Only if you have no where else to go in the world will you go to Somalia - Mogadishu, the most dangerous country in the world.
WARNING: There is a high threat from terrorism, including kidnapping, throughout Somalia, excluding somaliland. Terrorist groups have made threats against westerners and those working for western organisations. It is believed that there is a constant threat of terrorist attack in Mogadishu.The city is also remains in great danger of suicide bombings and other terrorist attacks carried out by extremists who manage to get past the security checkpoints around the city. Walking the streets of Mogadishu remains very dangerous, even with armed guards. Tourists are emphatically discouraged from visiting Mogadishu for the time being, while business travelers should take extreme caution and make thorough plans for your trip. Travel outside Mogadishu remains extremely dangerous and should be avoided. Those working for aid agencies should consult the security plans/advice of your organization.
Mogadishu is the official capital of Somalia, a major battleground of the civil war which has ravaged the country since 1991.
A devastating civil war has ruined this once beautiful city for almost twenty years now, leaving little but ruins. Since 1991, various Islamist and/or clan or warlord-affiliated militias have had control over different parts of the city. A few months of relief were given in 2006 when the Union of Islamic courts took full control.
Bakaara Market
Somalia was however invaded by Ethiopia just six months later and re-instated the western-backed Transitional Federal Government. The hard-line Islamist group Al-Shabab gradually took control over Mogadishu until the government only controlled a few square blocks. A counter-offensive, supported by large amounts of African Union troops cleared the city of militants in August 2011.
Bombings and shootings are still commonplace, but open warfare has, for now, ceased. A major shortage of food and thousands of refugees put enormous stress on the few government offices that are able to function. This does not include somaliland which is an autonomous region in the north of Somalia. Somaliland is currently peaceful and has been for the past 24 years. Somaliland has it's own government and is said to be the most stable part Somalia, despite not being recognised.
Reaching Somalia
Flights once again arrive at Aden Adde International Airport just a few kilometers southwest of city centre, facilities are very basic, but the Turkish government has put up funds to renovate the airport and its security, control tower, and navigation systems. A few passenger flights are operating.
Jubba Airways , the only Somali-based carrier, has services from Dubai, Jeddah, Nairobi, Djibouti, as well as domestically from Hargeisa and several other cities.
African Express Airways has services between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi, Aden, Berbera, Bosaso, Dubai, Galkayo, Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta, Riyan Mukalla, Sharjah, & Wajir.
Daallo Airlines has services to Djibouti stopping en route at Hargeisa.
East African operates a weekly service from Nairobi on Sundays, the return flight stops in Wajir for security processing before continuing on to Nairobi.
Turkish Airlines now offers a twice-weekly service from Istanbul via Khartoum/Djibouti. Flights depart Atatürk Airport on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Round trip fares start at €430. Qatar Airways To start flights to mogadishu soon
It is possible to drive into the city by truck, but this is considered a risky activity, unless you employ a group of local militia which are readily available for hire. Roads link the city with many Somali locales and with Kenya and Ethiopia. Armed guards, hired security forces, and experienced guides are all mandatory for a safe entry. The risk of being injured, killed or captured is extremely high.
Small cargo ships regularly leave from the Old Harbour of Mombasa for Mogadishu and sometimes Kismayo. Speak with the security officers at the gate of this tiny port and they will negotiate a fare with the captain. The journey will take 2-5 days, depending on conditions. The sea is rough in July-August, requiring lengthier travel. Arriving by boat is risky, as there is the strong possibility of being attacked by pirates, though the port area is relatively secure.
Roads are a muddy mess during rain, traffic lights do not work, and there are no enforced traffic laws or public transport. The road network in Mogadishu is slowly being repaired and paved. A vehicle with driver and armed guards is a must! Break-ins at intersections are frequent, so avoid openly displaying anything that could be considered valuable. A recommendation is to hire an armored vehicle with driver and guards. Also the terrorist group Al-shabab operate in this region. Therefore, it is not advised to visit as a tourist.
Sightseeing is obviously extremely dangerous in Mogadishu, and is strongly discouraged. However, some interesting sites include the historic Mogadishu "old town" and the Mogadishu mosque.
Visitors are encouraged to stay inside for the duration of their stay. The chances of theft and/or assault are extremely high while walking around the city.
The Mogadishu University is a non-governmental university that is governed by the Board of Trustees and the University Council. Admission requirements for the University as listed on their website include:
Original secondary school certificate plus one copy. Birth certificate. Certificate of good conduct. 12 photos (6 x 4) cm. Completed application form. Payment of the registration fee. Passing written and oral entrance examinations.
Benadir University was started in 2002 with the intention to train doctors but has expanded into other fields.
