Somaliland is not Somalia. A self-declared independent state unrecognised by the rest of the world; Somaliland has its own government and currency and has escaped the chaos that has engulfed its notorious cousin. Perched on the Horn of Africa and bordered by the Red Sea, Somaliland is a country of proud traditions born out of its largely nomadic heritage, keen to welcome visitors. This short trip gives the intrepid traveller a unique insight into a country that does not officially exist. Starting in the capital Hargeisa we wander the markets and soak up the atmosphere before heading to Borama, Las Geel, Berbera and Sheikh where we meet local nomadic communities and learn about the challenges they face in this parched corner of the continent. After visiting the eastern towns of Arabsiyo and Gabiley, we then travel to the spectacular rock art site of Las Geel – one of the most impressive examples of prehistoric art in Africa. From here we journey to the coastal city of Berbera with its colonial architecture and discover the stunning scenery around Sheikh before heading back to the capital, Hargeisa. But Somaliland is above all characterised by its people – facing some of the harshest conditions on our planet, hindered in their efforts at international recognition by an underserved association, yet some of the friendliest and most exuberant people you will ever meet.
Arrive in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s relaxed and friendly capital, and explore its markets, Civil War Memorial, and cultural sites. Visit the fertile regions of Arabsiyo and Gabiley, and discover ancient rock art at Dhagah Khoure. In Borama, tour the historic Amoud University before returning via a nomadic settlement. A highlight is Las Geel, home to 5,000-year-old rock paintings. Continue to coastal Berbera to explore Ottoman and British-era architecture. Journey through the scenic Golis Mountains to Sheikh, visiting the 16th-century ruins of Ferdusa. Return to Hargeisa for your departure.
Explore one of Africa’s best-preserved prehistoric rock art sites, featuring 5,000-year-old paintings of cattle, giraffes, and hunters.
Visit the iconic MiG fighter jet monument and experience the local culture in lively markets and traditional Somali settings.
Discover Somaliland’s intellectual hub and visit the first post-war higher education institution in the region.
Wander through the historic coastal city with Ottoman and British colonial architecture, and a rich trading history dating back to ancient times.
Travel through the Golis Mountains to visit the lush highlands and the ruins of a 16th-century city.
| Destination | Tour Code | Start | End | Trip Status | Pricing Per person |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somaliland – Somaliland Uncovered | SSU/081125 |
Nov 08, 2025 Saturday |
Nov 14, 2025 Friday |
Please Contact Us for Availability | £2,415.00 | Contact Us |
| Somaliland – Somaliland Uncovered | SSU/071126 |
Nov 07, 2026 Saturday |
Nov 13, 2026 Friday |
Guaranteed | £2,415.00 | Book Now |
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Foreign Office Travel Warnings Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories. We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present the FCDO does not recognise Somaliland as a separate country and considers it to be part of Somalia, to which they advise against all travel. It is likely travel warnings will remain in place for some time to come, and we are only able to accept a booking on the basis that you are aware this is the case and confirm that you are still happy to travel irrespective of the current FCDO advice. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/somalia. We work very closely with experienced local contacts and are fully confident that it is safe to operate tours in Somaliland. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident. It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government. Security The Somaliland authorities take the safety and security of tourists very seriously and a Police/Army escort is often provided for road journeys. Visa Information At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Somaliland. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below. British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate. Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment. As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance. You must ensure that you have no Israeli stamps in your passport. Passports It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country. We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities. For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Vaccinations & Protection As with travel to most parts of Africa, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday. Local Conditions When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like. The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
AITO 4.9 Excellent Rating
