Somalia Travel Guide

The latest travel Information on Somalia, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Somalia Information

Overview

Somalia developed from a string of Arab sultanates along the northeast coast of Africa, which in turn had grown up from trading posts established from the 17th century onwards. As Arab influence waned, the British, French and Italians established protectorates on the Somali coast during the late-19th century. These were the subjects of various treaties, forged amid frequent border clashes between the colonial powers and the neighbouring Ethiopians, and between the European powers themselves.

Modern Somalia was created on 1 July 1960 from British and Italian Somalilands. Inherited tribal rivalries and territorial disputes have dominated the country’s subsequent history.

Years of fighting between rival warlords and an inability to deal with famine and disease have led to the deaths of up to 1 million people.

The country has been without an effective central government since President Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991. In the main part of the country, a Transitional National Government was elected in July 2000 by representatives of the country’s major clans, political and religious movements. The government is led by Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed and Ali Mohamed Ghedi , who hold the titles of president and prime minister respectively. It has UN recognition but, if the 2004 accord holds, will be replaced under a new constitution.

Top Things To See & Do

Due to heightened tension in the region, travel to Somalia is currently not recommended. For further information, visitors should seek official advice.

Kismayu National Park, in the southwest, contains many common (and a few rare) East African species.

Hargeisa in the north contains rarer species.

A third park is located outside Mogadishu .

Somalia’s beaches line the Indian Ocean in the east and are protected by a coral reef running from Mogadishu to the Kenyan border in the south; they are among the longest in the world.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

In peacetime, restaurants in the major cities serve Chinese, European, Italian and Somali food.

National specialities:
• Lobster, prawn, squid, crab, fresh tuna.
• Somali bananas, mangoes and papaya.
• Roast kid and spiced rice.

Tipping: 10 to 15% is normal in hotels and restaurants.

Nightlife

Local bands playing African and European music perform at nightclubs. There are frequent traditional feasts with ritualistic and recreational dance, music and folk songs.

Shopping

Traditional crafts include gold, silver jewellery, woven cloth and baskets from the Benadir region, meerschaum and woodcarvings.

Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-1230 and 1630-1900.

Climate

The Jilal starts around January and is the harshest period, hot and very dry. Gu is the first rainy season lasting from March to June. Hagaa, during August, is a time of dry monsoon winds and dust clouds. The second rainy season is from September to December and is called Dayr.

Required Clothing

Lightweights and rainwear.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
19 Jan Ashoura.
20 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
1 May Labour Day.
26 Jun Independence Day.
1 Jul Foundation of the Republic.
2 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
9 Dec Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
7 Jan Ashoura.
9 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
1 May Labour Day.
26 Jun Independence Day.
1 Jul Foundation of the Republic.
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

Note

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Yes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: Yes

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: Yes

Health Care

Medical facilities are very limited and visitors are advised to take their own medicines with them. Health insurance is essential. Medical treatment at government-run hospitals and dispensaries is free for Somalians and may sometimes be free for visitors.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Somali Shilling (SOS) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of SOS500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of SOS1, and 50, 10 and 5 cents.

Currency Exchange

US Dollar bills are the easiest currency to exchange; hotels are the easiest and safest places. Avoid money changers in crowded areas.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Not accepted.

Traveller's Cheques

US traveller’s cheques are preferred but generally not recommended.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Sat-Thurs 0800-1130.

Passport/Visa

British