Djibouti Elevation Facts
| Average elevation |
430 m (1,411 ft) |
| Highest point |
Moussa Ali: 2,028 m (6,654 ft) |
| Lowest point |
Lake Assal: 155 m (509 ft) below sea level |
| Elevation range |
2,183 m (7,162 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city |
Dorra: 1,040 m (3,412 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city |
Obock: 8 m (26 ft) |
Located at the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is a country with a diverse range of landscapes.
Most of Djibouti is dominated by a vast desert plain with typical desert features like sand dunes, wadis, and rocky outcrops.
The country also has several mountain ranges, valleys, and volcanic fields that impact its topography.
Due to its unique location and topography, Djibouti's climate is also very variable, with hot and arid conditions prevailing across the landscape.
Highest Point in Djibouti
The highest point in Djibouti is Moussa Ali located in the Goda Mountains, which is a shield volcano and which peaks at an altitude of 2,028m or 6,654ft above sea level.
Lowest Point in Djibouti
At 155m or 508ft below sea level, Lake Assal is the lowest point in Djibouti, and the third lowest point in the world after the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Surrounded by the Qabri Bahar and Ardoukoba volcanic ranges, Lake Assal is also one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world.
Countries with Similar Topography to Djibouti
Djibouti's topography has many similarities with its neighbours Eritrea and Somalia. The Red Sea Rift which runs through the region and affects all three countries’ landscapes, has created many mountain ranges and valleys that dominate the area.
Highest-Elevation Cities in Djibouti
Of the 10 cities listed below, Dorra is the highest at 1,040 m (3,412 ft) above sea level, and Obock is the lowest at 8 m (26 ft).
| City |
Elevation |
Elevation in feet |
| Dorra |
1,040 m |
3,412 ft |
| Balho |
564 m |
1,850 ft |
| Arta |
485 m |
1,591 ft |
| Dikhil |
460 m |
1,509 ft |
| Ali Sabieh |
360 m |
1,181 ft |
| Holhol |
234 m |
768 ft |
| Loyada |
18 m |
59 ft |
| Tadjoura |
15 m |
49 ft |
| Djibouti City |
13 m |
43 ft |
| Obock |
8 m |
26 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in Djibouti?
The highest point in Djibouti is Moussa Ali, at 2,028 m (6,654 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest point in Djibouti?
The lowest point in Djibouti is Lake Assal, at 155 m (509 ft) below sea level.
What is the average elevation of Djibouti?
The average elevation of Djibouti is 430 m (1,411 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
What is the highest-elevation city in Djibouti?
Of the cities listed for Djibouti, Dorra is the highest, at 1,040 m (3,412 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest-elevation city in Djibouti?
Of the cities listed for Djibouti, Obock is the lowest, at 8 m (26 ft) above sea level.
What is the elevation range in Djibouti?
Elevation in Djibouti ranges from 155 m (509 ft) below sea level at Lake Assal to 2,028 m (6,654 ft) at Moussa Ali, a difference of 2,183 m (7,162 ft).