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Somaliland
From Wikitravel
Contents
Somaliland is an autonomous region in northwestern Somalia. Although the government is trying to establish a modicum of safety there, visiting is still not advised. The local Somaliland authorities declared the region's independence from the rest of Somalia in May 1991, but neither the Somali federal government nor any other country or international organization has recognized its sovereignty.
[edit] Regions
The 6 regions of Somaliland are:
[edit] Cities
- Hargeisa is the capital city of Somaliland, and is perhaps the safest city in the entire region. Its very cosmopolitian and with a rich history and culture.
- Berbera, which is the economic lifeline of the Somaliland economy has also undergone dramatic changes, both to its size and urban forms.
[edit] Understand
Somaliland is a fairly peaceful region. Violence is rare, and there is an active police force to ensure that laws are respected.
[edit] Get in
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Entrance Fees Although the visa costs a reasonable $30, there will be many additional fees. At Hargeisa airport, you must exchange $50 to Somaliland shillings at a bank rate so atrocious that you will surrender $25. On top of this covert bank fee is an entrance tax of $30. On the way out, you must pay $32 to leave the region. Fees may vary. |
You need a Somaliland visa to enter--do note that Somali visas are not accepted. Most travellers get a visa in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia or the Somaliland Mission in London. You can get details from Somaliland government website [1] or contact the Somaliland liaison office in Addis Ababa, phone +251 11 635921. To get to the office you should find the Awraris Hotel, and follow the dirt road that runs down the side of the hotel for 200 m, turn right, and continue another 200 m. A Somaliland visa is also allegedly available from the Somaliland representation in Djibouti. The unofficial Somaliland "embassy" in London will also issue a visa. The whole process is refreshingly unbureaucratic and can be handled by post, which makes London the most convenient place to get a visa for travellers who live in Europe and/or want to obtain a visa before travelling to the region.
[edit] By plane
There is an international airport in Hargeisa with flights to/from Addis Ababa, Dubai, Djibouti City, and many other cities and towns across the Horn of Africa and the Somaliland region. also from banab
Since 2008 Ethiopian airlines does not fly to Hargeisa International airport. Daalo airlines are best rote to fly to Hargeisa. Daalo fly’s from Dubai International airport to Djibouti International airport, you will be in transit in Djibouti airport for around 2 hours then you will get your flight to Hargeisa. Djibouti to Hargeisa it’s around 45 mins – 1 Hour.
Please re-confirm your flights 5 days in advance.
[edit] By car
It is possible to enter Somaliland from Ethiopia by road. You can avoid paying many of the fees charged at the airport. However, if you plan to leave Somaliland by road it is advisable to make Ethiopian Visa arrangements (multiple entry) before traveling to Somaliland as the process of getting an Ethiopian Visa in Hargeisa can be quite cumbersome / time consuming.Another option is the open border to the north to Djibouti.
Despite government efforts, there are still mines on some of the roads.
[edit] Get around
There is a bus service in Hargeisa, Burao, Berbera and Borama. There are also services between the major towns and adjacent villages operated by different types of vehicles such as 4 wheel drives and light goods vehicles (LGV).
[edit][add listing] See
The capital, Hargeisa, has a provincial museum. There is also a menagerie that includes lions, leopards, antelopes, birds, and reptiles. Outside of Hargeisa, is the Laas Gaal, a complex of caves and rock shelters that contain some of the earliest known art in the Somalia and the African continent, dating back to 9,000 B.C.
[edit][add listing] Do
[edit][add listing] Eat
For breakfast, Somalis eat a flat bread called laxoox and cereal or porrige made of millet or cornmeal. They also eat rice or noodles with sauce or meat for lunch. Pasta became very popular under Italian rule. Bananas are common in the south of the region. A traditional soup called maraq (also part of Yemen cuisine) is made of vegetables, meat and beans and is usually eaten with flat bread or pitta bread. Beans are usually eaten for dessert, also oat or corn patties and salad can be eaten too.
Though not commonly served, Somalis eat xalwo, a jelly-like sweet made with water, sugar, and honey, though peanuts are sometimes added. Somalis who have spent some time in the Middle East eat baklava. Dates are also popular in Somaliland.
In Somali culture, it is considered polite for guests to leave a little bit of food on their plate after finishing a meal provided by their host. This shows that the guests were given enough food and thus treated hospitably.
[edit][add listing] Drink
Many of the Somalis adore spiced tea. Milk is also common in rural areas of Somaliland. Alcohol is prohibited and you will not find it publicly served anywhere in the country.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
There are hotels being constructed in all of Somaliland's major cities. Hargesia has seen most development, with regards to its infrastructural capacity, the airport has been expanded to cater for an increase in tourists, both foreign and domestic.
[edit] Stay healthy
Locals in Hargeisa drink tap water fixed by the Chinese government. The cleanliness is not pefect but adequate. However, it is better to play it safe and drink bottled water.
The infrastructure of this region is still in shambles and that includes Health Care. If you have health problems or have concerns about getting treatment in an emergency, you will be putting yourself at great risk as the medical services are primitive and unsanitary by modern standards in most areas.
[edit] Stay safe
Somaliland is relatively safer compared to other parts of Somalia. Knowing a little of the local language or having an interpreter can go along way in gaining information from the local population, which is a valuable tool if you wish learn about the surrounding area.
The Republic of Somaliland is not recognized by any government. If you run into legal problems you are on your own, as there are no Consulates to turn to for help. Learning of local customs and laws is very important if you wish minimize the chances of conflict with local authorities.
[edit] Get out
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