The Bakaara Market (Suuqa Bakaaraha) is an open market and the largest in Somalia. Created in late 1972 during the reign of Siad Barre, its original purpose was to allow proprietors to sell daily essentials. The civil war subsequently created demand for arms and ammunition. Everything from pistols to anti-aircraft weapons are being sold. Falsified documents are also readily available. Forged Somali, Ethiopian and Kenyan passports can be processed within minutes. This illicit sub-market is known as Cabdalle Shideeye after one of its first proprietors.
Most markets and especially the Bakaara Market are a focus of ongoing arms control efforts for the disarmament of Somalia. Marketplaces should be considered hazardous not only because of their content and the presence of some unsavory characters, but also because they have caught fire several times in the last few years.
Eat
International cuisine can be found at Nasa Hablod Restaurant inside Hotel Nasa Hablod and at the Sahafi Hotel. These are probably the safest options for travelers. Nasa Hablod is in the break away region of Somaliland, which is said to be a safe heaven in contrast with the rest of Somalia.
Mogadishu has a number of hotels, most of which were recently constructed. The city's many returning expatriates, investors and international community workers are among these establishments' main customers. To meet the growing demand, hotel representatives have also begun participating in international industry conferences, such as the Africa Hotel Investment Forum.
Hotel Nasa-Hablod , Km 4 square, Mogadishu (2 Km from International Airport), ☎ +25261858440 (eno@deeqa.com, fax: +25262215943), . Restaurant, meeting rooms, safe box, TV, internet access, a/c.
Hotel Shamo, Address. Large rooms, air conditioned, wi-fi and electricity 24 hrs a day. The restaurant is extremely decent, and serves lobster when available at the fish market. The hotel is also relatively safe. From $129.
Sahafi Hotel, Address. One of the best hotels in Mogadishu. The manager is very helpful, the staff is attentive, and the food is good. Although the compound is probably your safest bet (if there is such a thing) in Mogadishu, a BBC producer was shot in the back and killed in front of the hotel in 2005, and two French citizens abducted by gunmen in 2009.
Safari Hotel, Km 4 (5 min walk from Shamo Hotel), . The hotel is situated at the heart of Mogadishu and it is easily accessible owing to its proximity to the road. In addition you get easy access to health care from the Banadir hospital which is nearby. The safest hotel to date. It has international standards of hospitality. Security has never been compromised. No bombs, kidnappings, assassinations have ever occurred in this hotel. The hotel's proximity to the Aden Ade International Airport which is just 15 minutes away makes it ideal especially if you are taking a flight that leaves early in the morning.
Villa Rose Guest House (Hotel), Via Sheikh Mukaram (Close to the Villa Somalia), ☎ +252619771111, . checkin: 07:00; checkout: 12:00. Best security, Escort, Restaurant, Cafeteria, Airport drop & picking up.Cable TV, Internet, Laundry, Business centre. 200 USD. edit
Amira Castle Hotel, KM5, Mogadishu, Somalia Close to Ministry of foreign affairs.
Among the new hotels is the six floor Jazeera Palace Hotel. It was built in 2010 and officially opened in 2012. Situated within a 300m radius of the Aden Adde International Airport, it has a 70 room capacity with a 70% occupancy rate. The hotel expects to host over 1,000 visitors by 2015, for which it plans to construct a larger overall building and conference facilities. A new landslide hotel within the airport itself is also slated to be completed by the end of the year.
Other hotels in the city include the Lafweyn Palace Hotel, Amira Castle Hotel, Sahafi Hotel, Hotel Nasa-Hablod, Oriental Hotel, Hotel Guuleed, Hotel Shamo, Peace Hotel, Aran Guest House, Muna Hotel, Hotel Taleex, Hotel Towfiq, Benadir Hotel, Ambassador Hotel, Kuwait Plaza Hotel, Safari Hotel Diplomat, Dayax Hotel, Safari Guesthouse and Bin Ali Hotel.
While significant improvements have been made in the relatively short time period from August 2011 to the summer of 2012, the city remains EXTREMELY dangerous for independent travel. Petty theft and violent crime remains a significant threat in a city which has effectively been in a state of war for nearly two decades and full of unemployed people with few possessions.
Any white person and most other foreigners are thus regarded as wealthy and a target for crime. Do not wander the streets alone for any reason. If you must venture around the city, you should be accompanied by hired guards and ride in, preferably, an armored car. Smash & grab break-ins are possible in un-armored vehicles. With the security situation improved, there are likely to be new hotels opening...make sure yours has armed guards 24/7 and do not trust your valuables to be left in your room.
Basic services, such as water & electricity, are not reliable and you should not drink the water. Food and bottled drinks sold in the city may or may not be safe to consume. Try to get the advice of another foreigner who has been in the city a while. Health services are limited.
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