Somalia

Travel to Somalia is currently advised against by Western countries. Over 25 years of internal conflict have left this African country volatile, with a high rate of terrorist attacks and violent crime. However, Somalia is a fascinating destination. When travel is more possible, its beautiful, untouched beaches, magical coral reefs, rugged mountains and rolling deserts, as well as a vibrant culture with Arabic heritage, are set to make Somalia a traveller’s dream.

The safest part of Somalia is currently Somaliland, a self-proclaimed nation in the north of the country where greater stability has been achieved. Here, neolithic rock paintings adorn the cave walls of Las Geel, and hundreds of worshippers swarm to the tall twin minarets of modern Jama Mosque, in cosmopolitan Hargeisa. Berbera is known for its golden-sand, Red Sea beaches. The rest of Somalia is currently much more risky to travel to, but includes destinations such as capital Mogadishu, a port city with many centuries of history, the National Museum of Somalia, and popular Lido Beach, and Zeila, former capital of the early Adal Kingdom and home to many ancient ruins and medieval buildings. The country’s diverse habitats shelter a wide range of flora and fauna, including the Nile crocodile, big cats, and the world’s largest camel population.