From the salt flats of Lake Assal that sparkle under an impossible sky to the spice-scented alleyways of Djibouti City’s markets, Djibouti is a small country with big textures, aromas, and colors. The warm sea breeze off the Gulf of Tadjoura, the call to prayer mingling with Afar and Somali songs, and the gleam of traditional silverwork all make every corner feel like a keepsake waiting to be taken home.

Whether you want something edible, wearable, or purely decorative, these Djiboutian souvenirs capture the country’s coast, desert and highland influences. Here’s what to buy in Djibouti to carry a piece of the Horn of Africa with you.

1. Lake Assal Salt Crystals

Why pick this up: Lake Assal’s salt has a glassy, pale appearance and a mineral tang unlike supermarket salt—it’s a tactile reminder of Djibouti’s surreal landscape and one of the country’s most iconic natural products.
What to look for: Irregular crystalline chunks or ground flakes harvested by local cooperatives; avoid damp or unsealed bags. Some sellers offer decorative salt blocks or carved pieces.
Price bracket (2025): 200–1,500 DJF (small bag to a decorative chunk).
Where to find it: Roadside stalls near Lake Assal and souvenir shops in Djibouti City, especially in the Balbala and Central Market areas.

2. Frankincense and Resin

Why pick this up: Frankincense has perfumed the Horn of Africa for millennia; its woody, citrusy smoke evokes traditional ceremonies and morning coffee rituals.
What to look for: Pale golden or cream-colored tears of resin—higher-quality frankincense is harder and gives a clean, bright burn. Ask for origins from Obock or the coastal regions.
Price bracket (2025): 500–3,000 DJF per packet depending on grade.
Where to find it: Spice stalls in Djibouti City’s markets, shops in Tadjoura, and vendors near ferry terminals.

3. Djiboutian Coffee and Spiced Blends

Why pick this up: Coffee culture is strong here—Djibouti roasts and blends beans from the nearby Ethiopian coffee belt and Yemen, often paired with cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.
What to look for: Small-batch roasted beans or pre-mixed spiced grounds labeled by roast date; look for blends called “Arabic” or “Djibouti style.”
Price bracket (2025): 1,000–3,000 DJF per 250–500 g bag.
Where to find it: Specialty coffee shops in Djibouti City, markets in the Ville district, and kiosks near the port.

4. Dirac and Traditional Clothing

Why pick this up: The dirac (light silk or cotton dress) for women and the macawiis (wrap skirt) for men are beautiful, practical garments that reflect Somali and Afar heritage.
What to look for: Hand-embroidered panels, bright ikat or printed fabrics, and proper sizing—many shops will tailor a dirac on request.
Price bracket (2025): 5,000–25,000 DJF for ready-made or bespoke pieces.
Where to find it: Tailors and textile shops in Djibouti City, the market around Avenue de la République, and clothing stalls in Tadjoura.

5. Silver and Beaded Jewelry

Why pick this up: Local silversmiths make delicate earrings, necklaces and amulets often mixed with colorful beads—a fusion of Somali, Afar and Yemeni styles.
What to look for: Solid silver stamps if possible, traditional geometric motifs, and beadwork sourced from local artisans rather than mass-produced trinkets.
Price bracket (2025): 2,000–15,000 DJF depending on weight and craftsmanship.
Where to find it: Artisan stalls in Djibouti City’s central marketplace, small workshops in the old quarter, and restaurants that display local crafts.

6. Handwoven Mats and Baskets

Why pick this up: Woven items—made from palm, reed or mangrove—are functional, beautifully patterned and reflect coastal and pastoral life.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving and natural dyes; small placemats and baskets are easier to pack than larger floor mats.
Price bracket (2025): 1,000–8,000 DJF depending on size and material.
Where to find it: Souk stalls in Djibouti City, coastal villages around Obock and Tadjoura, and cooperative stands near tourist beaches.

7. Model Dhows and Nautical Crafts

Why pick this up: The traditional wooden dhow symbolizes Djibouti’s maritime heritage—miniature models or carved fish make charming shelf pieces.
What to look for: Hand-carved wood with clear joints and a natural finish; sometimes painted in the bright colors seen in local boats.
Price bracket (2025): 1,500–6,000 DJF.
Where to find it: Artisan markets by the port in Djibouti City, handicraft stalls in Obock, and gift shops near beach resorts.

8. Camel Leather Goods

Why pick this up: Durable and distinct, camel leather is used for slippers (babouches), belts and small bags—materials rooted in nomadic traditions.
What to look for: Even stitching and fully lined interiors; camel leather often has a slightly coarse grain and warm tan color.
Price bracket (2025): 1,500–5,000 DJF for slippers or small accessories.
Where to find it: Leather workshops in Ali Sabieh and Djibouti City’s market alleys.

9. Local Spices and Spice Blends

Why pick this up: Spices like cumin, cardamom, dried hibiscus (bissap), and regional berbere-style blends capture Djibouti’s savory and sweet cooking notes.
What to look for: Fresh-looking, aromatic sacks or sealed jars; ask vendors for recommendations for preparing skewer-style seafood or goat stews.
Price bracket (2025): 300–2,000 DJF per packet or jar.
Where to find it: Central Market (Marché Central) in Djibouti City, spice shops in Tadjoura, and roadside traders.

10. Henna Paste and Natural Beauty Oils

Why pick this up: Henna has cultural significance for celebrations; locally made oils—argan-like blends and perfumed attars—are souvenirs rooted in regional grooming traditions.
What to look for: Fresh, paste-like henna in sealed tubes or cones and small, tightly capped bottles of oil; natural ingredient lists are a plus.
Price bracket (2025): 200–1,500 DJF.
Where to find it: Beauty stalls and barber shops in Djibouti City, markets in the Ville district, and artisanal boutiques.

When shopping for Djiboutian souvenirs, haggle respectfully, favor local cooperatives and small artisans, and pack fragile items carefully for the flight home ✈️.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!