Maskali Islands

The Maskali islands lie off Djibouti City near Moucha, low coral islands with sand, scrub and reef around them, protected together with Moucha as a marine park. They are uninhabited apart from a small camp, and boats run out from the capital for the day or overnight. The reef is shallow and easy to snorkel and the water is clear when the wind is down. The park was one of the first protected areas declared in the country, in the 1970s. Green turtles nest on the islands and dugongs have been recorded in the seagrass nearby, though sightings are rare.

Highlights

• The coral islands - low sand and scrub islands off the capital.
• The reef - shallow easy snorkelling around the shores.
• The marine park - protection covering Maskali and Moucha together.
• The camp - the simple accommodation on the island.

When to go

November to March is the cool season and calmest. Summer heat makes the trip unpleasant. Wind cancels boats.

Practical notes

Boat trips must be arranged and are cancelled in wind. Facilities are a basic camp with limited supplies. Coral here has suffered from bleaching.

Nearby

Moucha Island is beside it, and Djibouti City is west.

Key facts