leave my hotel room without being hassled. My hotel was the only place that was hassle-free.
@@DrifterDave if you want to come back to East Africa in the future, i suggest come to my Country Somaliland not Somali-A , they are different countries but same ppl. Our country is very cheap and democratic compare to Djibouti and friendly too . I think you are going to like it here but you must have a guide to show you around the beautiful places.
Yes, I would love to visit Somaliland! I regret not visiting Hargeisa when I was nearby. I have many local contacts in Somaliland now, so I can't wait to visit.
Hey mate, I'll be travelling to Djibouti in a few days. I was wondering if you applied for an e visa, or a regular visa at the embassy? It'll be really helpful if you answered.
Lol, I'm not a guy that likes to be pushed around. So, I considered it a bit of a challenge to not get accosted a second time around. That said, it was simply too hot to enjoy, and there just isn't a ton to see in the city. If I ever go back to Djibouti (though I'm probably banned at this point due to this video!) I'd rent a car and focus on exploring the geologic features in the heart of the country. Djibouti City is a complete let down. Favourite places on Earth: New Zealand, Greenland, French Polynesia, India, Malaysia, Norway, Germany, Portugal, East Africa....and so much more. Africa and the Arctic/Antarctic are my main areas of interest in terms of 'exploration'. Europe for history and city exploration. North America for nature & landscapes. Southeast Asia for budget travel. South Pacfic for luxury travel.
Just discovered your channel Dave! As a fellow vlogger I completely understand the frustration about trying to film and then told not to. Hopefully Djibouti becomes more camera-friendly in due course as I would really to visit one day.
@@DrifterDave you are very welcome - you've introduced a part of the world that is so unknown to me and therefore I am very grateful. I'm also a vlogger so who knows, maybe one day our paths may cross on the road :)
@@DrifterDave nice one! I'm South African but have been living in England for 15 years. Have been travelling for a long time but only started vlogging earlier this year. Still a lot of world to explore! Where is next on your list?
Nice! I love South Africa - been twice! But I was mugged there on my first trip (in downtown Durban) & fought off three young men - I cut up my arm & knee, but lived to tell the tale. At least I got to keep my wallet 😂 Next up will be Caribbean or the South Pacific for a bit, and then back to Europe. Also hope to do a bit of West Africa this coming year. But first, Christmas!
I am glad I came across your channel, now I know more about Djibouti, you're so real and honest,aprecciate that. Btw there are some videos here that are made in a "I'll make it in a way you're gonny love it whether it's true or not" kind of fashion. I don't like that, I prefer reality. And you bring that out. That's why I subscribed. Simple as that.
I’m never going to sugarcoat the reality of a place to be woke or ultra-fake positive (eg. Drew Binsky, Yes Theory). People deserve the truth. And some destinations have a lot of room for change. So I’ll keep highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thanks for subscribing! 😎
@@sppecials606 Look them up - basically challenges to get out of your comfort zone. They go to places like Afghanistan & Iraq just to prove they can do it without fear. Very woke content.
imo: this country only is important is that it has so many western military bases there and this country should been an Ethiopia capital city so that it has coastal and access to the sea
@@DrifterDave if Djibouti was an territory or part of Ethiopia then it would make Ethiopia a country that has completely access to the sea and would be able to exports its products on shipments
It looked as though several vacant lots were used as active garbage dumps - certainly not something I’d be proud of, if I was part of their city government. I do admire Rwanda for its expectation that all citizens work one Saturday a month to do their part to clean up the streets. Rwanda is an impeccably clean country, by comparison!
It's all about civic pride. If the city wanted to be clean, it would be clean. And you're right, there are even parts of Canada that look like these scenes from Djibouti - it's not limited to the third world.
I actually stayed at the Acacia! But I visited the Kempinski - I heard it's less luxurious than comparable properties abroad, bit they still make a noble effort. Very pricey, though.
Doesn't seem like a friendly place to visit, unfortunate. The local economy will continue to be strangled to death, if they continue to scare tourists away. This is very unfortunate, and I don't think I wish to visit Djibouti, from what I am seeing.
Their government is sin - the people, however, were very friendly. They cannot control the corruption of their basic dictatorship, unfortunately. You are right in that it's definitely not a tourist magnet, given it's level of corruption.
@@DrifterDave True. In my country, Republic of Guyana (South America), it is best to go with a tour group, than by yourself. The tour groups know all of the key tourist spots to showcase. I suppose it is the same everywhere, although I do travel alone, but I keep in the cities, and not venture to remote areas by myself.
I'm actually planning to visit Guyana in the years to come! Seems like a great country, but I agree, it's probably best with a guide due to its high crime rate.
Sorry for that mate , I'm from Djibouti and honestly is a really nice country but I feel like is getting worse day after day all this buildings are remaining of the french infrastructure nothing was build by the government neither they bother even to paint those ruined buildings . We the youth feel like the country is stolen from us and we are trapped in it .
I'm sorry to hear this - I hope that your government begins to understand that the country is the people, and not the government. That's a horrible feeling, to feel trapped in your own nation. I hope things will get better 🇩🇯
Well I'm half djibouti and somalia djibouti is a great country and when my moms lived there she said it wasn't the same as when she lived there. She also said that in djibouti always were much police 🚔
Loool. Half Djib and Half somali. Never heard this one before. Great. As my frie nd said previously " waryaa waxaad tahay somali. Diid anba doon" loool Si tu n'es pas content contre le mur !!! Loool
S o many chinese vloggers are making fun and bad image of your country, because your poeple don't understand the language, and you think your country is beautiful.... go see the chinese vloggers videos and you will see something else
It is a very tense city with loads of security (and corrupt police). It's much busier down by the market area, but overall the city has a nefarious vibe that is definitely not welcoming. That might have something to do with it?
I would never say Djibouti is not 'civilized'. There are positive and negative aspects of EVERY country, including my own here in Canada. Djibouti's government has sold much of its soul to foreign governments, and as a result, their focus has not always been on the common good of their people. If you look at the comments on this video, you'll get a sense of the experiences of local Djiboutians and their desire for a better life and a better government. Police corruption is widespread, and even happens here in Canada. I am just an observer, and will report honestly on what I see and experience. I hope Djibouti eventually becomes the country it deserves to be, free of police corruption and oppressive government. Peace 🙏
@@DrifterDave Djibouti is the country however there's no such thing as Djiboutian most the ethnic group live there is somalis and they refer themselves as somalis
@@ajawale9004 there are afar and those from yemen refugee who grew up here and consider this country as theirs.Too so I am a djiboutian afar born and raised in the the republic of djibouti and i am damn sure am not a somalian , and the 3 ethnics grps in djibouti are issa/ afar/ arab , stop acting like we dont exist in this country, its a fucked up country but it is sure as hell is mine as much as it is yours.djibouti is an independant free country not somalia stop living in the past!
I lived in Djibouti for 10 months as Captain of a passenger catamaran in 1988/89. I loved it, sometimes there's someone trying to rip a tourist and wandering around with a camera in a place like that is going to work like a magnet for trouble. Use your loaf dude.
Perhaps it’s gotten a bit worse since your visit. It’s impossible to not wander around with a camera as a vlogger…even Drew Binsky was hassled and had a horrible experience. The more unfortunate part was that I had just finished up a month of travel across Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia and wore a camera around my neck the entire time with no hassle. Djibouti was rough.
