Obock Region, Northern region in Djibouti.
Obock is a region in northern Djibouti that extends along the Red Sea and Gulf of Tadjoura with mountainous terrain and extensive coastlines. It includes several island groups, mountain ranges, and numerous bays that shape its geography.
French traders signed agreements with local rulers in 1862 and established their first colonial settlement here as a strategic outpost following the Suez Canal opening. This early presence shaped the region's political development for decades to come.
Local communities here maintain strong ties to Afar traditions, with fishing and herding remaining central to daily life, while traditional mud and stone building methods are still used in villages.
The area has an operational airstrip and offers regular ferry connections to the capital across the Gulf of Tadjoura. Most settlements are reachable by water or rough roads, so planning ahead and checking conditions before traveling is wise.
Island groups and mountain ranges here harbor rare marine ecosystems and host one of the country's largest forest areas. These natural spaces draw visitors interested in exploring the region's less-visited habitats.
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