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Berbera Old Town
Best time to visit
Early morning from 7 to 9, before the sun starts beating down mercilessly and the streets are free of crowds of locals rushing to work. From November to February the weather is most comfortable for walks.
Budget tips
Entry to the Old City is free, but local schoolchildren often offer themselves as guides for a couple of dollars. Bring small bills with you; neither cards nor change for large notes are accepted here.
Recommended for
Experienced travelers, Photographers and architecture enthusiasts, Seekers of non-touristy routes, Fans of the history of trade and navigation
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: The narrow streets of Berbera hold the memory of times when the port was the main gateway of Somalia for trade with Arabia and India. The local stone houses with carved wooden doors remember the steps of merchants who arrived here on dhows across the Gulf of Aden.
Highlights: In the Old Town, unique Ottoman hammam baths have been preserved, which are more than 150 years old and where you can still feel the heat of a real stone stove. From the roof of one of the ruined merchant villas, a view opens onto a labyrinth of alleyways where boys kick a ball among walls that are 400 years old.
Insider tips
- Wear closed-toe shoes. Goats and trash roam among the stones, and sandals will not protect you from dust and sharp edges.
- Take photos of the carved wooden doors on Sheikh Mahmud Street. These are the oldest and most richly decorated examples in the city.
- Skip the main mosque interior if you are not a Muslim. You will not be let in anyway, but the facade with its 19th century minaret is worth examining.
- Agree on the price with local guides before the tour starts, not after. The usual rate is 3-5 dollars per hour.
Where to Stay in Berbera
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