Somaliland: Hargeisa - Couples Required to Present Marriage Certificate To Share Hotel Room.

Sagal Olad - Cute Somali Restaurant Proprieter In Hargeisa


Hargeisa is a city in the northwestern Woqooyi Galbeed province of Somalia. It is the second-largest city in the country after Mogadishu, the national capital.Hargeisa serves as the capital of Somaliland, a self-declared republic that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia.

During the Middle Ages, Hargeisa was part of the Adal Sultanate's domain. The city later succeeded Berbera as the capital of the British Somaliland protectorate in 1941. In 1960, the protectorate gained independence and united as scheduled days later with the Trust Territory of Somaliland (the former Italian Somaliland) to form the Somali Republic (Somalia) on July 1.

The place-name Hargeisa literally means "the place where hide is sold". Hargeisa is situated in a valley in the Galgodon (Ogo) highlands, and sits at an elevation of 1,334 m (4,377 ft). Home to rock art from the Neolithic period, the city is also a commercial hub for precious stone-cutting, construction, retail services and importing/exporting, among other activities.

Hargeisa is the capital of the self-proclaimed republic of Somaliland. In recent years, it has been one of the safest places in Somalia, though threats of violence were made against foreigners in May of 2011.

HARGEISA CAPITAL CITY OF SOMALILAND


Hargeisa, with 800,000 inhabitants , is the capital of the self-declared republic of Somaliland. Apart from the occasional couch surfer, there is very little tourism and no tourist industry, as almost all visitors are working for an NGO or other organization. The city is a peaceful and friendly place, but does require some planning to ensure a successful visit.

Hargeisa International Airport (HGA) connects the city with a variety of locations in East Africa, all of which are subject to change. Recently, destinations have included Addis Ababa, Djibouti, Dubai, Jeddah, Bossaso, Mogadishu, Dire Dawa, Wajir and Nairobi. Note that some flights (especially those which "connect" in Berbera) actually begin with a three-hour bus journey to Berbera, followed by the actual flight. It's best to confirm that the airline you use actually flies in and out of Hargeisa.

A Somaliland visa is required for foreign travellers. These can be obtained at the Somaliland representative offices in Addis Ababa (in person) or London (in person or by post). Note that there is very little diplomatic representation in Hargeisa, so you should have your onward travel plans arranged and visas in hand before you travel to Hargeisa.

Hargeisa is located in a mountainous area, in an enclosed valley of the northwestern Galgodon (Ogo) highlands. It sits at an elevation of 1,334 meters (4,377 feet) above sea level.

The city used to be surrounded by forest when it was smaller in size, but the countryside around it still has small junipers. Near Hargeisa are the fertile Sheikh and Daallo mountains, which receive large amounts of rain. South of the city is the Haud savannah (Baligubadle), which attracts many different species of wildlife to graze in the area.

WEDDING IN HARGEISA CITY


Hargeisa is situated near the town of Gabiley, which serves as an agricultural center in northern Somalia. That town's Allay-Baday area produces tons of tomatoes and onions each month during the rainy season. The city of Arabsiyo is also located nearby, and is noted for its lemon production.

Due to its relative fertility and greenery, wild animals come to the Hargeisa area to either breed or graze on the grassland savannah. Fauna that can be found in rural sections of the city include the kudu, wild boars, Somali wild ass, warthogs, antelopes, Somali sheep, goats, camels, and many different types of birds. There are also a number of both public and private menageries. South of Hargeisa is a grassland savannah, which attracts many types of wildlife to the area, including lions and leopards.

Hargeisa is the financial hub to many entrepreneurial industries ranging from gem stone cutters, to construction, food processing, retail, and import and export firms.

In June 2012, the Partnership Fund for the private sector in the Somaliland region was launched at Hargeisa's Ambassador Hotel. Part of the larger Partnership for Economic Growth program, the initiative will see $900,000 USD allocated to 13 private local businesses as well as the creation of 250 new full-time jobs, half of which are to be earmarked for youth and one third for women. The Fund is expected to improve job opportunities for 1,300 entrepreneurs through ameliorated product distribution and investment in new technologies and processing facilities. Eligibility is determined through a competitive and transparent selection process overseen by the Partnership program, the Somaliland Chamber of Commerce, and government officials.

Buses are the most commonly used form of public transportation in Hargeisa. They travel on a number of routes serving nearly all of the city's districts. Intra-city bus services are also available, which connect Hargeisa to other major northern Somali cities and towns, including Burao, Berbera and Borama.
Vehicles on a main road in suburban Hargeisa.

