Here, one realizes the extent to which water and fire have shaped Djibouti. The Goubet al-Kharâb, born from a collapse of the earth's crust, is located at the very bottom of the open mouth that is the Gulf of Tadjourah. It is like a gulf within a gulf, 20 km long and 10 km wide, almost closed at the Namma Noum Sehima, a pass where there is a violent current during the tides. This "door", which is difficult to pass through, reinforces the legendary character of the place. We do not forget the particular shape of Goubet, which we dominate when coming by road from Djibouti. The rocks, the frozen lava, the peaks, the contours of ancient craters that surround it are black or tan. The landscape is particularly arid. The rocky walls, sometimes 600 m high, plunge directly into the sea and reach the bottom of the Goubet, 200 m below the sea. A few (very) rare green patches soften the blackness of the rock, but it is above all the blue of the sea that emphasizes the contrast. What you notice at first sight are of course the two dome-shaped islets that can be found in the most beautiful photos in books about Djibouti.Volcanic origin and disturbing toponyms. Goubet al-Kharâb means "the abyss of demons". According to a legend, there was a "great mountain crowned with fire" at the site of Goubet, which has since been invaded by water. At the bottom of the Goubet, one immediately notices the two Devil's Islands, one small and one large (Guinni Kôma). They are rounded and bulging islets, former underwater craters, the highest of which is now 159 m high. The big island can only be reached by boat or by swimming (some locals venture to do so). Oyster shells have been found on its high sides, along with tools probably used to open them, dating back over 6,000 years. The smallest island can be reached with dry feet. The local volcanic phenomena have given birth to these legendary names and, for some, have given rise to a nagging fear at the mention of this place. Thus some locals still hesitate to anchor or fish at the bottom of the Goubet. However, the only marine monsters (and totally harmless) listed here are the whale sharks. These giants of the sea can sometimes swim in the waters of Goubet between November and February, taking advantage of the abundance of plankton in the area, but they usually stay in the Gulf of Tadjourah, one of the few places in the world to observe them.

What to visit Le Goubet?

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Organize your trip with our partners Le Goubet
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Le Goubet travel inspiration

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Le Goubet

Golfe du Goubet. Homo Cosmicos - Shutterstock.com
La plage et l'île de Guinni Kôma (ou

Other destinations nearby Le Goubet

Send a reply