Somaliland Uncovered
Somaliland Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
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.
Tour Highlights
• Discover the unknown delights of Somaliland, an unrecognised state with much to offer the Africa enthusiast
• Explore Hargeisa, the capital and visit the markets
• Travel to the caves of Las Geel, where rock art dating back 5,000 years has been found – one of the best-preserved examples in all of Africa
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
5/5
Culture
3/5
History
4/5
Wildlife
2/5
Tour Pace
3/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hargeisa
Arrive in Hargeisa and transfer to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure to relax. Overnight Damal Hotel or similar. (D)
Hargeisa
Somaliland’s capital is a manageable city, with a relatively small population and fairly low-key in character. Founded at the turn at the 20th century, it became the capital of British Somaliland during the colonial period, to be later superseded by Mogadishu following independence and unification with the former Italian colony. It would be difficult to describe Hargeisa as being packed full of ‘must-see’ sights – it is Largely destroyed during the civil war of the 1980s, today it is a fairly modern city, but its attraction lies in its general ambience. With a relaxed feel to the city, Hargeisa, it’s not uncommon for locals to approach you to start up a conversation – you will undoubtedly of much interest as one of the few travellers there. In the afternoon, the city takes on a decidedly languid feel as much of the population indulges in the national pastime of chewing khat, a mild stimulant that is chewed to release its effects. As you might expect, Hargeisa has some large markets, selling everything one can imagine – of particular note are the money changers with their bricks of Somaliland shillings.
The one ‘sight’ that you can’t miss is the Civil War Memorial, consisting of a crashed MiG fighter jet mounted on a podium. Hargeisa doesn’t have the ‘wow’ factor of some other African cities, but it more than makes up for it with quirky charm and friendly inhabitants.
Day 2: Hargeisa
Spend the morning exploring the city and seeing some of its sights, including the War Memorial with its unusual monument of a crashed MiG fighter plane, the markets -including the gold and khat markets- and a traditional Somali house. Overnight Damal Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 3: Hargeisa - Arabsiyo – Dhagah Khoure - Gabiley - Borama
A full day excursion eastward, visiting the town of Arabsiyo and its valleys, on the way to Gabiley. Gabiley is known as the breadbasket of Somaliland and is renowned for its agriculture. We will also visit the rock art site at Dhagah Khoure and then to Borama, for the night. Overnight Hotel Rays Borama or similar. (BLD)
Day 4: Borama – Jufo – Hargeisa
Borama is an important education centre and is the home of the historic Amoud University. The first post war institution of higher learning throughout Somaliland. Morning Borama sightseeing and Amoud University then back to Hargeisa. On the way back we stop at the nomadic settlement of Jufo, before returning to Hargeisa. Overnight Damal Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 5: Hargeisa - Las Geel – Berbera
Travel to the caves of Las Geel, where rock art dating back 5,000 years has been found – one of the best-preserved examples in all of Africa and a real highlight of the trip. After visiting the site we continue to Berbera on the coast, with its interesting architecture from both the Ottoman and British periods much of which is now in ruin, which we explore. Overnight Hotel Mansoor or similar. (BLD)
Las Geel
The paintings at Las Geel are perhaps one of the most important rock art sites in all of Africa. Dating back at least 5000 years, Las Geel consists of a complex of caves and rock shelters, the most significant of which is a 100 square metre surface with at least 250 individual paintings. The figures depicted here are cattle, giraffe, and hunters accompanied by dogs, among others, and they are exceptionally well preserved, making this a real delight for anyone who is even in the slightest bit interested in rock art.
Berbera
Somaliland’s second city, Berbera has long been an important trading post by virtue of its position on the coast on the Gulf of Aden. Once occupied by the Ottomans, Berbera is home to a fascinating old quarter – not as well preserved as you might find elsewhere in Africa but nonetheless an interesting place to explore, with winding alleys and impressive mosques. It’s not known when the city was founded, but references to it have been made to it in Greek literature from the 1st century, and Chinese documents from the 9th century when it was described as trading in ivory and slaves. It was close to Berbera that the famed British explorers Speke and Burton were attacked by Somali warriors while waiting to proceed to the interior, narrowly escaping with their lives.
Day 6: Berbera - Sheikh – Hargeisa
We spend the morning exploring Berbera. After lunch, we leave the city and travel through the mountains to Sheikh, through fantastic scenery with great views of the dry plains below. At Sheikh we visit the ruins of Ferdusa, a city dating back to the 16th century. Later in the afternoon we drive back to Hargeisa for the evening. Overnight Damal Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Sheikh
The town of Sheikh is located in the Golis Mountains, reached via a very scenic drive from Berbera. It differs from much of the rest of the country in that the altitude here means that the landscape is greener – relatively rare in such a parched region.
Day 7: Departure from Hargeisa
The day is at leisure until your transfer to the airport in the afternoon for your onward flight. (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
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.
Essential Info
