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Ottoman Fort (Berbera)
Best time to visit
It is best to come at sunset: the sun paints the fort walls in a golden-pink hue, and the heat subsides to a comfortable +28°C.
Budget tips
Entry is free, the fort is open 24/7. Tips for the local caretaker, who can open closed areas, do not exceed 2-3 dollars.
Recommended for
History enthusiasts, Photographers, Seekers of abandoned places, Budget travelers
Plan your visit
45-60 minutes
About
Quick facts: The Ottoman fort in Berbera was built by the Ottomans in the 19th century to protect the strategic port on the Gulf of Aden coast. The fort walls rise to 10 meters, and from its towers you can see a panoramic view of the city and the turquoise waters of the gulf.
Highlights: Inside the fortress, original 19th-century Ottoman cannons have been preserved, still pointing toward the sea as if awaiting an attack. Locals believe that secret underground passages were laid beneath the fort connecting it to the center of Berbera, but not one of them has been found to this day.
Insider tips
- Climb the north tower at exactly 5:00 PM: it offers the best view of the sunset over the port.
- Bring water and a hat: there are no canopies or shade on the fort grounds.
- Come on a weekday morning: on weekends it is noisy due to local picnics.
- Photograph the cannons with the sea in the background from the south wall: the contrast of rusted metal and azure water gives the most striking shots.
Practical info
Where to Stay in Berbera
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