AMBOULI GARDENS

Located in the southern districts of Djibouti City, Ambouli (which is the name of an important wadi for Djibouti) is, in a way, the market garden area of the city, where jasmine, khadi, colourful and fragrant hibiscus, red, orange and white bougainvillea bloom in small gardens... In squares of land, fruits and vegetables, aromatic plants, grow under the palm trees. An unsuspected oasis of greenery, almost 1 km long and 400 m wide. An irrigation system with underground canals allows water to be drawn from the wadi at depth and to water all the plots. The name Ambouli has long been linked to the liquid element, to the idea of an oasis. Arab sailors came here to fetch fresh water long before the arrival of the Europeans. A few flocks of sheep, water-carrying donkeys and camels roam here and there. The whole is modestly dominated by the lighthouse of Ambouli, which in a way marks the beginning of the district of Balbala. Ambouli also serves as a nursery for the city's gardens. One can even leave with a young Doum palm tree under one's arm. Too bad we can't take it back to France! For the simple pleasure of the eyes and the senses, this corner of greenery is a true blessing in a dry land. You can walk there at any time of the day, accompanied by a guide. It is best to discover it in the morning, in the coolness, the garden looks better than in the late afternoon, the lights are more beautiful. Educational outings are regularly organised.