I know that Djiboutians like you do not approve of the actions of your police. You are also a victim. I hope your government will crack down on the corruption so that Djibouti becomes the tourist destination it deserves to be. Thank you for watching 👍
Sorry for these police, as a Djiboutian they are corrupt and we know that and people here are not used to vlog bro that’s why but there’s guy who are campaigners for tourist which can help you as well anyway there’s many other tourist places where you can vlog such as little islands, lac Assal or other places anyway be careful take care and it’s hot so take water if needed
I plan to return to Djibouti eventually and sightsee around the country! I agree, it is probably better this way compared to trying to vlog in Djibouti City. Thank you for your support & I hope Djibouti becomes the tourist destination it deserves to be, without any corruption! 🙏
It looks they have the foundations of a great place but clearly still has a long way to go if they are not embracing tourists. Been considering visiting Djibouti with my wife but might check back in a few years time and see if they have made better progress.
That’s not really true across east Africa - I’ve been pretty much everywhere and they actually have storefronts, people on the streets living their lives, and a sense of culture and community. Djibouti feels like a police state where everyone is under lock and key with citizens treated like pariahs. This isn’t an Africa thing, it’s simply the product of a paranoid and autocratic society.
No problem 👍 I want to share my unedited experiences, so take what you will from the video. I am hopeful that Djibouti will become a thriving tourist destination in the future.
It is a country under a dictatorship for more than 20 years. The government is paranoid. In Somalia, we are much more friendly but not every places is the safest 😬. I am making the comparison because it is both populated by ethnic Somalis.
The price of cola/zero is of course difference price and depends on where you buy some as the country you coming from ..supermarkets vs malls or hotels or restaurants
That is very true - however, I found the prices to be much higher overall in proportion to other countries. and I’m not sure why this is the case - it’s not a remote part of the world. I think it’s more to do with the amount of foreign money pouring into the country, ready to be spent.
@@DrifterDave that's right we'll said, all this money from foreign institutions make the economic fluctuating. Anyway because everything is imported in Djib. Goods were always expensive. Also it depend where you buy your coke. I remember in a club/bar one coke will set you back 1000FD roughly 3/4 $. Same can of coke from local shop will cost you 60/100 FD, equivalent of less than 1$. Also once they see you as a tourist or foreigner its a different tariff. You will need to roll with a local for the first couple of days if you can. Safe trip 🙏
Djibouti is extremely beautiful and amazing country with a lot of historic building of colonial and islamic history i my self was there in 2010 for 2 days i found the place very tense as i wanted to record plus rambo main market and some of the traders were saying if you record me you have to pay me and i jokingly said to them this is free publicity for your business they were not intrested so i left them it was shame because i wanted to show a side that was not seen on the media i now know someone who knows somebody with connections to the government so hopefully next time i will try and take them with me even in 2022 there is not much videos about the country travel videos that explain to the would be tourist to get information i hope this changes in the future.
@@DrifterDave i always had this great idea of travelling land between somaliland and djibouti bu i heard the djiboutian immigration will not let you in on land if you are travelling on foreign passport on land which is shame as few of my friends have done this amazing but rough trip as they had somaliland id i will try my luck in when i visit somaliland this august.
walahi this awful to watch. this doesnt happen anywhere in somalia or somaliland. djbouti is supposed to be the most stable and wealthy out of all the somali lands. the level or corruption was shocking
There are many garbages on the roads and we can’t take photo in Djibouti......? If there is no enjoyable place to visit in Djibouti, I don’t want to go. What country do you recommend to travel ?
I would say that southern Africa is the easiest to travel and also the most welcoming to travelers. If you want an easy introduction to Africa, consider Zambia and Tanzania.
I know people live in poverty in places but that doesn’t mean you have to live in filth. I don’t understand it. It is like that here in the United States. Poor neighborhoods complain about their neighborhoods but they are the ones throwing trash and urinating in the streets and alleyways painting on buildings and such. They complain about their own actions as if I should come and clean their filth.
I completely agree. Society is a reflection of its citizens' actions. There's nothing preventing the people of Djibouti City from picking up a broom and hosting a community clean up. The sad reality is that they simply don't care, or else they'd take some pride in their city. But it's also hard to have any pride for where you live, when you live in such a corrupt country.
I visited the Philippines in 2015 before I started vlogging - I spent two weeks visiting Manila, Baguio, Tagaytay, Boracay, and Bohol/Chocolate Hills. Would love to return someday! 🇵🇭
Thank God you have exposed the rampant corruption in Djibouti so that potential tourists can be aware of where they are going. When the guardians of law are totally corrupt then there nothing left in the country. It will meet its dreadful end in not so far away future.
@LEO MESSI Have you ever been in Somalia . Or you just assume that.. I was in India twice and I sow your people eat from the bins I know you guys you are big number and you have more CEO but the rest is poor compare to Somalia… 😂
I'm not sure if it's THE most expensive, but it's sure up there. I wouldn't be surprised. It was way more expensive than Europe (about the same prices as French Polynesia - $5 for a bottle of water, most hotels $300+, day tours out of town $500-1000, etc.)
Hello there Dave. I mean psychologically, a lot of things have changed since when you've made this video. Wasn't there when you were in Djibouti, for I've been outside of the country for the most of last decade in Asia and Europe. I've been in the country from 2020 to the beginning of 2022 and I could guarantee that it's changed. Due to certain reforms. Geographically, all the places you've filmed are pretty much still the same. But then with a guide or even a friend, things and experiences would've been different. Police wouldn't dare talking to you anymore. The security is kind of tight because of the area of Africa that the is, east Africa is in these recent years one of the, if not the most unstable region on earth. I guess you weren't around that long, you could've discovered way more than this, sightseeing is better outside of the capital city. I moved to the United States now, let me know next time if you're ever planning on giving another chance to my beautiful Djibouti. We might start the trip together if you're even willing to. God bless you, your fellow earthling from the beautiful Djibouti is wishing you the best.
Thank you for this detailed update; that’s very encouraging to hear that they’ve corrected some of the problems. Let’s hope they don’t resurface 😊 I’m not sure if I’ll ever visit Djibouti again, but I’ll make note of your RUclips account in case I’m ever headed in that direction again. Thanks for letting me know the situation in Djibouti since my visit! 🇩🇯 And thanks for checking out my travel channel 😃
Nope it's still a corrupt shit hole. As soon as you land in the airport the police are starting their games. Djibouti will never be in a good place if the first thing you encounter are crooked cops right off the plane . The country is a joke, and will be exploited like so many others out of their resources and talent. If the government can't even organize cleaning the streets, it's a simple failure. I like how you people no longer living in this rat hole say it's a god place. I can't wait to leave and take a shower lol.
Change is needed at every level of society - new government, but also a fresh sense of civic pride in the population. A society is only what you make it.
I just went to djibouti and it was the best experience of my life and I have been to Argentina chile morroco France Italy Portugal Spain. Djibouti is a place that you go for the nature, diving, the assal lake, the alloles. Djibouti is a very friendly country everybody welcomed me. They don't like you taking photos but it is not a dangerous place
visit Eritrea next time way more clean beautiful and overall better the people are also very welcoming and they are not "camera-phobic" as you say. Love from Eritrea.
