Somaliland

Top destinations in Somaliland

Hargeisa

Somaliland's capital, with the striking MiG-17 monument in the city center commemorating its independence struggle. Day-trip to the prehistoric Laas Geel rock art caves with their vivid 5,000-year-old paintings.

Berbera

An ancient Gulf of Aden port with crumbling Ottoman-era architecture and long empty beaches. The reefs offshore are increasingly visited by adventurous divers in the cooler months.

Burao

A central highlands city where Somaliland's independence was declared in 1991. The livestock market here is among the busiest in the Horn of Africa.

Borama

A green highland city near the Ethiopian border, with cooler temperatures and a strong academic tradition. The surrounding hills feature ancient ruins at Amud and pre-Islamic burial sites.

Las Anod

A regional capital in the Sool valley plains, on the edge of contested territory with deep nomadic roots. The area's traditional aqal huts and camel culture can still be seen on the outskirts.