by Top 10 Best places you must visit in Somalia
Top 10 Best places you must visit in Somalia
Somalia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, and Kenya to the southwest. It has a population of over 15 million people and its capital is Mogadishu. The official languages are Somali and Arabic, and the majority of the population is Muslim.
Somalia has a rich history, with ancient civilizations such as the Kingdom of Punt and the Sultanate of Adal. The country has also experienced political instability, civil war, and piracy in recent decades.
Somalia has a diverse landscape, ranging from desert and arid plains to mountains and forests. The country has a coastline of over 3,000 kilometers, with many beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
Somalia’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, livestock, and fishing, with some oil reserves and mineral deposits. The country is also known for its vibrant culture, music, and art, including the traditional dance, called the Dhaanto.
Here are The Top 10 Best places you must visit in Somalia
1. Mogadishu
Mogadishu is the capital and largest city of Somalia, located on the country’s eastern coast along the Indian Ocean. It has a population of over 2.5 million people and is the economic, cultural, and political center of Somalia.
Mogadishu has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to at least the 9th century. The city was a prominent trading center in the Indian Ocean trade network, and it was ruled by various Somali sultanates until the late 19th century when it became a part of Italian Somaliland.
2. Hargeisa
Hargeisa is the capital city of the Somaliland region, located in the northwestern part of Somalia. It has a population of over 1.2 million people and is the largest city in the region.
Hargeisa has a rich cultural heritage, with evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years. The city was heavily damaged during the Somali Civil War in the late 20th century but has since been rebuilt and revitalized.
3. Laas Geel
Laas Geel is a complex of caves and rock shelters located about 50 km from Hargeisa, the capital city of the Somaliland region of Somalia. It is a significant archaeological site that contains some of the world’s most well-preserved ancient rock art, dating back to the Neolithic era.
The rock art at Laas Geel consists of elaborate depictions of humans, animals, and geometric shapes, painted in red, yellow, white, and black. The art is believed to be over 5,000 years old and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
4. Berbera
Berbera is a coastal city located in the northwestern part of Somalia, along the Gulf of Aden. It is the third-largest city in the Somaliland region and has a population of over 200,000 people.
Berbera has a long and rich history as a significant trading port in the region. It was an important center of commerce for the ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Greek empires, and it played a crucial role in the trade of frankincense, myrrh, and other valuable goods.
5. Kismayo
Kismayo is a port city located in the southern part of Somalia, near the border with Kenya. It has a population of over 200,000 people and is the third-largest city in Somalia.
Kismayo has a rich history as a center of trade and commerce, dating back to ancient times. It was an important port for the medieval Somali Sultanate of Ajuran and was later ruled by the Portuguese and the Omanis before becoming a part of Italian Somaliland.
6. Puntland
Puntland is an autonomous region in northeastern Somalia. It has a population of around 5 million people and is known for its rugged landscapes, sandy beaches, and unique cultural heritage.
Puntland has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. It was an important center of trade and commerce for the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, and it played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in the region.
7. Baidoa
Baidoa is a city located in the southwestern part of Somalia. It is the capital of the Bay region and has a population of over 100,000 people.
Baidoa is known for its agricultural production, particularly of sorghum, maize, and sesame. The city is also home to several universities and has a thriving education sector.
One of the most notable attractions in Baidoa is the Baidoa Mosque, which is one of the oldest and most historic mosques in Somalia. The mosque was built in the 13th century and is an important center of religious activity in the region.
8. Gaalkacyo
Gaalkacyo, also spelled as Galkacyo, is a city located in central Somalia, near the border with Ethiopia. It has a population of around 200,000 people and is the capital of the Mudug region.
Gaalkacyo is known for its strategic location as a center of trade and commerce, connecting the central and southern regions of Somalia with the rest of the country. The city is also an important hub for the pastoralist communities that live in the surrounding area.
9. Zeila
Zeila is a city located in the northwestern part of Somalia, near the border with Djibouti. It is one of the oldest and most historic cities in Somalia, with a rich history that dates back to ancient times.
Zeila was an important center of trade and commerce for the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, and it played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in the region. The city is known for its historic architecture, including several ancient mosques and other buildings that reflect its rich cultural heritage.
10. Garowe
Garowe is a city located in the northeastern part of Somalia and is the capital of the Puntland State. The city has a population of over 200,000 people and is an important center of trade, commerce, and education.
One of the most notable attractions in Garowe is the State House, which serves as the official residence and office of the President of Puntland. The State House is a beautiful building with a unique architectural design and offers visitors a glimpse into the political and cultural life of the region.