Man, you've got some good content, I'm of African descent but naturalised European citizen, seeing the content you make is amazing. I have not in anyway visited that many African nations, I feel like I experience it through you as you have the same grown experience of the western mindset. Very sad you had this experience in Djibouti, I loved your video in Zambia though. Stay safe brother. I think it's harder to be hustled if you act like you "know" Africa, there was those truckers on Vice and one of them would fake a South African accent and he never got hustled. But if you look like a "rich American" they will fleece you and feel no guilt, they just think you have trees in your garden that you pick money off of. It's sad, but you also must haggle. If they say $5 just act like you will walk away and say, I will give you $3 or $2.50 take it or leave it.
You’re probably spot on! I should try the South African accent sometime 😂 Thank you for the kind words, and for joining me on my adventures across my favourite continent! 😎
There's a vast disparity in Africa, with many nations much richer than others. Djibouti's prices are artificially inflated due to the high international presence there, as a strategic military position at the entrance to the Gulf of Aden. They charge those prices because they can.
I think it’s hard to take pride in your country when you feel oppressed and mistreated by your government. Civic pride is at an all time low in Djibouti. A few hours of community clean up would really help beautify the place.
Why does Djibouti have a place named after an Ethiopia emperor? What is this “menelik place”? Wasn’t Emperor Menelik the one who massacred a lot of Muslims in Ethiopia? 3:42 🤔
Resuming a whole country on a 10 minutes video showing the worst places and the worst police officer.. What a shame from you.. I did a vlog on Djibouti and showed both, good and bad sides. You’re simply disgracing the country.
You're entitled to your opinion, but the reality is that I wasn't able to document ANYTHING ELSE in the country. I struggled to film anything at all. This was not one single police officer - I had a run in with at least 20 officers during my time in the city. I have nothing against Djibouti or its people, but If you'd like to accuse me of such I suppose that's your choice, but you're wrong. Cheers.
@shetravel, I really wonder, how you respond to this reality video, This guy , He doesn't know you really, that you belong the family who stolen the wealthy of Djibouti, and you are responding this SHAME ON YOU DEAR, Now, I can say that both eco. dev. & social cohesion of #Djibouti are under the threat Regime, Dear do you know that #Djibouti remained a "beggar country " hopelessly, so If our government could donate that much to their people, for housing, roads, urban design, sanitation, water in the hoods & countryside. this guy will have chance to film the goodness of the counry
You know I watched your video about our Country, but you made a mistake here. You had a better environment and family members with you, you didn't look like the "perfect occidental tourist". So I'm not surprised to see how bad this guy was treated. You didn't experienced the same thing.
It's amazing what "power in numbers" can do. Police will generally not hassle a group or family - you're spot on about that. But, a thirtysomething guy with a camera, walking alone, is ripe bait 🙏
It’s a very strange place! The people were more congregated around the market, but so many areas of the city were completely deserted, as you can see in the vlog.
Government vs. Citizens - not hard to understand the difference. You can simultaneously hate the perpetrators yet have compassion for those who are victims.
Not at all! - after 110 countries, this has only happened to me in Djibouti. I had a few run-ins with corrupt cops in Kazakhstan and Mozambique, too, but not about photography.
Djibouti is a somali contry where they got arabe race and ethiopian race like afar oromo habesha amhariq tigrye in it, and everybody is brothers and sisters but our cops are rude asf ain't ganna lie, next time ask for there Supérieur and you well be free to do what ever you want fam
Probably the filthiest place I have seen. The trash all over market looked horrendous. Why dont the market traders and citizens clean it up if their government wont?
Yes, it was very depressing to see how unconcerned most people around the market seemed about the refuse. I'm not sure why they didn't choose to clean up the trash? I think that comes along with a horrible corrupt government; its citizens eventually give up hope that life can be improved, and stop trying. Let's hope for a brighter future for Djibouti in the decades to come.
Are you new to my channel? Subscribe now and check out my 200+ other travel videos on RUclips, highlighting lesser-known destinations that deserve to be discovered. If you love to discover off-the-beaten-path places that few visit, you're in the right place. Thank you for watching!
You are a Blessing to those of Us who are wishing but not blessed.
As a Djiboutian.
Djibouti is a camera-phobic country due to corruption the police are asking this money for Khat (drug). The weirdest past is the government is trying to be like Dubai and Singapore. Back a decade ago i could take my camera everywhere and the police cannot do nothing about it. But sadly things have changed.
That is so terrible. I was looking forward to spending a lot of time in Djibouti, but I left after just two days. The police made it too terrible for me to travel there. However, the people were very kind and helpful! I feel very sorry for the level of corruption that you have to endure - hopefully, one day the country will 'clean up' the Police and make your country the place it deserves to be 👍
Very interesting!
@@DrifterDave the pple are very very kind and generous.
@@abdulrahmanothman5675 Dangerous????
What dangerous?
I took a picture of my wife coming in to visit me at the airport and the policeman tried to take my phone said I was a terrorist. Wanted a bribe. I refused.
That’s ridiculous!! I’m not surprised at all! 😡
It's for your security sir
@hamzehassanrobleh-us8tu that's funny
Hahhahah it's a lie😂
@@hamzehassanrobleh-us8tuBecause he might get beat up by his wife for taking a bad picture of her? Is that for his security?
I spent 2 years there in 80's, I was 9 and I remember the city/market being more lively then.
Interesting! I hope I was able to bring back some memories for you!
@@DrifterDave The police can be asses when it comes to filming, but when there are more people around it is easier since you can get lost in the crowd with locals and the police are less likely to come to you. Even if the police come hassling, best thing to do is keep cool - they won't really do anything to you, since they know what they themselves are doing is against the law and they can get into trouble, so they are just hoping the tourists are intimidated to give them some money (the police would be even less likely to hassle you if you were French or EU citizen, because those relations with France and EU are very important for Djibouti - Djibouti has a special relations with military bases and investment from them).
@@NikoChristianWallenberg I visited the year prior to COVID (2019)! I agree with you that their goal is to intimidate tourists who they hope will just give in to the pressure.
I am a Djiboutian, and i feel really sorry for you. There is a lot of corruption for a drug called khat and policemen will do everything to have money to buy this drug. But if you come back one day and have a Djiboutian friend i think that they will just ignore you or try to even if a Djiboutian i with you but they will let you go more faster than if you where alone. Once more a big sorry from all the honest Djiboutians.
Thank you! I 100% agree with you. I wish I had a Djiboutian local contact during this trip so that my experience would have been a better one 👍
What are u talking about. Safety is the 1st priority, whatever he come from he have to obey the order. There are restricted area and they think a Western passport will bring them a favor.
The West Shows önly Our Bad environement just to feel better, wht Else did u except from this, i mean not all the turist do this but most of them. Some of them even convered as Tourismus and in realy they are illitary or CIA and when they See Natur resource they will cover themself as milliRy, even thought jabuti is alredy facing strugly of betrayal Millitry compase. So no camera just enjoy the Trip.
@@moustaphahoussein1927 i agree with u, Western has its own tourisrules tht everybody as to follöw but if it comes to africa they want as to chnage. The hell think they are. Just a tourist so behav as a tourist.
