CityBuddy
العربية
Somalia
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When to visit
When are you going to Somalia?
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- Personalized day-by-day itinerary
- Budget calculator for your trip
- Pre-trip checklist (visa, eSIM, tickets...)
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Must-include attractions sorted by popularity
المعالم في Somalia
2. Mogadishu Cathedral Ruins
Mogadishu
View more attractions in Mogadishu →
3. National Museum of Somalia
Mogadishu
View more attractions in Mogadishu →
5. Laas Geel Rock Paintings (near Hargeisa)
Hargeisa
View more attractions in Hargeisa →
6. Zeila Old Town & Ancient Port (Zeila/Saylac)
Zeila
7. Berbera Old Town & Port
Berbera
9. Gondershe Historic Town (Gondershe/Marka)
Marka
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Xalwo
Xalwo is a translucent, jelly-like sweet made from sugar, cornstarch, ghee, and cardamom. It is traditionally prepared at weddings and Eid, and served to guests as a sign of hospitality.
Malawah
Malawah is a thin, flaky layered pancake often enjoyed with honey or sugar at breakfast. Its flaky technique shows Yemeni influence and Somali adaptation.
Kac Kac
Kac Kac are small fried dough balls or twists, crispy on the outside and tender inside, commonly sold by street vendors and served at gatherings. They are a popular sweet snack across Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Canjeero (lahooh)
Canjeero is a spongy, slightly sour pancake eaten at nearly every Somali breakfast, torn by hand and paired with honey, ghee, or savory stews. Its texture and ubiquity make it a core element of Somali daily meals.
Bariis Iskukaris
Bariis Iskukaris is a fragrant rice pilaf cooked with spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. It is the centerpiece of celebratory Somali feasts, often served with meat, raisins, and fried potatoes.
Suqaar
Suqaar is a home-style stir-fry of cubed beef or goat with vegetables and warming spices, served with rice or canjeero. It is a quick, versatile dish enjoyed in households across Somalia.
Traditional Beverages
Shaah (Somali spiced tea)
Shaah is strong black tea brewed with milk and aromatics such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, and it is usually sweetened. Serving shaah is a central act of Somali hospitality and social life.
Camel Milk (geel)
Camel milk is prized among pastoral Somali communities for its nutritional value and resilience in arid climates. It is drunk fresh or fermented, and is both a dietary staple and a cultural symbol.
Qaxwo (Somali coffee)
Qaxwo is Somali coffee often lightly spiced and sweetened, served during social gatherings and ceremonies. Its preparation reflects Arab and East African coffee traditions.
إرسال المعالم إلى بريدك الإلكتروني
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Day trips
Hargeisa (Somaliland)
Cultural center, markets, and nearby Laas Geel rock art.
Google MapsLaas Geel
Prehistoric rock paintings in a desert setting.
Google Mapsتعليقات (19)
Felt uneasy in parts at night, public transport is confusing and patchy, hire a local driver after dark to avoid stress.
Carry small bills, many vendors cannot break large notes. Buy a local SIM at the airport kiosk so you can call drivers reliably.
Roads are rough and getting around takes time, but coastal views and tea stops made the trip worth it, budget extra travel time.
Mogadishu felt safer during daytime than expected, still avoid after dark and always follow local advice on routes.
Food stalls are amazing, seafood is everywhere and cheap, but avoid unknown street vendors if you have a sensitive stomach.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
No national rail network
Arrange airport transfers in advance, roads may be insecure; use trusted local guides.
انقر للحصول على eSim لـ Somalia
أسهل وأرخص طريقة للحصول على إنترنت محمول أينما سافرت.
Visa & entry
diplomatic passport holders, some neighboring countries
Most travelers from Europe, North America, Asia and Africa require visas in advance
Check with Somali embassy or nearest consulate for current rules and e-visa options.