10 day trip to Djibouti, Somaliland and Somalia in October 2026
After our first exploration trip in October 2024 on a route very similar to this one, we are back with a new trip to Djibouti, Somaliland and Somalia, but this time we will travel overland from Djibouti to Hargeisa, capital of Somaliland and then fly to Mogadishu. It will be our first group trip in the Horn of Africa and we will have the opportunity to explore together for the first time different parts of this unknown region.
We inform our travelers that it is possible to link this trip to Djibouti, Somaliland and Mogadishu, with the next one to Puntland (Somalia) and Eritrea. All three trips will be guided by Austerio Alonso.
Planned route:
- Day 1: Arrival in Djibouti, overnight stay in the capital city
- Day 2: Lake Abbe (Djibouti)
- Day 3: Lake Assal and Djibouti capital.
- Day 4: Road trip to the Somaliland border, border crossing and continuation to Borama.
- Day 5: Borama -Dhagax Kore and overnight in Hargeisa, capital of Somaliland.
- Day 6: Hargeisa- Las Geel paintings and old Berbera settlement on the coast
- Day 7: Return from Berbera to Hargeisa
- Day 8: We will fly from Berbera to Mogadishu.
- Day 9: Full day tour of Mogadishu
- Day 10: End of trip and transfer to the airport
What to expect from this trip to Djibouti, Somaliland and Mogadishu?
This trip combines 3 different regions of the unknown Horn of Africa. We think it is an interesting itinerary for the curious traveler who wants to get a scenic, social and cultural idea of this part of the continent. Beyond Djibouti, we do not expect great landscapes, nor the most impressive cultural encounters, nor the most attractive cities in Africa, but we do expect to savor the pleasure of traveling to places far from the most conventional routes of the African continent and regions with a very unique history each. Ready to explore? Let’s go!
Highlights of this trip to Djibouti, Somaliland and Somalia
In Kumakonda we love road trips and crossing borders, this allows us to get an accurate idea of the territory and its people. We think that one of the great attractions of this route is the possibility of traveling through Djibouti and Somaliland without taking a plane. We will have no choice but to fly from Hargeisa to Mogadishu.
Djibouti capital
At the heart of this country, the capital, Djibouti reveals itself as a crossroads of cultures, where African, Arab and French traditions coexist. Djibouti is a vibrant and multicultural city located on the coast of the Horn of Africa, on the shores of the Red Sea. This city is renowned for its rich history, its cultural diversity and its strategic port, which makes it a connecting point between Africa, Asia and Europe. It will be our starting point for the trip.
Lake Abbe and Lake Assal in Djibouti
Lake Abbe is an impressive lake located on the border between Djibouti and Ethiopia. It is known for its surreal landscapes, formed by ice chimneys and hot springs. The lake is saline and is located in a region of geothermal activity, which creates a unique and dramatic environment. The surrounding region is inhabited by communities such as the Afar, who have a rich culture and traditions.
Lake Assal: Desert landscapes combined with turquoise blue waters at the lowest point of Africa and in one of the places with the highest concentration of salt in the world.
Discovering Somaliland
We will enter by road from Djibouti to Somaliland. After border formalities we will continue our journey to Borama, Hergeisa and Berbera on the coast.
We will tour much of the self-proclaimed republic of Somaliland. To be honest, we know that it is not the most visually and culturally attractive part of the African continent but we are convinced that Somaliland is an interesting place to visit because of its unique political and geographical status. We will try as much as possible to get into the cultural and tribal aspects of the region. We will also visit the following places on our tour:
- Hargeisa: The capital of Somaliland will serve as a base for our tour.
- Laas Geel: An area famous for its prehistoric rock art, dating back thousands of years. The rock paintings are considered some of the best examples of African rock art.
- Berbera: this coastal town has beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Aden and offers a glimpse into the history of the region, including Ottoman influences. The port of Berbera is also a key part of the local economy.
- Borama: known for its lush green landscapes, it is home to the University of Amoud and the historic Borama Mosque.
- The Sheikh Mountains, where Somaliland’s highest peak is located.
Landing in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia
We will fly from Hargeisa to Mogadishu, one of the “hottest” capitals of the African continent. Undoubtedly the capital of Somalia is an interesting place to visit despite the logistical complications involved in moving around there. With patience we will overcome all the check points to discover some emblematic places of Mogadishu such as:
- Liido Beach: A beautiful stretch of coastline perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sea.
- Mogadishu Old Town: Explore historic sites such as the Arba’a Rukun Mosque and ancient structures that tell the rich history of the city.
- Mogadishu Cathedral and historic city: Visit the ruins of this historic cathedral and discover its importance.