@@souadaliahmed2680 صح
The Railway Station at 2:50 is the old one. That was for the metre gauge line built around 1900 largely abandoned. The new station is to the south of the city on a new standard gauge (1435mm 4ft 8 1/2") electrified railway to Addis Ababa. I take it you did not see the new line
Good to know, thank you! 😎
Did you ever get that feeling when that local lead you down those back narrow alleyways that he was taking you to a special place where they harvest organs for the black market?
LOL, not at all. He was a decent guy! 😎 There have been times in my travels that people have seemed shady - you just have to rely on instinct & intuition & give people the benefit of the doubt.
@@DrifterDave For sure. Safe travels friend
I have been in Djibouti for three day, as photographer it’s hard to take pics everywhere.
Yes, it’s very difficult, sadly! It could be a very enjoyable place to travel, if it was not for the police.
Sad
Maybe they have their reasons. People used images of country in Africa not to promote good things in the media. I don't know just my opinion. People associates African country as a dump
The police and the government in that country are digging their own grave. Scaring away tourists has never benefited a country, only makes it more isolated and poorer than it could have been, Djiouti could benefit greatly from tourism.
I agree - this experience left me never wanting to return. It's a shame, because the country actually has a lot to offer tourists, if they'd just open up and welcome them.
Y’all colonizers already stole everything they don’t like y’all 😂. Doubt they want y’all there to begin with
@ plus 80% of Ethiopias import/export comes/goes through Djibouti drawing annual income of about 2 billion dollar., its a lot for country like Djibouti with small population, where does the money go.....
@@fivestar000 djibouti is trying to be a hub like dubai or hong kong lol
@@fivestar000 are you American ?
Dave you’re freaking hilarious 😂 & boy are you fearless! Much respect you just got a new sub! 😎
Welcome to the community 👍 Thanks for the kind words 😎
Outside of Camp Lemonnier is a goddamn shanty town and that's putting it nice. Everyone is trying to hustle you and they treat their country/environment like they're getting a new one sometime soon. It really made me appreciate my life back in the states. As harsh as the training was over there it was really beautiful at sunset.
Interesting to hear your experiences. From the conversations I've had on here, it seems that there are many Djiboutians that want much better for their country - let's hope they receive that.
I’m here right now and drive out to Chabelley for work every day. You are spot on about everything you said. 5:30-630 pm is the best part of being here. The workers I encounter are mostly friendly although they seem a little skeptical and intimidated
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I'm still hoping for the best for Djibouti 🙏
I was in Djibouti when I was 16 years old.Thank you for reminding my youth time.
You’re welcome! I hope you have some good memories 🙏
Why you left Djibouti and which country you live now?
Idk guys but djiboutians are one of the most peacefull people much love from Holland🇩🇯🇳🇱✌🏻
The people were very friendly! (Except the cops 😜)
@@DrifterDave cops are worldwide problem bro😂😂
Power corrupts in the wrong hands. That's part of the human condition.
Love seeing different parts of the world! Keep up the work and keep creating! Interesting to see how things are there! :)
Thank you! Will do! 👍
Drifter Dave 😊🙏
I've been living in Djibouti almost 9 years. I laugh when you said you are a little bit paranoid while filming Presidential Palace by the water. The colonial building in Menelik Square renovated lately, and it is far beautiful than that time. Although all compounds have barbed wires on the walls, I can say Djibouti is a safe country, even at night.
Might be so, but I was accosted quite aggressively by the POS police. Horrible country - definitely the worst I've ever visited. It's only redeeming quality are its sights outside of the city, I've heard. I wasn't about to pay $800 USD for a tour to find out. There's a reason almost every travel vlogger has hated the place - and I can see why.
It really pains me to see the sad reality of my country, I am really sorry for what happened to you with the corrupt police officers! They have definitely given a bad image of our country!
It’s okay - the people were very friendly. It’s only the police that ruin it for tourists - they make it very difficult to do any sightseeing at all. Hopefully it will improve in the years to come!
@Rener Oslo I agree - unfortunately, they left me with two options: pay, or return to my hotel and "stay inside" - I chose to go to my hotel (but did not obey the order to 'stay inside' - I simply put my large camera rig away and relied on my iPhone for footage). I did not pay, as I didn't want to establish a precedent that such behavior will be tolerated by tourists.
@Rener Oslo I figured as much, which is why I was so brave! :D
@Rener Oslo Sounds good! 😎
@Rener Oslo No, I am from Canada! We have a very welcoming immigration system.
Been assigned for a month in Djibouti back in 1996. Back then,there's no mobile phone to take videos. Same observations in here, one thing I admire is their strong Ethiopian espresso coffee.☕
I would have loved to try their coffee! I didn't get to do much outside of the resort due to the security situation. The police are incredibly corrupt and will not leave a tourist alone. It's sad.
I was in Djibouti in 1994, 1996. Took lots of photos and has amazing time.
Very cool. This was a candid and interesting look into an unfamiliar place. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the kind words 👍
He still replying! Wow
@@snehalshrestha I’m always happy to reply to my viewers 😎🙏
Woook! Different perspective about Djibouti. Most videos give it that beautiful country perspective... And beautiful streets and women...
Anyhow, love from kampala, Uganda
Thanks for watching! I tried to be as fair as possible about Djibouti. Definitely won't be back there until they have a major regime change & clean up their act.
So sad to know that, hopefully the things will get better soon in my beloved country and these policies will be banned in the very worst condition for doing such as stupid corruption.
I hope so, too! Djibouti should be the premier tourist destination that it deserves to be 👍
Drifter Dave yeah it deserves and it will be, everything is gonna change for real! Thank u for visiting Djibouti 🇩🇯 by the way.
You are welcome! I hope to return to your country when the situation improves (but maybe in the cooler months!) 😂
I was stationed in Djibouti in 2005-2006. The French have been there for a long time, which is probably why you noticed the secured gates.
Probably!
Somalia 2.0! I love being Somali, hopefully all of our lands of Greater Somalia will be the most peaceful in all of Africa once again.
I hope so too!
djibouti is not part and has never been part of somalia.
@@jamiljama3904it just to be in somaliweyn but the french took it but they later became independent. Are you saying me as a southern somali is not welcome in djibouti? All somali territory is for all somalis
@@jamiljama3904 .jabuti is part Somalia. True 💯
@@mahadomar5944 Djibouti deports somalis to somalia. Google it.
hey man great content I'm from Africa I appreciate people who travel hopefully you get some income to travel Africa you'll definitely become seasoned surviver. subscribed
Thanks bro! I appreciate the kind words.
Djibouti is my neighbor country and i go there sometimes for business. I 100% agree with you on the police case and they can be dumb as well. If you have known a local or someone there , your experience will have changed drastically. The downtown is exciting at night and there are very cool places you should have seen. They have the coolest hotel and a very big Mall where a lot foreign ppl come. The best thing about djibouti is the Food there.
I'd love to give Djibouti another chance eventually (though I'm not sure the government would want to welcome me back with my honest feedback! 😂 ). It sounds like there are some great spots in Djibouti. For me, I could barely leave my hotel room without being hassled. My hotel was the only place that was hassle-free.
