Achievements in long-distance running
The various long-distance running disciplines have long been dominated by "highlanders". In other words, Kenyans, Ethiopians and Eritreans. Djibouti doesn't have very high plateaus, but high-quality athletes are nevertheless born on its soil and excel in the world's great marathons. This was especially true in the 1980s, which saw the exploits of Ahmed Saleh Houssein (bronze medallist in the 1988 Seoul Olympic marathon), Robleh Djama, Maohamed Abdi and Abdillahi Charmarké. Today, Djiboutians are more discreet on the world stage, but the recent performances of Ayanleh Souleiman, world champion in the 1,500 m indoor (2014) and world record-holder in the 1,000 m indoor (2016), have given the country renewed hope. It was also he who set the world's best indoor 1,500 m performance of the year (3'35''39), on February 13, 2018, in Liévin, following his raging4th place finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Djibouti delegation included seven promising young athletes from all disciplines: Alexandre Houssein (judo), Houmed Houssein Barkat (men's 50 m freestyle), Samiyah Hassan Nour (women's 5,000 m athletics), Naima-Zahra Amison (women's 50 m freestyle), Mohamed Ismail (men's 5,000 m), Abdi Waiss (men's 5,000 m) and Ibrahim Hassan (men's marathon). Mohamed Ismail, a specialist in middle-distance, long-distance and steeplechase (middle-distance with jumping) races, wins the gold medal (5,000 m) at the Games of La Francophonie in 2023 and comes 15th at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The main long-distance running event in Djibouti is the Djibouti Half Marathon. Gathering a few hundred participants, it's a top-level race where local athletes and those from neighboring countries compete against each other.
Football still very popular
In Djibouti, as in the rest of the world, people play and love soccer. As a small country, the results of the national team, the Red Sea Sharks, are very modest. Since its creation in the early 1980s, it has only participated in a handful of World Cup qualifiers (2002, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022) and two African Cup of Nations qualifiers (2000, 2002, 2010, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023), without ever reaching the final table of a major international competition. The fact remains that football is a passion for the locals, who flock to the big games in the English league and the Champions League.
Dakaïto Ryu, Djiboutian martial art
Dakaïto Ryu was founded in 1995 by Ô Sensei Looïta, a native of Djibouti. Master Looïta embodies the transmission of Asian martial traditions, combined with the fighting philosophy of the Afar people. His school values rigor, endurance and the quest for inner harmony, while deeply respecting Djiboutian cultural roots.
Inspired by ancestral values of discipline and respect, Dakaïto Ryu combines defensive and offensive combat techniques, combining strikes, projections and immobilizations. A martial art of balance, education and defense, Dakaïto Ryu is based on exchange and progression. Physical commitment is essential, but always subject to respect for others. As the bearer of high moral values (bravery, self-control, respect, self-esteem, esteem for others, union, sincerity, dignity, humility...) dakaïto Ryu "fosters the expression of human virtues, which form the basis of an ethical and serene practice". Under the guidance of Ô Sensei Looïta, Dakaïto Ryu has acquired a solid reputation in Djibouti and the region, attracting practitioners from a variety of backgrounds.
The Djiboutian Dakaïto Ryu Federation was created in 2009, but it wasn't until 2018 that Dakaïto Ryu was recognized as a national sport by ministerial decree. It has been chaired by a woman, Madina Saleh, since 2019. There are clubs in Djibouti-Ville, Dikhil, Tadjourah, Obock and As Eyla where you can attend or learn to practice.
In 2022, the first dojo was inaugurated in As Eyla, the fruit of collaboration between the Djiboutian Dakaïto Ryu Federation, the French Dakaïto Ryu Federation, the French Embassy in Djibouti, and La Guilde Sport & Développement. (Source: French Dakaïto Ryu Federation - www.dakaito.com )
Petanque, the tricolour heritage
A French heritage, found here as well as in Madagascar and Cambodia, pétanque is quite popular with locals (and expatriates, of course). It's not uncommon to see pétanque matches all over the country. In the evenings, when the weather is fine, the game is played on Tadjourah's seafront, or on the roadsides in the capital's outlying districts. Competitions are frequently held, involving both Djiboutians and military personnel. The Djibouti Petanque Federation has been a member of the International Federation since 1983.
For activities, a coastline of choice
Djibouti's coasts and seabed offer a host of possibilities for visitors. Underwater or on the water, there's plenty to keep you busy!
Diving. Djibouti's underwater world is a diver's dream, thanks to the richness and diversity of its coral reefs and its astonishing array of fauna. Located on the Horn of Africa, the peninsula marks the separation between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. A prime spot, where divers can discover a wide variety of marine landscapes (on reefs, on wrecks, in caves, drifting) still preserved and of exceptional beauty. And observe incredible species, such as the highly sought-after whale shark, the largest species of fish known to date, which can be admired with flippers and even from a boat, as it feeds close to the surface.
Sport fishing. Although Djiboutians themselves don't fish much, they're keen to have you come and "feel" the big one in their famous waters. Like diving, this costly activity is promoted by the Ministry of Tourism and numerous agencies in Djibouti and abroad. Enthusiasts from all over the world come here hoping to catch huge specimens of barracuda, yellowfin tuna, swordfish, groupers, lutjans, jacks, sharks, liches, emperors... The best catches are made at low tide.
There are many areas to fish by boat (although some people try it from the shore). The most prestigious is the passe du Goubet, also known as gouffre du Démon or fosse aux Requins. It is particularly dangerous because of the currents. The area between Arta and Le Goubet is the most popular. The nearest is Arta, an hour's boat ride from the capital, where the sea bed changes abruptly. Surface lure fishing is the most popular. But surfcasting, poppers and swimming fish are also available.
On land, hiking, trekking and 4x4 excursions
In Djibouti, if the sea attracts its share of sports enthusiasts, the land is not to be outdone, with numerous possibilities for activities in exceptional landscapes.
To explore the country on foot is to follow in the footsteps of the nomads who have inhabited it for centuries. Walking can be difficult, given the climate. But if you're well supervised, you'll enjoy an exceptional experience, discovering areas inaccessible by vehicle and spending the night under the stars. The 4x4 can complement or replace the walk.
The Goda Mountains and Day Forest are the most popular and easily accessible areas. From campsites, you can enjoy one- or two-day treks through superb green landscapes. But you can also embark on more sustained, multi-day walks in less-frequented areas: Lake Abbe, Lake Assal, Moussa Ali, Gagabé, Allols, Balho. Walking only or combined with 4x4 trips. You can also follow the famous camel caravans. Of course, you don't go off at random. Specialized agencies can help you on site. You need to book well in advance, before disembarking in Djibouti. La Maison des Randonneurs also organizes the annual ascent of Mount Garbi.
