Somaliland
Somaliland – Somaliland Uncovered Tour – a 7 day Small Group Tour.
Somaliland is a country that doesn’t exist, at least in a legal sense. However, as an oasis of calm in Somalia’s chaotic recent history, Somaliland’s unilateral self-declared independence appears to have much to recommend it.
The Horn of Africa is an interesting though frequently uncertain neighbourhood, a focus for trade and a place where African an Arab cultural DNA splits and recombines in surprising ways. Travel in Somaliland remains a pioneering undertaking, there is no tourist trail. An acceptance that comfort and convenience may be compromised is a prerequisite.
However, if you’ve read this far such shortcomings are unlikely to put you off, and instead form part of the attraction.
Somaliland is not Somalia. A self-declared independent state unrecognised by the rest of the world; Somaliland has its own government and currency and has escaped the chaos that has engulfed its notorious cousin. Perched on the Horn of Africa and bordered by the Red Sea, Somaliland is a country of proud traditions born out of its largely nomadic heritage, keen to welcome visitors.
This short trip gives the intrepid traveller a unique insight into a country that does not officially exist. Starting in the capital Hargeisa we wander the markets and soak up the atmosphere before heading to Borama, Las Geel, Berbera and Sheikh where we meet local nomadic communities and learn about the challenges they face in this parched corner of the continent. After visiting the eastern towns of Arabsiyo and Gabiley, we then travel to the spectacular rock art site of Las Geel – one of the most impressive examples of prehistoric art in Africa. From here we journey to the coastal city of Berbera with its colonial architecture and discover the stunning scenery around Sheikh before heading back to the capital, Hargeisa.
But Somaliland is above all characterised by its people – facing some of the harshest conditions on our planet, hindered in their efforts at international recognition by an underserved association, yet some of the friendliest and most exuberant people you will ever meet.
- Fitness
- Off the beaten track
- Culture
- History
- Wildlife
Tour Pace
Moderate
Tour style
Pioneer
Relaxed Pace
Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.
Moderate Pace
Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.
Busy Pace
A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.
Pioneer Class Tours
On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.
Traveller Class Tours
Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.
Itinerary.
Day 1 - Arrival in Hargeisa
Arrive in Hargeisa, capital of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, and transfer to hotel accommodation where the rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight Damal Hotel or similar. (D)
Day 2 - Hargeisa
Today we spend the morning exploring the city and seeing some of its more intriguing sights, including the War Memorial characterised by the unusual attribute of a MiG 17 fighter aircraft shot down in 1988 as it bombed the city during the civil war. Elsewhere, we try not to get lost in the Suuqa Bacadlaha markets, and later visit a traditional Somali house. Overnight Damal Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 3 - Hargeisa - Arabsiyo – Dhagah Khoure - Gabiley - Borama
Today we make a journey eastwards, visiting the agricultural town of Arabsiyo and its fertile valleys. We call in at the rock art site of Dhagax Khoure, where among granite outcrops, hundreds of images, some over 5,000-years-old, are to be found. Later, Gabiley is one of Somaliland’s oldest towns. Evidence suggests that stone quarried here was destined for the construction of Egypt’s pyramids. Today, it’s an agricultural centre, known as the breadbasket of Somaliland. We continue to Borama, close to the Ethiopian border, for the night. Overnight Hotel Rays Borama. (BLD)
Day 4 - Borama – Jufo – Hargeisa
Borama is an important education centre, home to Amoud University, Somaliland’s first post war institution of Higher Education. The university opened in 1998 with 66 students – it now has over 4,000. We visit the university and speak to students before spending the morning sightseeing in Borama itself. On the return journey we stop at a settlement of nomadic Jufo herders, before heading back to Hargeisa. Overnight Hotel Mansoor or similar. (BLD)
Day 5 - Hargeisa - Las Geel – Berbera
The caves of Laas Geel contain rock art dating back 5,000 years. Colourful images portray cattle herders, their ceremonial clothing and even their dogs. It’s one of the best-preserved examples of rock art in Africa and a real highlight of the trip. Afterwards, we travel on to the port city of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden, in the mid-19th century characterised as the most important port in the Arabian Gulf. Until 1942 Berbera was capital of the former British Somaliland protectorate. The city has an interesting legacy of architecture from both Ottoman and British periods, much of which lies in ruins. Overnight Hotel Mansoor or similar. (BLD)
Day 6 - Berbera - Sheikh – Hargeisa
This morning we further explore Berbera. After lunch we travel through the Golis Range of mountains to the town of Sheikh, gaining dramatic views of the plains far below. Near to Sheikh we visit the ruins of Ferdusa, a city dating from the 16th century. Afterwards we return to Berbera. Overnight Damal Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 7 - Departure from Hargeisa
The morning is free to relax and take stock of the last few days’ travel through a fascinating and little-visited part of Africa . Transfer to the airport on due time for your onward flight. (B)
Dates & Price.
Tour Notes
Single Supplement
Single supplement does not apply on this tour. Solo travellers will be allocated single accommodation without additional charge.
Flights
Return flights from London to Hargeisa start from £790. Please contact us for a quotation.
Transfers
On the first day and leaving day of the advertised itinerary we include airport transfers in the price of your tour if you are arriving and departing on the scheduled flight for this tour – we will advise you of the scheduled airport/hotel pick-up time at the time of booking. These will be provided by our local representative.
If you are planning to arrive before the start date, and/or leave after the end date of the tour, Undiscovered Destinations can arrange private transfers at an additional cost of £130 per vehicle per transfer. This supplement also applies if you do not wish to take the scheduled transfer. Please check with us at the time of booking.
Please note that if you have arranged extra pre and/or post tour accommodation, either through Undiscovered Destinations or directly with the hotel or an agent, airport transfers are not included in the price of your tour. Please contact us if you would like Undiscovered Destinations to arrange private airport transfers at an additional cost (£130 per vehicle per transfer).
Extra Accommodation
Extra night accommodation pre and/or post tour in Somaliland costs £60 per night per room, including breakfast. There is no difference in price in between a twin/double or single room.
Please note that the prices quoted above are for the category of accommodation and hotel used for this particular tour. Depending on the hotel eventually confirmed there may be some difference in the rate advertised by the hotel, and the prices available through Undiscovered Destinations. It should be noted we will not apply a surcharge should more expensive accommodation be used. At the same time in the event that a lower rate is available for the confirmed hotel we are unable to offer a refund.
Download PDF.
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure transfers – please see notes
- All accommodation
- Transport throughout the tour with a driver
- Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Drinks
- Tip for main tour guide (discretionary)
- Items of a personal nature
Read more about our tours in Somaliland and our other African tours
Undiscovered Destinations
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