@@DrifterDave if you want to come back to East Africa in the future, i suggest come to my Country Somaliland not Somali-A , they are different countries but same ppl. Our country is very cheap and democratic compare to Djibouti and friendly too . I think you are going to like it here but you must have a guide to show you around the beautiful places.
Yes, I would love to visit Somaliland! I regret not visiting Hargeisa when I was nearby. I have many local contacts in Somaliland now, so I can't wait to visit.
@@faarisaskar1163"Very cheap and democratic" is normal when half of the population lives in the desert and in extreme poverty
Hey mate, I'll be travelling to Djibouti in a few days. I was wondering if you applied for an e visa, or a regular visa at the embassy? It'll be really helpful if you answered.
E-visa!
@@DrifterDave Mate the site isn’t letting me go past the payment wall for some reason. The Pay Now button just doesn’t work. I don’t know what to do.
@@DrifterDave And, how much time did it take for you to receive it?
@@ayeayearyaan6607 Same day!
@@ayeayearyaan6607 I’m not sure what to suggest? Maybe they aren’t allowing it due to Covid? Best to contact the embassy 🙏
Respect to you I can't believe u went back out ! Where's your favourite places ?
Lol, I'm not a guy that likes to be pushed around. So, I considered it a bit of a challenge to not get accosted a second time around. That said, it was simply too hot to enjoy, and there just isn't a ton to see in the city. If I ever go back to Djibouti (though I'm probably banned at this point due to this video!) I'd rent a car and focus on exploring the geologic features in the heart of the country. Djibouti City is a complete let down.
Favourite places on Earth: New Zealand, Greenland, French Polynesia, India, Malaysia, Norway, Germany, Portugal, East Africa....and so much more. Africa and the Arctic/Antarctic are my main areas of interest in terms of 'exploration'. Europe for history and city exploration. North America for nature & landscapes. Southeast Asia for budget travel. South Pacfic for luxury travel.
Just discovered your channel Dave! As a fellow vlogger I completely understand the frustration about trying to film and then told not to. Hopefully Djibouti becomes more camera-friendly in due course as I would really to visit one day.
Totally agree. There's a lot of potential in Djibouti, if only they'd take anti-corruption seriously. Thanks for checking out my channel!
@@DrifterDave you are very welcome - you've introduced a part of the world that is so unknown to me and therefore I am very grateful. I'm also a vlogger so who knows, maybe one day our paths may cross on the road :)
@@willieexploreVery cool, I’ll check out your channel. Where are you from?
@@DrifterDave nice one! I'm South African but have been living in England for 15 years. Have been travelling for a long time but only started vlogging earlier this year. Still a lot of world to explore! Where is next on your list?
Nice! I love South Africa - been twice! But I was mugged there on my first trip (in downtown Durban) & fought off three young men - I cut up my arm & knee, but lived to tell the tale. At least I got to keep my wallet 😂
Next up will be Caribbean or the South Pacific for a bit, and then back to Europe. Also hope to do a bit of West Africa this coming year. But first, Christmas!
Great to see places I’ve never seen or even heard about …. However I got a great sense of unease just from the footage … felt almost post apocalyptic
Apocalyptic is the perfect description of Djibouti. At times, it felt like a scene from Mad Max.
I am glad I came across your channel, now I know more about Djibouti, you're so real and honest,aprecciate that. Btw there are some videos here that are made in a "I'll make it in a way you're gonny love it whether it's true or not" kind of fashion. I don't like that, I prefer reality. And you bring that out. That's why I subscribed. Simple as that.
I’m never going to sugarcoat the reality of a place to be woke or ultra-fake positive (eg. Drew Binsky, Yes Theory). People deserve the truth. And some destinations have a lot of room for change. So I’ll keep highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thanks for subscribing! 😎
@@DrifterDave what's the Yes Theory?
@@sppecials606 Look them up - basically challenges to get out of your comfort zone. They go to places like Afghanistan & Iraq just to prove they can do it without fear. Very woke content.
imo: this country only is important is that it has so many western military bases there and this country should been an Ethiopia capital city so that it has coastal and access to the sea
That would probably make a lot more sense than the current police state with its rampant corruption. Djibouti could learn a lot from Ethiopia.
@@DrifterDave if Djibouti was an territory or part of Ethiopia then it would make Ethiopia a country that has completely access to the sea and would be able to exports its products on shipments
@@Brandonhayhew very good point 👍
Why is it so dirty, don't they know about brooms? They are worried about cameras, why don't they get some of the citizens to clean up the streets.
It looked as though several vacant lots were used as active garbage dumps - certainly not something I’d be proud of, if I was part of their city government.
I do admire Rwanda for its expectation that all citizens work one Saturday a month to do their part to clean up the streets. Rwanda is an impeccably clean country, by comparison!
That's not too unusual. Many 3rd world countries are like this including some parts of my home country (Brazil)
It's all about civic pride. If the city wanted to be clean, it would be clean. And you're right, there are even parts of Canada that look like these scenes from Djibouti - it's not limited to the third world.
Going there end of July 2021
Hope I have a better experience,
I hope you do too 😬 Good luck.
From where?
I was gonna go there but now no way I will forget about this country
Probably a good decision - it has a lot of growing to do before it’s a friendly place to travel
🇩🇯🇸🇴❤️❤️🌷 Djibouti my country you welcome to Djibouti brother it’s a beautiful country and Next visit Hargaysa Somalind
I would love to visit Somaliland!!
This country is more cleaner than mine Philippines xd
It looks like you stayed at the Kempinski. Do you recommend it?
I actually stayed at the Acacia! But I visited the Kempinski - I heard it's less luxurious than comparable properties abroad, bit they still make a noble effort. Very pricey, though.
@@DrifterDave I see they are almost adjacent; do you think that's the best part of the city to stay in?
It's definitely the safest, but it's not much to look at!
Fantastic never seen this country amazing what you do 🎉
Thank you for the kind words 👍
Djibouti in the 1970's was nothing like this, but i guess Legionnaires aren't often bullied by local police.
Probably very true!
You are a brave man Dave. This place does not look friendly.
It wasn't - I'd say it was the worst travel experience of my life, right down there with Venezuela.
I’m surprised there’s a cathedral in Djibouti
A legacy of the French colonial era (very Catholic)!
Love your niche content!
Thank you! 😎
Doesn't seem like a friendly place to visit, unfortunate. The local economy will continue to be strangled to death, if they continue to scare tourists away. This is very unfortunate, and I don't think I wish to visit Djibouti, from what I am seeing.
Their government is sin - the people, however, were very friendly. They cannot control the corruption of their basic dictatorship, unfortunately. You are right in that it's definitely not a tourist magnet, given it's level of corruption.
That good for nature the tourisme is worst thing in every country nature
Not if you go with a responsible eco-tourism operator! There are many that care deeply for the environment.
@@DrifterDave True. In my country, Republic of Guyana (South America), it is best to go with a tour group, than by yourself. The tour groups know all of the key tourist spots to showcase. I suppose it is the same everywhere, although I do travel alone, but I keep in the cities, and not venture to remote areas by myself.
I'm actually planning to visit Guyana in the years to come! Seems like a great country, but I agree, it's probably best with a guide due to its high crime rate.
