1

I have a large Nikon with 2 lens. Nobody cared. That said, you might be able to get some market candids with the compact.

2

Hi,

No bribery asking at the borders (airport for Bole or Togochale and Wajale for the overland journey) and inside the countries.

Don't be stressed.

I was using a SLR with three lenses. No problem at all. You can use them.

Michel

3

Thanks for the replies. Guess thats settled then. Taking both.........

4

Hello, I do also the trip from Jijiga to Hargeysa. To cross the border it was very easy. No hassle. Maybe it is better to have a Somaliand visa ahead. Between the border and Hargeysa there was some checkpoints. They control th passport and visa, but without problems. I meet two locals at the border and the invite me to come with them and they bring me direct to the hotel. Travelling outside Hargeysa can be expensive. The hotel staff try to give me an arrangement aroun 400 USD just for visit Las Gheel. They told me to go to some offices for checks and papers. But I don't do that for 400 USd and let it be.
Going back to Ethiopia was not so easy. The won't let me go back without escort. So we have at the checkpoint turn and take a security guard for 20 USD. For the trip with a 4WD (private) I payed ab. 60 USD. But a lot of people try to make the big money with your transport. But be afraid. It was not dangerous and most of the people are friendy and correct. Good luck!!!!

5

When did you travel cs1973 ? i thought the security guards were no longer necesary in this area? How long did you stay please and where did you go? I am thinking of flying back to Addis from Berbera. Anyone done this recently? If so how much would the flight be? Thanks

6

I was in april 2012, just for three days (two nights). I stayed in Hargeysa, Hotel Ambassador. Hotel was good, but the stauff try all that I organize all my planned trips (incl. way back) with them for horrible prizes...
But the hotel has a very good restaurant and it was no problem to walk around in Hargeysa. There are one or two nice souvenir shops. You can also find a old plane as monument. The rest of SOmalia I didn't see, think it is too dangerous. But maybe better times will come...

7

I am planning to spend about 5 days and nights there making my way to Berbera to meet someone and then fly to Addis. i am just concerned that i will need an army guard. I want to visit Las Gheel but no way for $400. Anybody had any recent experiance of this or knows about the army guard?

8

The best trick is not to let anyone see your SLR gear, unless you are requested upon to open your bag.

I did get stopped by by Ethiopians at the border - asking for a bribe (reason being I was taking too much money into Somaliland, even though it was under USD $300). So I suppose a camera gear would have got much attention from the corrupted guards looking for a possible bribe.

9

Hey Chan , how did they know you had $300? Did they search you? If so how thorough ? Just wondering as im taking my money in cash. Did you pay them anything?

10

A guy dragged me off the bus: he insisted I had to show him the money.

So after a few minutes of arguing with the lad, he waved me to go inside a building with him while ensuring 'don't be afraid, I will not do anything' but of course - I didn't do that. I insisted if he wants to check the money - it's okay - but we will do it under broad daylight and in front of all the other passengers. I took out my cash, he had a look, asked me again if they exceed USD $600, I said no. With everyone around he can't really do anything so he had to let me go.

It was a bit unpleasant but overall it was okay. I don't really felt I was threatened or anything. In the future though I will probably put USD $100 in my wallet etc. and stuff the rest into the sole - just to make sure I am on the safe side.