Day Forest National Park
Ali Sabieh
Day Forest National Park, located in the Goda Mountains of Djibouti, is one of the country's few remaining forested regions and the largest forest area in Djibouti. It encompasses approximately 5,900 hectares, with a core 900-hectare stand of East African junipers thriving above 950 meters elevation. The park's vegetation includes ancient juniper forests, wild olives, boxwood, dragon trees, and other native plants, creating a lush contrast to the surrounding semi-desert. This wettest part of Djibouti receives around 500 millimeters of annual rainfall, supporting this unique ecosystem. The park is a sanctuary for several endemic bird species such as the Djibouti spurfowl, a potentially distinct green-winged pytilia, and the undescribed Djibouti sunbird, all found exclusively within Day Forest. Other fauna include the Gambaga flycatcher, Somali bulbul, Somali starling, and the rare colubrid snake Platyceps afarensis. Despite its ecological significance, the forest has suffered extensive loss, with 88% of its area lost over the past two centuries and significant decline continuing in recent decades. The park represents an invaluable natural refuge amid Djibouti's arid landscape, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
Planifiez votre voyage en Djibouti avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visitors should plan their trip during the cooler, wetter months to experience the lush forest at its best. Given the park's ecological sensitivity and limited infrastructure, arranging guided tours in advance is recommended. While there is no mention of ticketing, supporting local conservation initiatives is encouraged. Visitors should prepare for mountainous terrain and bring appropriate gear for hiking and wildlife observation.
Faits intéressants
- •Day Forest National Park is the wettest part of Djibouti, receiving about 500 millimeters of rainfall annually.
- •It contains one of the last ancient juniper forests in Djibouti, with trees that can grow up to 20 meters tall.
- •The park is home to endemic bird species found nowhere else, including the Djibouti spurfowl and the undescribed Djibouti sunbird.
- •88% of the forest area has been lost in the last 200 years, highlighting serious conservation challenges.
- •The forest acts as an ecological island within a sea of semi-desert, making it unique in the region.
Histoire
Day Forest National Park has experienced significant environmental changes over the past two centuries, with 88% of the forest lost due to human activity and natural factors.
The park protects one of Djibouti's last closed-protected forests, preserving ancient juniper stands that have been diminishing in recent decades.
Conservation efforts have become critical as the forest faces continued threats, emphasizing its role as a vital ecological refuge in an otherwise arid region.
Guide du lieu
East African Juniper Stand
A 900-hectare area of ancient Juniperus procera trees growing above 950 meters elevation, forming the core of the park's unique forest ecosystem.
Endemic Bird Habitats
Areas within the park where rare and endemic birds such as the Djibouti spurfowl, green-winged pytilia, and Djibouti sunbird are found exclusively.
Diverse Native Vegetation Zones
Various elevations of the park support different dominant plant species including wild olive trees, boxwood, dragon trees, and doum palms at lower plains near Gamarré.
Contact
Téléphone: 77 87 16 68