Sorry for that mate , I'm from Djibouti and honestly is a really nice country but I feel like is getting worse day after day all this buildings are remaining of the french infrastructure nothing was build by the government neither they bother even to paint those ruined buildings . We the youth feel like the country is stolen from us and we are trapped in it .
I'm sorry to hear this - I hope that your government begins to understand that the country is the people, and not the government. That's a horrible feeling, to feel trapped in your own nation. I hope things will get better 🇩🇯
good job ... i now think i know far more than i need about this country ....
You have been warned! I hope it improves in the years to come.
Well I'm half djibouti and somalia djibouti is a great country and when my moms lived there she said it wasn't the same as when she lived there. She also said that in djibouti always were much police 🚔
Yes, so many police!
That means you are full Somali saxiib. Djibouti is Somali just like Somalia so what do you mean by half Djibouti and half Somalia ?
Loool. Half Djib and Half somali. Never heard this one before. Great. As my frie nd said previously " waryaa waxaad tahay somali. Diid anba doon" loool Si tu n'es pas content contre le mur !!! Loool
@Atzo she is à bloody joke " half Djib et half Somali " et puis quoi d'autre !!!
@@safaeleyeh4816 I’m not an Somali Djibouti I’m am an Arab djibouti
please come to ETHIOPIA AND ENJOY! :)
Beautiful country 🇪🇹
I have friends from Ethiopia! Very good people
There is no Ethiopia it doesn't exist he already been there
@@denbel426 how?
S o many chinese vloggers are making fun and bad image of your country, because your poeple don't understand the language, and you think your country is beautiful.... go see the chinese vloggers videos and you will see something else
I’ll be in Djibouti very soon, my partner is from Nigeria but I’m extremely anxious about East Africa 😭
East Africa is very tame and safe - don’t be worried!
Nice one. Very understandable with English subtitles. However city seems deserted. Why ?
It is a very tense city with loads of security (and corrupt police). It's much busier down by the market area, but overall the city has a nefarious vibe that is definitely not welcoming. That might have something to do with it?
@@DrifterDave Sir you mean this is not a civilized country ?
I would never say Djibouti is not 'civilized'. There are positive and negative aspects of EVERY country, including my own here in Canada. Djibouti's government has sold much of its soul to foreign governments, and as a result, their focus has not always been on the common good of their people. If you look at the comments on this video, you'll get a sense of the experiences of local Djiboutians and their desire for a better life and a better government. Police corruption is widespread, and even happens here in Canada. I am just an observer, and will report honestly on what I see and experience. I hope Djibouti eventually becomes the country it deserves to be, free of police corruption and oppressive government. Peace 🙏
@@DrifterDave Sir sorry to hurt you. Please excuse.
@@explorerexposer9056 You didn’t cause any hurt 😃 Peace 🙏
They told Trevor Noah to go back to Djibouti, one of my favorite lines since he is from south Africa
Crazy! He's definitely not Djiboutian.
@@DrifterDave Djibouti is the country however there's no such thing as Djiboutian most the ethnic group live there is somalis and they refer themselves as somalis
@@om606channel Let me guess, you are white?
@@om606channel I'm Hispanic too, go ahead and act like a Ted Cruz or a Mark Zimmerman. You can be like the real racist you admire
@@ajawale9004 there are afar and those from yemen refugee who grew up here and consider this country as theirs.Too so I am a djiboutian afar born and raised in the the republic of djibouti and i am damn sure am not a somalian , and the 3 ethnics grps in djibouti are issa/ afar/ arab , stop acting like we dont exist in this country, its a fucked up country but it is sure as hell is mine as much as it is yours.djibouti is an independant free country not somalia stop living in the past!
I lived in Djibouti for 10 months as Captain of a passenger catamaran in 1988/89. I loved it, sometimes there's someone trying to rip a tourist and wandering around with a camera in a place like that is going to work like a magnet for trouble. Use your loaf dude.
Perhaps it’s gotten a bit worse since your visit. It’s impossible to not wander around with a camera as a vlogger…even Drew Binsky was hassled and had a horrible experience. The more unfortunate part was that I had just finished up a month of travel across Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia and wore a camera around my neck the entire time with no hassle. Djibouti was rough.
He was probably wearing his Rolex at the same time . ?
No rolex for me! I dress very poor while travelling - the only sign of wealth is my camera equipment.
please what is the music at 08:00 min
Teenage Lullaby by Ooyy
Those church buildings were beautiful.
Yes they are! It's a shame that I could barely film them and photograph them without fearing reprisal from the local police.
Very sorry about our police men 😓 glad you visite my country
I know that Djiboutians like you do not approve of the actions of your police. You are also a victim. I hope your government will crack down on the corruption so that Djibouti becomes the tourist destination it deserves to be. Thank you for watching 👍
How about if someone want work there in industry? It's safe or not?
Yeah it is very safe, we have peace but there are corruption like some countries in the world.
I felt safe in Djibouti. Corruption, however, is another story.
Walking at night in such places. You really must have a wish of some kind
The hotel staff assured me that it was safe, so I took their word for it!
Thank you man!!! God bless you 😍🥰😍
Thank you! You as well 😎
Thanks for showing this real picture.....will be guide to people before landing there.
Glad it was helpful! I wish it was more positive, but I sincerely feel sorry for any vloggers who try to travel there. Even Drew Binsky was hassled!
There’s like a 100 military bases in that place
Crazy!
Sorry for these police, as a Djiboutian they are corrupt and we know that and people here are not used to vlog bro that’s why but there’s guy who are campaigners for tourist which can help you as well anyway there’s many other tourist places where you can vlog such as little islands, lac Assal or other places anyway be careful take care and it’s hot so take water if needed
I plan to return to Djibouti eventually and sightsee around the country! I agree, it is probably better this way compared to trying to vlog in Djibouti City. Thank you for your support & I hope Djibouti becomes the tourist destination it deserves to be, without any corruption! 🙏
It looks they have the foundations of a great place but clearly still has a long way to go if they are not embracing tourists. Been considering visiting Djibouti with my wife but might check back in a few years time and see if they have made better progress.
Let's hope it improves and becomes more welcoming to tourists!
Has it been 1 year since you have already been there?
Walled gates and barbed wire is pretty much the norm across East Africa 😊😊. Not all can afford cctv and wired doors in these parts
That’s not really true across east Africa - I’ve been pretty much everywhere and they actually have storefronts, people on the streets living their lives, and a sense of culture and community. Djibouti feels like a police state where everyone is under lock and key with citizens treated like pariahs. This isn’t an Africa thing, it’s simply the product of a paranoid and autocratic society.
Also bizarre how few people there are there besides the market? Just looks empty as hell for a city.
It’s creepy…
Thanks for the video, man. Now I know that's a place I will never go to.
No problem 👍 I want to share my unedited experiences, so take what you will from the video. I am hopeful that Djibouti will become a thriving tourist destination in the future.
It is a country under a dictatorship for more than 20 years. The government is paranoid. In Somalia, we are much more friendly but not every places is the safest 😬. I am making the comparison because it is both populated by ethnic Somalis.
It is unfortunate that Djibouti isn't able to become the country it deserves to be. I look forward to visiting Somalia in the coming years 🙏
@@DrifterDave Yes, that's a great idea. It is going through massive developments in the past 5 years so few years it would be even much better.