With the growth of urban development, several new taxi companies have sprung up in Hargeisa. They are the brainchild of local entrepreneurs and Somali expatriates who have returned to invest in their hometown. The firms provide high quality and secure taxi transportation to all parts of the city, and offer long-term employment opportunities. Raho City Taxi was the first of these new cab companies to begin operations in the region. As of 2012, it has a fleet of around 40 vehicles, which include small sedans and vans capable of accommodating up to seven passengers. Hargeisa Taxi is another of the recent taxi firms based in Hargeisa. It has a fleet of four small compact cars and seven passenger minivans, in addition to around 19 other vehicles. GPS devices installed by the Sahal Technology firm allow the cab company's dispatch office to monitor its taxis to ensure that they travel within the speed limit. The office can also disable the vehicles online in the event of theft. Other new taxi firms serving Hargeisa include Dalhis Taxi and Marodi Jeh Taxi. Fares are inexpensive, costing between 15,000 to 18,000 Somaliland shillings ($2–$3 USD) per ride, with the national Somali shilling also widely accepted.

For air transportation, the city is served by the Hargeisa International Airport. The Somali-owned private carriers Daallo Airlines and Jubba Airways offer domestic flights from the facility to various other towns in Somalia, such as Mogadishu, Bosaso and Galkayo. Trips to international destinations are also available, including to Djibouti and Dubai.

Previously, all arriving foreigners were required to exchange USD $50 to Somaliland Shillings, though this was not always enforced at land borders. As of January 2015, this was no longer the case. However, should this change - and it very well might, the exchange rate at the airport is intentionally poor, so the exchange functions as an arrival tax. You will not be able to change your shillings back to dollars at the airport when you leave, so make sure to use all of your shillings during your trip. The only notes currently in widespread use are the 500 Shilling notes. Because of the exchange rate, you will end up with a large stack of notes when you change money at the airport, about 4 inches thick.

You are required to pay an arrivals tax upon arrival at the Hargeisa Airport. This is frequently an odd number, such as USD $3 (in April 2011) or $33 (in November 2014) , so it would be a good idea to bring a lot of small bills (dollars are preferred) with you (if you bring a bunch of USD $100 bills, for example, you will have great difficulty finding change). The actual cost of the arrival tax appears to vary depending on the type of visa you have and where you got it. Please note that as of November 2014, you were also required to pay an exit fee and security fee when departing Hargeisa by air. Please see the "Get Out" section below. However, this is subject to change. As of January 2015, an entrance fee/tax of $60 was asked for upon arrival at the airport. This larger fee, in theory, includes both the entrance and exit fees.

Some air tickets can be reserved at the site of Jubba Airways, or with East African Safari Air Express reservations@easa.co.ke or +254 020 6654321. Some flights are very expensive; for example, a return flight from Nairobi to Hargeisa on East African costs $600 US as of April 2011. East African's flights NBO-HGA-NBO operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, also as of April 2011 and are considered to be the best and most reliable way to reach Hargeisa.

Hargeisa has an informal shared bus service which costs 1,500 Somaliland Shillings per journey (as of April 2011). Ask a local for instructions. Hargeisa used to have working traffic lights, but now the only traffic control is by the occasional police officer. All residents entitled to drive must hold a photo driving licence, and all cars bear Somaliland licence plates.

Taxis can be booked via your hotel not hailed on the street but are quite expensive. For example, a taxi from Maan-soor Hotel to the airport cost USD $25 in April 2011.

Note that women must wear long dresses or skirts, to the ankle (no trousers), and must cover their hair and upper arms at all times. Men should not wear shorts or armless t-shirts. It is not polite to take pictures of people (male or female) without obtaining their permission beforehand, and you will make people upset if you take pictures without permission.

US Dollars and Somaliland Shillings enjoy equal status in Hargeisa, so you can pay for anything with either Dollars, Shillings, or a combination of both. Ask what the de facto exchange rate is when you arrive as of April 2011, it was 6,000 shillings to the Dollar. The de facto rate will be better than the rate at the airport.

There is no postal service in Hargeisa. The only courier company which serves the city is DHL.

There's very little in the way of tourist sights and activities in Hargeisa, though the market in the centre of town is worth a look, as is the camel market on the outside of town. The local residents are extremely friendly and will greet foreigners in the street. Unlike some other places in Africa, they will not try to sell you anything and are often interested in having a conversation and making sure you feel welcome.

Note that if you leave the city, you will be required to take a government security guard with you (known as an "SPU").

