Travel to Somalia — everything you need to know
When to go to Somalia?
- December – March — Dry season (Jilaal) : Best time for Somaliland: mild temperatures (25–30°C), calm sea in Berbera, passable tracks. Ideal for Laas Geel and coastal sites.
- June – August — Short dry season (Hagaa) : A second favourable window. East wind in Berbera, ideal for windsurfing. Bearable temperatures thanks to the sea breeze.
Weather in Somalia
Check the weather city by city, starting with Mogadishu.
- Mogadiscio: daytime highs from 28 to 32 °C depending on the season, 50 mm of rain per month on average.
- Hargeisa: daytime highs from 24 to 31 °C depending on the season, 34 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Somalia?
Somalia is home to often-overlooked wonders: the Laas Geel rock paintings, among the best preserved in the world, the Somaliland coast with its pristine beaches, and Berbera, a former caravan port. Somaliland (self-declared independent since 1991) is the most accessible and safest part of the country, while Mogadishu is tentatively rebuilding after decades of conflict.
Laas Geel — Rock paintings
Laas Geel is one of the best-preserved rock art sites in the entire world. Discovered by a French mission in 2002, these 5,000 to 11,000-year-old paintings depict cattle with decorated horns, herders and wild animals, with colours of striking freshness. The site, 50 km from Hargeisa, can be visited in a day and is the main reason to visit Somaliland.
Highlights : Main caves — vividly coloured painting panels, Painted Neolithic cattle — depictions unique in the world, Valley landscape — natural setting around the confluence, Dhagah Kure site — nearby secondary rock paintings.
Berbera
Berbera is Somaliland's main port and a town of great historical value, a former caravan trading post on the incense and slave route. Its palm-lined white sand beaches and translucent Gulf of Aden waters make it an off-the-radar, authentic seaside town. Ottoman ruins, old coral houses and a lively market bear witness to its trading past.
Highlights : Berbera beach — pristine beaches on the Gulf of Aden, Old colonial quarter, Port of Berbera — port activity and traditional fishing, Gulf of Aden coral reefs — snorkelling and diving.
Hargeisa
Hargeisa is the capital of Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region since 1991 that functions as a de facto independent state with its own institutions, currency and passport. The city is relatively safe and lively, with a colourful central market, historic mosques and the war-plane monument turned symbol of resistance. It's the gateway for any traveller wishing to explore Somaliland.
Highlights : Civil war plane monument — symbol of Somaliland's resistance, Central market — spices, textiles and local life.
Mogadiscio
Mogadishu, one of the oldest cities in the Horn of Africa, is gradually being rebuilt after decades of civil war. Its old town (Hamarweyne), with its Arab houses and medieval mosques, is coming back to life, and a few luxury hotels welcome visitors with reinforced private security. A visit remains reserved for experienced travellers with a guide and private security, due to the risk of attacks.
Highlights : Mogadishu Cathedral — partially ruined colonial building, Lido Beach — a seafront gradually coming back to life, Bakara Market — large lively market (with precautions).
Travel budget for Somalia
The cost of living in Somalia varies greatly by region. Somaliland is relatively affordable, with prices similar to neighbouring Ethiopia. Mogadishu is pricier due to significant security costs. The US dollar is widely accepted alongside the Somali shilling.
- Backpacker : 60–90 €/j — Somaliland only: guesthouse, local food, public transport
- Comfort : 120–250 €/j — Decent hotel, guide, security in Mogadishu if needed
Practical tips for travelling to Somalia
- Flight from Paris : Flights via Dubai (flydubai to Hargeisa), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) or Nairobi (Kenya Airways). No direct flight Paris–Somaliland.
- Visa : Somaliland: visa on arrival at Hargeisa airport ($20–30). Federal Somalia: visa difficult to obtain, complex procedures.
- Currency : US dollar (USD) widely accepted. Somaliland shilling used locally. No international bank cards accepted.
- Language : Somali (national language), Arabic (second language). English understood in Somaliland's business circles.
- Electricity : Type G (British 3-pin). 220V. Generators common, power cuts frequent.
- Health : Yellow fever vaccine recommended (may be required). Malaria in low-lying areas. Meningitis, hepatitis A/B advised. Bottled water essential.
- Safety — Somaliland : Somaliland is relatively stable. Laas Geel and Berbera are accessible with a local guide. Follow local rules (dress code, photographing military sites forbidden).
- Safety — Federal Somalia : Mogadishu and the rest of federal Somalia are classified as an absolute no-go zone by official travel advisories. High risk of attacks (Al-Shabaab), kidnappings and violence. Private security mandatory if essential business travel is required.
Compare Somalia with other destinations