Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Entering Somaliland
Somaliland has one primary international airport in Hargeisa, while Berbera receives
some flights from nearby countries. At the time of writing, Hargeisa airport was closed for
renovation and expansion, and all Hargeisa-bound flights were diverted to Berbera, with a
free bus connection provided to Hargeisa. There are regular flights to/from Addis Ababa
(Ethiopia), Djibouti City (Djibouti), Dubai (UAE), Mogadishu (Somalia) and Nairobi
(Kenya). Land borders with Ethiopia (Tog Wajaale) and Djibouti (Loyaada) are open.
ITINERARIES
Three Days
Arriving in Hargeisa, spend your first day getting oriented and soaking up the atmosphere. On your second day
visit the livestock market early in the morning and take an overnight trip via Las Geel - Somaliland's touristic
pièce de résistance
- to the port of Berbera. Wander the streets of Berbera's character-filled old town, check out
Baathala beach and end the day feasting on fresh fish. Day three should see you returning to the capital.
Ten Days
Having enjoyed Hargeisa, Las Geel and Berbera at a more relaxed pace, go where few are bold enough to attempt
and book a trip to the Sanaag province. Devote at least four days to Erigavo, Daallo Forest and Maydh. Alternat-
ively, you could explore the far west of the country and arrange a 4WD trip to the historic port of Zeila, taking in
the rock art sites of Dhagax Khoure and Dhagax Marodi, Borama and the Giriyad Plains before reaching the coast
- from Hargeisa, this is a five-day expedition (return).
Safe Travel
Somaliland was safe at the time of writing, and our on-the-ground research included
Hargeisa, Las Geel, Berbera, Borama, Zeila, Tog Wajaale, Sheekh, Burao, Erigavo and
Maydh. However, despite what officials claim, there is an element of uncertainty regard-
ing the security situation. The Somalilanders have established law and order in their sep-
aratist territory, but as long as their unruly brothers from Puntland and Southern Somalia
