Somaliland happens to be a self-declared republic which forms part of the Eastern Horn of Africa, and unfortunately it hasn’t received the kind of tourist traffic that its better-known neighbors receive. This is paradoxical because Somaliland boasts resources that can hardly be rivaled by any other country-not least among which are paradise features, rich culture, and thrilling history. And, off-the-track, really desolate attractions indicate that Somaliland is destined to become a tourist hotspot even if everything else remains unreplicated. In addition, visiting Somaliland alone creates a tick on one’s activity to do so because of all that is left to check by nature, thus compiling this the top 10 things to see in Somaliland.
Hargeisa is said to be ‘the’ capital of Somaliland with regard to cultural, business, and educational activities. It is a very vibrant place, bustling with markets-though that does not mean a few sites of historical interest are missing. For instance, one could visit such a local market as Hargeisa, which is famous for its spices, fabrics, and handicrafts; go to visit the National Museum of Somaliland, the diversity of artifacts of which speaks to the rich history of the region.
Laas Geel is such a strong fulfilment for different visitors interested in old rock paintings-in a habitat older than 5000 years so as to read out mysteries of former civilizations which have made it home. Hargeisa is not your average town; it is undergoing metamorphosis into something like that-an alive thriving destination, where you are most likely to end up becoming part of the very folk of Somaliland that root and never move.
Laas Geel lies just outside Hargeisa. Of all these kinds of sites, this is one of the earliest and best prehistoric rock paintings in all Africa regarding this particular whole site. Discovered during the 1990s, the paintings evoke animals and people in ritual scenes. So Laas Geel is a really value-informative site and just plain aesthetic-in the backdrop of lofty rock formations as a scene.
So just for a UNESCO listing, Laas Geel is prophetic about the past. It is one of those scores of guided tours that go into and out around Hargeisa before learning a little more from the guides about the significance of the art and this part of the world.
Berbera is the old capital of British Somaliland; it is also a coastal city. Other than sandy beaches that are evergreen, it has quite an interesting history. The ancient city witnessed a good deal of maritime activity-mostly relating to fishing and trade-in the gulf of aden, not just blue, but also lovely local beaches like Baathed beach-less but extremely endowed with places to ease one’s mind.
The remaining traces found in Berbera date back to Ottoman architecture and to the ruins of the port, speaking of the amalgamation of influences that have made their way into the character of the city over centuries.
Sheikh lies on a very high plateau to the east; being a very beautiful little town, an escape in new cool weather compared to the other parts of Somaliland. The rugged mountain landscape complements Sheikh’s attraction toward nature exploration and hiking.
Most importantly, Sheikh bears an Islamic cultural heritage, with numerous other recognized schools and mosques surrounding Sheikh. The experience of its local environment and scenery is a must for anyone within Somaliland visiting Sheikh.
Oodweyne is one of the towns that lie northwest of Hargeisa, which would actually afford the visitor to experience a little bit of the local flavor and farming around this countryside. Oodweyne is also known for its tradition in camel herding, which could be regarded as contributing relatively to the economic and cultural dynamism of the region.
Tourists would really enjoy the traditional cultivation-method practices and experience real connections with the communities. It is an off-centered city away from the city life’s busy landscapes, with welcoming local people making it just perfect for experiencing local culture.
Kalsooni is a natural beach park within the vibrant spectrum of nature in Somalia in fauna form. The park has a rich profile of wild animals, which adds the value of the landscape in its present settings ranging from wetlands to rocky chains.
The park is a fantastic playground for bird watchers, photographers and hikers. Nature offers tranquillity, suitable for very beautiful and relaxing vacations, with wonderful scenery, including marvelous trails for all tourists enjoying the best of outdoor life.
Burao is also among the major cities in Somaliland, and this is perhaps the most appropriate home for this currency of Somaliland. This is also an important trading centre in the region, boasting one of the largest livestock markets in the Horn of Africa. A buzzling place in terms of markets as well as in tourism, to learn how it’s done at home with such a bustling market.
Burao could treat any visitor lucky enough to set foot into it with their traditional markets and few touches of home-cooked local dishes, along with basking under the warmth and hospitality of the local people. And with much in the way of cultural events and celebrations happening in Burao, it is indeed an excellent opening to experience the full-bodied local culture.
Ainabo is that wonderful town within the mountains with too much spectacular scenery and besides having a warm and friendly environment. All of these conditions allow Ainabo to be a place of culture where different people from varied backgrounds find themselves mixing with others.
That’s where the community, crafts, and traditional foods spring to life to be felt, lived, and experienced with one’s people.
All these lovely countrysides, scenery, hiking paths, and other outdoor activities make Ainabo totally a ‘hidden treasure’ and thus worthy of inclusion in your plan.
Golis Mountains also adds up to natural features found in Somaliland, which comprises good areas where adventure tourists enjoy fabulous scenery. The mountainous terrains, valleys, and various ecosystem types assure trekkers and explorers that trekking and exploration will mostly be mesmerizing.
Indeed, it is a completely different high-altitude habitat for different kinds of animals which probably could not make it in any other environment, adding up more biodiversity to the area. The Golis Mountains provide a breathtakingly wonderful wildlife experience and reconnect the hiker with nature and with the pleasure of being cosseted by himself in his solitude-an ideal getaway!
Zeila is the coastal city of Somaliland. History is so vast that it can even be traced from the time of ancient times. Very scant ruins remain as a remnant from the medieval days when Zeila-gradually became a big trading town and was a sight to behold.
There are good beaches and warm waters to prove the relaxation and exploration are fulfilled at this lovely coast. Tourists swim, fish, and dive into the transparent clear waters of the Gulf of Aden.
Security is one of the major issues in a traveler considering a place like Somaliland among the passes of his visit, yet still bears some of the problems. Somaliland acquired quite a good name since it can be regarded as relatively safe compared with other parts in the Horn of Africa.
Overall, people are friendly, mostly communal-minded. But care must be exercised by the traveler by keeping track of news about travel conditions and the general infrastructure of the region. It may be best to travel with a good guide along with common sense and a bit of precaution.
Somaliland fast becomes another developing-goal, gaining; endowed with culture and history, along with natural beauty. From the loud noise in the streets of Hargeisa to the silence in the Golis mountains, where nature’s sounds flow into each other, this land has much within it to be seen and felt. As tourism progresses in Somaliland, it becomes a wonder for the tourist to experience the untouched beauty of this beautiful land. Pack that handbag and prepare yourself for one awesome adventure!
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