Las Geel is undisputably Somaliland's pièce de résistance. Hundreds of magnificent neolithic rock art paintings in perfect condition adorn the walls of…

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Somaliland
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel to Somaliland, except for the cities of Hargeisa and Berbera to which the FCO advise against all but essential travel. Click here for more information.
For seasoned travellers in search of a totally unusual travel experience, Somaliland is a must. The Republic of Somaliland declared independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991, though its status as a country has not been recognized by the international community. Despite this fact, Somaliland offers plenty of unexpected and wonderful surprises. Admire some exceptional rock paintings, feel the pulse of the fast-growing capital, walk along deserted beaches, visit bustling market towns, be awed by stunning landscapes, and blaze a trail of your own in the far east and west of the country. More than anything, though, it is the Somali people who make a visit to the country so memorable, with their legendary sense of hospitality.
Explore Somaliland
- LLas Geel
Las Geel is undisputably Somaliland's pièce de résistance. Hundreds of magnificent neolithic rock art paintings in perfect condition adorn the walls of…
- CCentral Market
Hargeisa’s centrepiece, the expansive central market is a wonderful (and largely hassle-free) place to experience a typical Somali market. Its lanes hide…
- LLivestock Market
An essential part of the Hargeisa experience is the livestock market, which lies on the southeastern outskirts of town. Hundreds of goats, sheep and…
- JJama Mosque
East of the market area, the modern Jama Mosque hosts Hargeisa’s main Friday prayers around noon, attracting hundreds of worshippers – it is an amazing…
- MMiG Jet
You can’t miss this weird memorial on the main drag – it displays a Somali Air Force MiG jet fighter which crashed during an aerial bombardment of the…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Somaliland.
- See
Las Geel
Las Geel is undisputably Somaliland's pièce de résistance. Hundreds of magnificent neolithic rock art paintings in perfect condition adorn the walls of…
- See
Central Market
Hargeisa’s centrepiece, the expansive central market is a wonderful (and largely hassle-free) place to experience a typical Somali market. Its lanes hide…
- See
Livestock Market
An essential part of the Hargeisa experience is the livestock market, which lies on the southeastern outskirts of town. Hundreds of goats, sheep and…
- See
Jama Mosque
East of the market area, the modern Jama Mosque hosts Hargeisa’s main Friday prayers around noon, attracting hundreds of worshippers – it is an amazing…
- See
MiG Jet
You can’t miss this weird memorial on the main drag – it displays a Somali Air Force MiG jet fighter which crashed during an aerial bombardment of the…
Guidebooks
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Get to the heart of Somaliland with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.