The price of cola/zero is of course difference price and depends on where you buy some as the country you coming from ..supermarkets vs malls or hotels or restaurants
That is very true - however, I found the prices to be much higher overall in proportion to other countries. and I’m not sure why this is the case - it’s not a remote part of the world. I think it’s more to do with the amount of foreign money pouring into the country, ready to be spent.
@@DrifterDave that's right we'll said, all this money from foreign institutions make the economic fluctuating. Anyway because everything is imported in Djib. Goods were always expensive. Also it depend where you buy your coke. I remember in a club/bar one coke will set you back 1000FD roughly 3/4 $. Same can of coke from local shop will cost you 60/100 FD, equivalent of less than 1$. Also once they see you as a tourist or foreigner its a different tariff. You will need to roll with a local for the first couple of days if you can. Safe trip 🙏
Djibouti is extremely beautiful and amazing country with a lot of historic building of colonial and islamic history i my self was there in 2010 for 2 days i found the place very tense as i wanted to record plus rambo main market and some of the traders were saying if you record me you have to pay me and i jokingly said to them this is free publicity for your business they were not intrested so i left them it was shame because i wanted to show a side that was not seen on the media i now know someone who knows somebody with connections to the government so hopefully next time i will try and take them with me even in 2022 there is not much videos about the country travel videos that explain to the would be tourist to get information i hope this changes in the future.
Thank you for sharing your experiences! Let's hope Djibouti improves for the better over the decades to come 🙏
@@DrifterDave i always had this great idea of travelling land between somaliland and djibouti bu i heard the djiboutian immigration will not let you in on land if you are travelling on foreign passport on land which is shame as few of my friends have done this amazing but rough trip as they had somaliland id i will try my luck in when i visit somaliland this august.
Keep me posted on whether you find a way to visit!
walahi this awful to watch. this doesnt happen anywhere in somalia or somaliland. djbouti is supposed to be the most stable and wealthy out of all the somali lands. the level or corruption was shocking
Yes, it’s even more shocking to experience it in person. It was very unnerving.
There are many garbages on the roads and we can’t take photo in Djibouti......?
If there is no enjoyable place to visit in Djibouti, I don’t want to go.
What country do you recommend to travel ?
I would say that southern Africa is the easiest to travel and also the most welcoming to travelers. If you want an easy introduction to Africa, consider Zambia and Tanzania.
If you want to travel to Djibouti you need a friend there, that's all
Djibouti and the Arabic countries gonna be the most peaceful countries to live.Amin
Thank you for sharing your perspective! 🙏
Did you get to smell the lovely burn pits they fire up at night? They used to burn during the day, but I guess they chose to try to hide it at night.
No, I sure didn't! Crazy.
Come to Somalia you’d be surprised by the hospitality and beauty.
I would love to come to Somalia!!
I know people live in poverty in places but that doesn’t mean you have to live in filth. I don’t understand it. It is like that here in the United States. Poor neighborhoods complain about their neighborhoods but they are the ones throwing trash and urinating in the streets and alleyways painting on buildings and such. They complain about their own actions as if I should come and clean their filth.
I completely agree. Society is a reflection of its citizens' actions. There's nothing preventing the people of Djibouti City from picking up a broom and hosting a community clean up. The sad reality is that they simply don't care, or else they'd take some pride in their city. But it's also hard to have any pride for where you live, when you live in such a corrupt country.
I think u can vlogg anywhere accept the immigration and border area that's common to every country in the world
Enjoy!
You're bold man....an american walking alone at night in djibouti...fucking bold
Haha, thank you! 😂
Come visit the Philippines. We are camera friendly.❤🇵🇭🙏🙂
I visited the Philippines in 2015 before I started vlogging - I spent two weeks visiting Manila, Baguio, Tagaytay, Boracay, and Bohol/Chocolate Hills. Would love to return someday! 🇵🇭
@@DrifterDave oh great! Thank you for visiting. If you come back to Manila, let me know, I can show you around.
@@reubentinio503 Sounds great!! Send me an email with your contact information. My email can be found on the About tab on my channel 👍
Thank God you have exposed the rampant corruption in Djibouti so that potential tourists can be aware of where they are going. When the guardians of law are totally corrupt then there nothing left in the country. It will meet its dreadful end in not so far away future.
I hope that the country will improve and be more welcoming to foreign tourists. It's a shame, because it has a lot of potential!
The world is ending when, Indians talk about African country 🤦🏾♂️
@LEO MESSI Have you ever been in Somalia . Or you just assume that.. I was in India twice and I sow your people eat from the bins I know you guys you are big number and you have more CEO but the rest is poor compare to Somalia… 😂
@LEO MESSI the whole country is not allshapap educate yourself….you live the dirtiest country in the world.
There is huge disparity in India. Much of it is very rich, but most of the country is beyond poor.
Thanks for your truth 🙏🏻
You’re more than welcome 🙏
Is it true Djibouti is the most expensive country in Africa? That's what Drew said??
I'm not sure if it's THE most expensive, but it's sure up there. I wouldn't be surprised. It was way more expensive than Europe (about the same prices as French Polynesia - $5 for a bottle of water, most hotels $300+, day tours out of town $500-1000, etc.)
I was there in 2005 and it hasn't changed at all lol still corrupt as you can get. Had a lot of fun there too though
I’m still torn on whether I’ll give Djibouti a second chance! My visit was complete 💩
@@DrifterDave I wouldn't bother. There are much more exciting and unusual places to visit like Bhutan, Brunei, Papua new Guinea etc
@@boomchakalaka3715 my thoughts exactly!
🇸🇴❤🇩🇯
😍
@@DrifterDave politicians hate each other
But as people we are one
We all came from adam and eve ( hawa)
True!
Hello there Dave.
I mean psychologically, a lot of things have changed since when you've made this video. Wasn't there when you were in Djibouti, for I've been outside of the country for the most of last decade in Asia and Europe. I've been in the country from 2020 to the beginning of 2022 and I could guarantee that it's changed. Due to certain reforms.
Geographically, all the places you've filmed are pretty much still the same.
But then with a guide or even a friend, things and experiences would've been different. Police wouldn't dare talking to you anymore. The security is kind of tight because of the area of Africa that the is, east Africa is in these recent years one of the, if not the most unstable region on earth. I guess you weren't around that long, you could've discovered way more than this, sightseeing is better outside of the capital city. I moved to the United States now, let me know next time if you're ever planning on giving another chance to my beautiful Djibouti. We might start the trip together if you're even willing to.
God bless you, your fellow earthling from the beautiful Djibouti is wishing you the best.
Thank you for this detailed update; that’s very encouraging to hear that they’ve corrected some of the problems. Let’s hope they don’t resurface 😊 I’m not sure if I’ll ever visit Djibouti again, but I’ll make note of your RUclips account in case I’m ever headed in that direction again. Thanks for letting me know the situation in Djibouti since my visit! 🇩🇯 And thanks for checking out my travel channel 😃
Nope it's still a corrupt shit hole. As soon as you land in the airport the police are starting their games. Djibouti will never be in a good place if the first thing you encounter are crooked cops right off the plane . The country is a joke, and will be exploited like so many others out of their resources and talent. If the government can't even organize cleaning the streets, it's a simple failure. I like how you people no longer living in this rat hole say it's a god place. I can't wait to leave and take a shower lol.
