Things to do in Somalia

25 things to do in Somalia

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Watch the sunrise at Lido Beach, Mogadishu

  Join locals on Mogadishu’s most popular stretch of sand for a vibrant sunrise over the Indian Ocean, framed by fishing boats and bustling beachside cafes.

  Mogadishu

• Marvel at the Neolithic rock art of Laas Geel

  See some of Africa’s best-preserved ancient cave paintings, depicting vivid cattle and herders in ochre and white, dating back over 5,000 years.

  near Hargeisa, Somaliland

• Wander the crumbling coral-stone alleys of ancient Zeila

  Explore the ruins of Ottoman mosques, merchant houses and the historic port that once linked Africa with Arabia and Persia.

  Zeila, Awdal region

• Sip traditional spiced shaah at Hargeisa’s Hadhwanaag Restaurant

  Experience Somali tea culture in a bustling local eatery, where cardamom-infused milk tea is served alongside sweet pancakes, amid lively chatter.

  Hargeisa

• Discover the Ottoman citadel ruins in Baraawe

  Unearth the remnants of the 17th-century fortress and Swahili-era stone architecture in this ancient coastal town, once a key port for the Sultanate.

  Baraawe, Lower Shabelle

• Snorkel the coral gardens of the Saad ad-Din Islands

  Swim among untouched reefs teeming with tropical fish off the white-sand islets near Zeila, in the clear, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aden.

  off Zeila

• Trek the dramatic peaks of the Cal Madow range

  Hike through juniper forests, sheer limestone escarpments and mist-shrouded summits in Somalia’s highest mountain range, a biodiversity hotspot.

  Puntland, Sanaag region

• Stroll through Mogadishu’s historic Shangani district

  Wander narrow streets lined with 19th-century coral-stone houses, Italian-era architecture and carved wooden balconies, revealing the city’s cosmopolitan past.

  Mogadishu

• Contemplate the roofless ruin of Mogadishu Cathedral

  Stand before the twin-towered shell of the 1928 Catholic cathedral, a haunting reminder of colonial ambition and decades of conflict in the heart of the capital.

  Mogadishu

• Feast on grilled camel meat at Hargeisa’s livestock market

  Savour tender, fire-roasted camel ribs and liver at the city’s bustling meat stalls, a true taste of Somali nomadic tradition.

  Hargeisa

• Decipher the ancient Dhambalin rock art panels

  Discover the unique paintings of sheep, goats and geometric patterns, estimated to be 5,000 years old, hidden in a sandstone shelter in the Sahil region.

  Near Berbera, Sahil region

• Pray at the 13th-century Arba Rucun mosque in Mogadishu

  Visit one of the oldest Islamic structures in East Africa, with its four ornate minarets and tranquil inner courtyard, still serving the local community.

  Mogadishu

• Soak up the sun on Berbera’s pristine beaches

  Relax on miles of untouched golden sand along the Gulf of Aden, fringed by date palms and the occasional grazing camel, far from the resort crowds.

  Berbera, Sahil region

• Watch a vibrant Dhaanto dance performance in Garowe

  Feel the energy of this traditional Somali rhythmic dance and poetry, often performed at community celebrations, reflecting the region’s pastoral heritage.

  Garowe, Puntland

• Explore the crumbling Mogadishu Lighthouse

  Climb to the base of the early 20th-century Italian lighthouse overlooking the old port, offering panoramic sea views and a glimpse of bygone trade.

  Mogadishu

• Photograph the Italian colonial villas on Makina Street

  Capture the faded elegance of 1930s Mediterranean-style buildings, with arched porticos and pastel facades, along this once-grand avenue.

  Mogadishu

• Haggle for frankincense in the souks of Bosaso

  Browse the aromatic stalls where golden lumps of prized Somali frankincense are sold, an ancient commodity harvested from the gnarled Boswellia trees of Puntland.

  Bosaso, Puntland

• Birdwatch in the cloud forests of the Daalo Escarpment

  Trek into the misty juniper forests of Sanaag to spot endemic species like the Somali golden-winged grosbeak and the rare Warsangli linnet.

  Sanaag region

• Sail on a traditional dhow from Mogadishu’s old harbour

  Hop aboard a hand-crafted wooden vessel and cruise along the coast, witnessing centuries-old maritime traditions and the city skyline from the sea.

  Mogadishu

• Visit the shrine of Sheikh Aw Barkhadle near Hargeisa

  Pay respects at the tomb of the 13th-century Islamic scholar Yusuf al-Kawnayn, a pilgrimage site surrounded by acacia trees and ancient ruins.

  Aw Barkhadle, near Hargeisa

• Experience beachside nightlife at Lido Seafood Restaurant

  Dine on freshly grilled lobster and spicy rice under the stars, while enjoying the sounds of Somali music and the gentle ocean breeze at night.

  Mogadishu

• Walk the ancient port of Mosylon in modern Bosaso

  Stand on the headland that once served as a key trading post for cinnamon and spices in the classical world, mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.

  Bosaso, Puntland

• Join a deep-sea fishing charter for yellowfin tuna off Eyl

  Head into the rich Somali Current waters to battle massive tuna and dorado, a favourite pastime in the pirate-free outer Nugaal valley.

  Eyl, Puntland

• Immerse yourself in the chaos of Bakaara Market

  Navigate Mogadishu’s sprawling open-air bazaar, where everything from spices and textiles to electronics and camels is traded under colourful tarpaulin stalls.

  Mogadishu

• Trace Somali heritage at the National Museum of Somalia

  Examine artefacts from the sultanates, traditional nomadic crafts and remnants of the old Garesa palace, housed in a bullet-scarred former colonial building.

  Mogadishu