Exploring Africa’s Most Secret Country Left Me SHOCKED! (Djibouti) 🇩🇯

I travelled to one of Africa’s most secret countries… and it completely shocked me. Welcome to Djibouti 🇩🇯 — a little-known country in the Horn of Africa, known not only for its surreal landscapes, but also as one of the only places on Earth where US and Chinese military bases exist side by side. What started as a potentially high-stakes trip — including being stopped by police while filming — quickly turned into one of the most surprising (and unexpectedly funny) travel experiences I’ve ever had. From Yemeni grilled fish and late-night coffee with locals, to searching for whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura, floating in the salt flats of Lake Assal, meeting Afar nomads, and crossing the desert while battling a fairly catastrophic stomach situation… this journey kept taking unexpected turns. And then came Lake Abbe — flamingoes, towering limestone chimneys, hot springs, and some of the most extraordinary desert views I’ve ever seen. Massive thanks to moussa from massigotravel (instagram) www.travel2djibouti.com for arranging this tour In this video: Filming in Djibouti City and an early run-in with police The hotel used by American and Chinese military personnel Yemeni fish at Al Baraka and coffee with locals Whale shark spotting in the Gulf of Tadjoura Floating in Lake Assal’s salt-rich waters Meeting nomads from the Afar community Desert camping (while very nearly not making it there) Flamingoes, geothermal springs and sunset at Lake Abbe Djibouti is often known for its strategic location — but what stayed with me most was the warmth of the people, the humour of my guides, and landscapes unlike anywhere I’ve seen. If you enjoy culture-led travel, misunderstood destinations and unusual adventures, I’d love you to subscribe. #Djibouti #AfricaTravel #TravelVlog #traveldocumentary #USvsChina #Geopolitics Title: My First Time In The Country Where the US and CHINESE Militaries Share A HOTEL! 🇩🇯 Chapters 0:15 Flying into Djibouti, the country where you can't film easily 1:19 What's Djibouti City like? I found out 1:54 Getting stopped by the police 2:51 Palace of the people, Djibouti, celebrating independence from French 4:39 Kempinsky hotel where US and Chinese military personnel stay together 7:46b Yemeni grilled fish restaurant Al Baraka in Djibouti 12:40 Whale shark spotting in Djibouti 17:28 Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa 19:00 Meeting Afar nomads in Djibouti 22:14 Heading for Lake Abbe but getting sick in Djibouti, was I making mistake? 24:14 Ostriches in Djibouti 25:24 Arriving at Lake Abbe camp in Djibouti 🔔Don't miss out on exploring offbeat locations with Carrie! Subscribe for unique travel experiences, cultural insights, inspiring travel stories, and exciting traveling vlogs. https://www.youtube.com/@carriepatsalis/?sub_confirmation=1 🔗 Stay Connected With Me. 👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalllama 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie_patsalis/ 👉Threads: https://www.threads.net/@carrie_patsalis 👉Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carriepatsalis?_t=8mLP7eGqzlg&_r=1 📩 For Business Inquiries: carrie@madcatmedia.co.uk ============================= 🎬 Recommended Playlists 👉 Afghanistan 🇦🇫 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMb-H_76JNYud2vDBN5gkqzOGsu4qw3tz 👉 Syria 🇸🇾 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMb-H_76JNYt5VYmpwlc5hfC9js8-d0M5 🎬 WATCH MY OTHER VIDEOS: 👉 Modern Syria is INCREDIBLE! Could this be the Next NEW YORK? 🇸🇾 https://youtu.be/881R_VaxvWY 👉 I Can’t Believe What I Saw On Astola Island, Balochistan: Turtles, Fishermen & Big Surprises 🇵🇰 https://youtu.be/QBSfWD5BK4E 👉 My Honest Thoughts On The Taliban - My Final Day In Kabul. Afghanistan Travel Vlog 🇦🇫 https://youtu.be/-oDsVrTPitI ============================= ✅ About Carrie Patsalis. Welcome to my channel, Carrie Patsalis! I am Carrie, a Brit who likes to travel—a lot. I've visited places from Bolivia to Bangladesh, Mongolia to Morocco, Pakistan to Portugal. I also run a digital production company in London. For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: carrie@madcatmedia.co.uk 🔔 Are you ready for an epic adventure to offbeat locations? Subscribe for thrilling travel vlogs & unforgettable journeys, and discover hidden cultural gems! https://www.youtube.com/@carriepatsalis/?sub_confirmation=1 ================================= ⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Carrie Patsalis. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube channel is provided. © Carrie Patsalis