FORÊT DU DAY
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A cool oasis at 1,500 m altitude with wild olive trees, giant juniper, acacia and jujube.
Don't expect a lush rainforest here, but an oasis of coolness (which tourists may find relative) at an altitude of 1,500m. The serene climate attracts hikers to this beautiful primary forest (also called "fossil"), which allows one to imagine the flora that covered the region, but also the mountains of the Sahara, 4,000 years ago. Its cousin can be found on the other side of the Red Sea, in Yemen. There are wild olive trees, giant junipers, acacias and jujube trees. Some of these trees are strangled in a spectacular way by giant fig trees, which are very different in size and appearance from their Mediterranean cousins. The humidity on the ground favours the presence of some ferns and small flowers. It is up to you to find them (but do not pick them).
On just over 3 km2, a flora both Mediterranean and equatorial is concentrated here which, although not abundant or spectacular, is rich and precious. For some species are almost unique, hence the creation of a national park which, hopefully, will save this endangered and diminishing forest. Wood and plants are rare in Djibouti and the area has long been overexploited. Trees are also, unfortunately, attacked by fungi.
Why such a rich vegetation? Plants and trees (and animals) benefit here from the presence of clouds that cling to the sides of the mountains. This fog creates an important condensation which humidifies the ground. The plants try to pump this moisture. And although showers are very rare, it sometimes feels like walking on recently watered land.
There are many possibilities for hiking for a few hours or several days, starting from the Day de Ditilou, Randa or Bankoualé. The camps of the Goda Mountains are very well organized, run by experienced professionals, they offer excursions and mini-treks to the map. There are many paths that allow you to study the flora, to overlook the Gulf of Tadjourah and to contemplate the Goda Mountains. The ideal for a walker is to join the various camps of the region on foot, which is possible with daily walks ranging from 3 to 5 hours, the landscapes covered, between low mountains, fossil forest and wadi beds, are a journey in itself in this very mineral country. The Day forest is a protected natural area, classified as a national park.