Things to do in Somalia

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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