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Doraleh Livestock Terminal
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The Doraleh Livestock Terminal is a specialized port facility designed for the export of live animals from the Horn of Africa. Spanning an area of approximately 55 hectares, the terminal was officially inaugurated in 2012. With five specialized berths, the facility can handle up to 2.5 million head of livestock annually, including cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. It serves as the primary export hub for livestock sourced from Ethiopia and Somalia, destined mainly for markets in the Gulf States. The facility features modern quarantine stations, veterinary examination areas, and fodder storage to ensure animal welfare standards are maintained during the transit process. Compliance with international health regulations is a fundamental requirement for its operation. The terminal significantly contributes to regional foreign exchange earnings and supports thousands of jobs.
- Location: Djibouti
- Nearby: Omar Jagaa (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 25 | 26 | 28 | 31 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 29 | 27 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 6 | 6 | 20 | 51 | 27 | 7 | 17 | 27 | 31 | 21 | 10 | 14 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Doraleh Livestock Terminal is an ultra-modern terminal for livestock export, connecting East African pastures to Middle Eastern markets. It plays a key role in regional animal trade.
Visiting
The terminal is a highly regulated area; visitors are not allowed entry. From the main road, the large barns and loading ramps are visible.
Where to view it
A viewpoint on the access road allows observation of loading operations. With luck, you can see sheep, goats, or cattle being loaded onto transport ships.
Local products
The terminal mainly handles live animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle. In Djibouti City markets, fresh meat and leather goods are also available.
Active season
Export is active year-round, with peaks before Islamic holidays like Eid al-Adha when demand for sacrificial animals surges. Shipments follow this seasonal pattern.
Nearby
Combine with the neighboring container terminal or a beach trip. Djibouti City also provides lively markets and restaurants serving regional cuisine.
Geography
Facts
- The livestock terminal was officially inaugurated in the year 2012.
- The facility occupies a total land area of approximately 55 hectares.
- It features five dedicated berths for specialized livestock vessels.
- The annual handling capacity is rated at 2.5 million head of livestock.
- On-site livestock quarantine and veterinary services ensure health standard compliance.
- The primary export destinations include Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the Doraleh Livestock Terminal?
It specializes in the export of live animals (camels, sheep, cattle) to the Gulf States.
Is it one of the largest terminals of its kind?
Yes, it is one of the most modern and highest-capacity livestock export ports in the world.
Where do the animals come from?
The animals mostly come from Djibouti itself, as well as from Ethiopia and Somalia.
Can tourists watch the loading process?
Direct access to the terminal is prohibited, but herds can often be seen nearby.
How is medical care provided for the animals?
The terminal has quarantine stations and veterinarians to meet export standards.
Doraleh Livestock Terminal: where is it located?
Doraleh Livestock Terminal is located in Djibouti.
Doraleh Livestock Terminal: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Doraleh Livestock Terminal: why is it worth visiting?
The Doraleh Livestock Terminal is a specialized port facility designed for the export of live animals from the Horn of Africa.
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