The former British Somaliland Protectorate achieved full independence from the United Kingdom in June 1960. However, it voluntarily joined Somalia to form the Somali Republic. Somaliland restored its independence in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia as a result of the civil war. Since then, it has established and sustained peace and stability. It remains a self-declared sovereign state with a democratic elected government. After more than 20 years of peace and democracy it is still seeking for international recognition. Therefore, Somaliland offers an authentic and one-of-a-kind experience in a breakaway state which isn’t officially recognized.
Somaliland has four seasons with average temperature ranging from 22 to 29 Degrees Celsius. The country’s climate is a mixture of wet and dry conditions. The summer starts in July and ends in September. The cooler months are from November till March. April – June is the rainy season. The most pleasant time is to travel from November to March.
| Somaliland Seasons | Start date | End date | Rainfall |
| Winter | December | March | Dry |
| Spring | April | June | Rainy |
| Summer | July | September | Dry |
| Autumn | October | November | Mild Rainy |
Check with your local health caretaker or doctor for other vaccinations. For more information, please see the website of World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int/ith/en/ . A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is generally not required for Somaliland. However, note that this may change, and authorities can request this depending on the countries that you’ve recently visited. As a precaution bring the certificate if you’ve recently visited areas where there is high potential for yellow fever virus exposure.
Somaliland is a very safe country in contrary to what the general perception in the media is. Most of our visitors consider it to be safer than most other countries in this region. Also, female travellers feel in general safe and welcomed. The people are very friendly and curious. Outside the cities a Special Police Unit Member (SPU) is part of the tour. This is mandatory rule from the Government in Somaliland to keep foreigners safe. The SPU is just an extra pre-caution and a way to generate employment the police.
Somaliland is a sovereign state in the Horn of Africa sharing its borders with Republic of Djibouti, Federal Republic of Ethiopia and Somalia to the east. It has an area of 137.600 square kilometres. Somaliland has an 850 kilometres (528 mi) coastline with the majority lying along the Gulf of Aden.
Somaliland’s climate is a mixture of wet and dry conditions. The northern part of the region is hilly, and in many places the altitude ranges between 900 and 2,100 metres (3,000 and 6,900 ft) above sea level. The Awdal, Sahil and Maroodi Jeex (Woqooyi Galbeed) regions are fertile and mountainous, while Togdheer is mostly semi-desert with little fertile greenery around. The Awdal region is also known for its offshore islands, coral reefs and mangroves.
Supporting local communities: All our tours are aimed to directly benefit the local people and communities. Everything that we use is owned by locals. From the accommodation, restaurants to everything else needed to facilitate the tours.
Social and Responsible Travel: We are proudly members of Responsible Travel since 2017. We help with the preservations of nature and archaeological sites primarily in Somaliland. We must admit this is not easy as Authorities and people in these kinds of countries have other priority such as bringing food on the table. Our responsibility nevertheless remains to do as much as possible and educate the communities.
A Woman of Firsts: The true story of the midwife who built a hospital and changed the world – A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week – Edna Adan Ismail (2020)
The Country That Does Not Exist: A History of Somaliland – Gérard Prunier (2021)
MAD MULLAH OF SOMALILAND – Douglas Jardine (2015)
Somaliland: The Way Forward Vol 1. : Achieving its Rightful International Status (1) – Jama Musse Jama (2011)
When There Was No Aid: War and Peace in Somaliland – Sarah G. Phillips (2020)
We understand that safety is relative. However, we can confidently say that Somaliland is very safe and peaceful. You can walk safely in the streets by yourself. There is no piracy and no terroristic attacks. Most of our customers consider it to be safer than other African countries. People are very curious and welcoming.
Yes. We have had quite some solo female travellers visiting Somaliland. The overwhelming feedback is that they have been surprised by how safe they have felt during their stay.
Yes. Visa is required for all foreign visitors. Depending on your nationality you can also get the Somaliland visa on arrival. Check for more information our Visa Check Tool to see
No. Somaliland and Somalia are two different “countries” with each having own Visa and Immigration procedures. For more information on Somaliland visa, check out the visa section on this website.
Yes. Somaliland can be visited during COVID pandemic. For entering Somaliland, a negative COVID Health certificate (PCR test) not older than 72 hours is required. For departure, a negative COVID Health Certificate (PCR test) might be needed depending on your length of stay in Somaliland and your next destination. We will assist with making the necessary appointments. Contact us for the latest updates.
This depends on your location. 1) Somaliland can be entered overland from Djibouti Loyaada border and Tog Wajaale border with Ethiopia. 2) You can also fly into Somaliland with FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Ethiopian Airlines, African Express Airways, Djibouti Airlines, Jubba Airways, Daallo Airlines and others. Always check the latest updates on routes/times on the Airlines websites.
Somaliland is a Muslim country, and you will notice that people dress conservatively. Women are advised to dress modestly and cover their heads with a headscarf. Too revealing dressing is considered inappropriate in public places. People will appreciate that you respect their culture and tradition. If you have tattoos, it is better to cover the tattoos as this is not a common thing here.
There are a few ATM’s from Dahabshil Bank, Salaam Bank and Premier Bank. If you have Master card or Visa card you can withdraw money from the ATM’s. Note that a fee is charged and only a maximum amount can be withdrawn with your credit card. You can exchange USD dollars and other currencies through the money exchangers on the streets.
Wi-Fi is in general available in restaurants and hotels in the cities. Speed in Somaliland is considered to be better than surrounding countries in the region.
No alcohol is available. Somaliland is a strict Muslim country. Please don’t bring any alcoholics as this will be confiscated and you run the risk to be prosecuted according to Somaliland’s Laws.
