Horn of Africa Expedition of Somaliland – Mogadishu – Puntland

Early morning visit camel market before travel the caves of Laas Geel, where rock art dating back more than 5,000 years has been found – one of the most well-preserved examples of rock art in Africa, and a highlight of the journey. A French team led by Xavier Gutherz discovered the site in 2002 during their study of the origins of pastoralism in the Horn of Africa. Along with the paintings, lithic tools were found scattered throughout the site, and there are many tombs marked with stelae and mounds in the nearby area. There are approximately 20 rock shelters with paintings, the largest of which measures approximately 10 meters in length. Most of them appear to be humpless cows with curved or lyre-like white horns (sometimes with reddish tips) and marked udders. After returning to Hargeisa city, and overnight in Hargeisa at the Damal hotel.

After breakfast, departure to Mogadishu upon arrival in Mogadishu at the airport and our guide will assist you with obtaining your visa on arrival and take you to your Shamo hotel for a briefing. Afterward, you will go to an orientation then time to relax and to swim at Lido beach, come back to the hotel and overnight at Shamo hotel.

Start the day with a visit to the fish market after breakfast. Mogadishu’s fish market is one of the most photogenic places in the city. During the morning hours it comes alive with activity. Take a look at the old harbor. It is the oldest port in Somalia. Visit Mogadishu’s iconic lighthouse, which was reconstructed during the Italian colonial era. While it is no longer operational, it remains an important symbol of Mogadishu’s maritime heritage. While the staircases were deliberately damaged during the Civil War, if you are brave enough to climb to the top, the view over the bay is definitely worth it. Lunch at a local Somali restaurant. You will have the opportunity to taste some traditional Somali cuisine. You will visit bazaars and malls called Mogdishu Mall. Take a stroll through the shopping areas to gain an understanding of everyday life in Somalia. The SYL Monument is also worth visiting. SYL (Somali Youth League) was the first political party in Somalia. In the 1940s, it played a key role in bringing the nation to independence. From the 1950s till the 1960s. Every year in Somalia, the Somali Youth League commemorates its founding on May 15, 1943. Monument at Dhagaxtuur. The monument symbolizes the struggle for independence from colonial rule. You can visit the Union Mosque. This is one of the largest religious sites in the Horn of Africa, with a capacity of over 10,000 people, and is also known as the mosque of Islamic solidarity and peace. Dinner and overnight at Shamo hotel.

Pick up at the international airport in Garowe, the capital of Puntland, and then transfer to Eyl, the former pirate capital of Somalia in the Indian Ocean. A long drive around the Nugaal region will not lead you to pirates. Instead, it will lead you to an incredibly beautiful beach that is equal to any other famous beach in the world! You wouldn’t expect this from Somalia, would you? Eyl served as the pirates’ base of operations, where they traded and negotiated ransoms. Their arrival resulted in an increase in prices in local markets and a higher level of living for the local population. However, they also brought with them crime, drugs, and prostitution, according to sources from the city authorities. On the tour to Eyl, travelers will have the opportunity to visit Italian Fort, Daarta Sayidka Fort, and a swim and boat ride at EYL Beach. An open-air art museum is located in the Old Daawad and Badey Villages in EYL. During the Battle of Italy, EYL Military Base was used by the British. Spend the night in Eyl. Overnight in Eyl at Beach hotel.

As soon as you have finished your tour of Eyl, we will head back to Garowe, the capital of Puntland, after breakfast. We will visit the local markets of Garowe as well as experience the daily life of the city, seeing the economic engines of industry and trade within the city. Additionally, we will visit villages and farms outside the city as well as experiencing Puntland’s rural reality. Stay overnight in Garowe at Caduun hotel or similar one.

You will have an airport transfer to ensure you catch your scheduled flight. Should you have any interest in revisiting the city prior to your departure, a tour can be arranged before your airport transfer.