Change is needed at every level of society - new government, but also a fresh sense of civic pride in the population. A society is only what you make it.
I just went to djibouti and it was the best experience of my life and I have been to Argentina chile morroco France Italy Portugal Spain. Djibouti is a place that you go for the nature, diving, the assal lake, the alloles. Djibouti is a very friendly country everybody welcomed me. They don't like you taking photos but it is not a dangerous place
I didn't perceive it as dangerous at all - they just have horrible police officers & corruption is rampant. But it's not a dangerous country at all.
Darling, pack your bags and come to Kenya
@@mercywanjiru7498 Been to
Kenya twice and enjoyed both trips! One of my favourite countries in Africa 👌
visit Eritrea next time way more clean beautiful and overall better the people are also very welcoming and they are not "camera-phobic" as you say. Love from Eritrea.
I would love to explore Eritrea - next time! 🙏
They call Eritrea the the North Korea of Africa. I love Eritrea and the people but they will arrest you if you have a camera.
Good to know! I don't know if I'll ever make it to Eritrea, but if I do, it'll be with a guide.
nice video. thanks
You're welcome!
Man, you've got some good content, I'm of African descent but naturalised European citizen, seeing the content you make is amazing. I have not in anyway visited that many African nations, I feel like I experience it through you as you have the same grown experience of the western mindset.
Very sad you had this experience in Djibouti, I loved your video in Zambia though.
Stay safe brother.
I think it's harder to be hustled if you act like you "know" Africa, there was those truckers on Vice and one of them would fake a South African accent and he never got hustled.
But if you look like a "rich American" they will fleece you and feel no guilt, they just think you have trees in your garden that you pick money off of.
It's sad, but you also must haggle.
If they say $5 just act like you will walk away and say, I will give you $3 or $2.50 take it or leave it.
You’re probably spot on! I should try the South African accent sometime 😂 Thank you for the kind words, and for joining me on my adventures across my favourite continent! 😎
if coke zero is so expensive, why not try something more local? Or did you mean everything is that expensive?
EVERYTHING is expensive - it's shameful! Far more expensive than any other country in the area (on the level of Norway or Switzerland).
@@DrifterDave Wow. That's incredible. I assumed all African countries were dirt poor, Can't believe their expenses are on par with Norway.
There's a vast disparity in Africa, with many nations much richer than others. Djibouti's prices are artificially inflated due to the high international presence there, as a strategic military position at the entrance to the Gulf of Aden. They charge those prices because they can.
What's going on why is not clean the streets?
I think it’s hard to take pride in your country when you feel oppressed and mistreated by your government. Civic pride is at an all time low in Djibouti. A few hours of community clean up would really help beautify the place.
Why is the streets so dry
It's one of the hottest places on Earth (45+ when I visited).
My fiend is from syrians Sahara. Hé was Able to Cook a egg on a car because it was so hot but there its even more hot
Why does Djibouti have a place named after an Ethiopia emperor? What is this “menelik place”? Wasn’t Emperor Menelik the one who massacred a lot of Muslims in Ethiopia? 3:42 🤔
Good question! I'm not entirely sure?!
Resuming a whole country on a 10 minutes video showing the worst places and the worst police officer..
What a shame from you..
I did a vlog on Djibouti and showed both, good and bad sides.
You’re simply disgracing the country.
You're entitled to your opinion, but the reality is that I wasn't able to document ANYTHING ELSE in the country. I struggled to film anything at all. This was not one single police officer - I had a run in with at least 20 officers during my time in the city. I have nothing against Djibouti or its people, but If you'd like to accuse me of such I suppose that's your choice, but you're wrong. Cheers.
@shetravel, I really wonder, how you respond to this reality video, This guy , He doesn't know you really, that you belong the family who stolen the wealthy of Djibouti, and you are responding this SHAME ON YOU DEAR, Now, I can say that both eco. dev. & social cohesion of #Djibouti are under the threat Regime, Dear do you know that #Djibouti remained a "beggar country " hopelessly, so If our government could donate that much to their people, for housing, roads, urban design, sanitation, water in the hoods & countryside. this guy will have chance to film the goodness of the counry
You know I watched your video about our Country, but you made a mistake here. You had a better environment and family members with you, you didn't look like the "perfect occidental tourist". So I'm not surprised to see how bad this guy was treated. You didn't experienced the same thing.
It's amazing what "power in numbers" can do. Police will generally not hassle a group or family - you're spot on about that. But, a thirtysomething guy with a camera, walking alone, is ripe bait 🙏
Where are all the people? Looks deserted
It’s a very strange place! The people were more congregated around the market, but so many areas of the city were completely deserted, as you can see in the vlog.
Jabouti is our land greeting from Somalia 🇸🇴
I hope to visit Somalia someday!
They get so much money from bases and trade, yet they don’t seem to have an even barely functioning sanitation and trash collection system. Sad.
Agreed!
"Your country is corrupt"
"I have the utmost respect for your country"
????
Government vs. Citizens - not hard to understand the difference. You can simultaneously hate the perpetrators yet have compassion for those who are victims.
Only a friend will tell you the truth that are uncomfortable for you to hear. Your enemy happily stay silent while you fail.
Hope u didn't face a situation like that while u were in Tanzania
Not at all! - after 110 countries, this has only happened to me in Djibouti. I had a few run-ins with corrupt cops in Kazakhstan and Mozambique, too, but not about photography.
@@DrifterDave very sorry for that, stay safe brother
Thank you!!
You went to the ghetto area initially. But see the beautiful places you showed us later especially the port area. I am sure no police will stop you.
I had a few police officers yell in my direction, so I'm not sure if that is the case, but maybe I was just unlucky!
I wonder how ERITREA is for taking pictures? If anyone here can compare for Eritrea, as I'd absolutely love to film in Asmara & Massawa!
If you're lucky enough to get a visa approval, that is! 😂 I know Drew Binsky visited last year and filmed - check out his video!
I am Somali,, that is true my brother ✔
Thank you for watching! 🙏🙏
Its nof about somalia its about Djibouti
@@Aliibrahim-qf9bs Somali people are from Djibouti dum ass
@@Aliibrahim-qf9bs it has nothing to do with Somalia…you are the one who brought it up, this person is most likely a Somali Djiboutian you idiot
Djibouti is a very confusing place right now allot of politicAl pressure but it will always remember SOO MAL Li
Djibouti is a somali contry where they got arabe race and ethiopian race like afar oromo habesha amhariq tigrye in it, and everybody is brothers and sisters but our cops are rude asf ain't ganna lie, next time ask for there Supérieur and you well be free to do what ever you want fam
I will try that next time!
Thanks for sharing the video
My pleasure!
Probably the filthiest place I have seen. The trash all over market looked horrendous. Why dont the market traders and citizens clean it up if their government wont?
Yes, it was very depressing to see how unconcerned most people around the market seemed about the refuse. I'm not sure why they didn't choose to clean up the trash? I think that comes along with a horrible corrupt government; its citizens eventually give up hope that life can be improved, and stop trying. Let's hope for a brighter future for Djibouti in the decades to come.