Located in the countryside outside Hargeisa, Laas Gaal (Laas Geel in Somali) is a definite must-see. It is a complex of caves and rock shelters that contain excellently preserved cave paintings. The paintings represent some of the earliest known art in the Horn of Africa and the African continent, dating back to 9,000 B.C. To visit this place, a letter from the ministry of tourism must be obtained and a fee of USD $20 must be paid. An SPU may be required for this trip. You need to allow maybe 6 hours for this trip in based in HGA.

There's plenty of wildlife in the Sheikh mountains and the Daallo mountains near Hargeisa. You may spot Kudu, wildebeest, gazelles and different species of birds. An SPU would be required for this trip.

The Red Sea beaches at Berbera are a three-hour drive away and could make a nice day trip, or a relaxing weekend away. The Maan-soor hotel branch in Berbera offers scuba diving. For this trip, you could apply for an exemption from the SPU requirement and take a shared bus.

+ Hire SPU, pack lunch and go climb the 'Breasts of Hargeisa' (visible from the Ambassador), early start (0600hrs) 45mins travel time, climb the hills, wander around the area to see fossils (sea anemone!!) and some rare insects. Hyena and dik-dik if lucky.

Most modern food is inspired by neighboring countries (Ethiopian cuisine in particular is very popular) and is decent. There is rice, spaghetti, cheeseburgers or salad. There are even donuts, cakes and tropical food. Hop into a restaurant and ask for what you desire. Just don't ask for pork, because it is forbidden (haram)!

Most Somali cuisine is based in the pastoral. At breakfast, you could try Somali pancakes like a fluffier version of an American pancake and "small meat" basically, the same stuff that you put in sausages, but chopped up, cooked, and served loose on a plate. Somali tea is good, and is similar to Indian chai a bit spicy and made with lots of milk. Milk and dairy are popular.

Food at the nicer restaurants is generally safe, as the climate is so hot and dry that it is difficult for most diseases to survive here. The same goes for water: The government-supplied piped water is generally clean, though you might want to avoid drinking it if you are on a short trip. During dry periods, the filtered water that is bottled is made by local factories and it also generally clean.

Maan-soor Hotel (Maansoor Hotel), Warsame Road, ☎ (+252) 2 527000/1/2, . One of the two best hotels in the city. The staff is friendly and the rooms are very clean. The restaurant has some very good food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try the football size papayas, grilled liver and kidneys, and strong Somali coffee for breakfast and the stewed goat for lunch. Possibly the best dish on offer is the fish kebabs with a spicy green pepper sauce. While Hargeisa is a long distance from any sizeable body of water, the fish kebabs are delectable.

You will not find any alcohol in Hargeisa, but men congregate in cafes with glasses of tea, coffee or fruit juice.

The Ambassador Hotel and the Maan-soor Hotel are the only Western-standard hotels in Hargeisa. Couples will be required to show a marriage certificate to share a room.

Ambassador Hotel , Airport Road, Hargeisa (about 1.4 km from the airport): +252 21 38895, +252 25 26666 or info@ambassadorhotelhargeisa.com. Airport shuttle by prior arrangement. Features a low-quality fitness centre, a broken tennis court, no swimming pool, reliable wi-fi in lobby but less so in rooms, good food in outdoor terraced restaurant. Management aim for high standards and deliver most of the time, staff are mainly excellent, cleanliness is excellent, laundry wash / press same day service. Secure site within 5 mins of airport, Choice of standard rooms / suites / villas. Costs are reasonable, phone well ahead for availability / rates, this is popular hotel with both locals (weddings / conf / workshops) and visitors (NGO / UN / business folk).

 Italian Coffee House


Maan-soor Hotel is on the opposite side of the city, but closer to the city centre than the Ambassador: +252 225 3638, +252 225 3639 or maansoorhotel@hotmail.com. Restaurant, cafe, Internet access, and a variety of room types (including cottages). Also has a location in Berbera.

Red Sea Hotel Clean, new, and budget. No hot water. Located on a street parallel to Independence Road, 1/2 mile from the city center. Helpful owner will often personally drive guests around.

Ramaad Hotel opened in 2014 on Airport Road, just about 1.5 km from the airport; it is clean and budget with hot water, wifi, and satellite tv; the hotel provides accommodation in four categories--single, double, family and suite; prices vary seasonally. There is a restaurant, a mini-market, coffee shop, and conference facilities. Email: ramaad@outlook.com; telephone: 252-256-9223/4.

At one time, the Australian Government stated that attacks were being planned against Westerners at hotels in Hargeisa. It is therefore crucial to check on the current security situation before making your trip. The Ambassador Hotel appears to have the best security, followed by the Maan-soor.

As of April 2011, malaria prophylaxis is recommended in Hargeisa, and most hotels supply insect nets over their beds. However, Hargeisa is hot and dry at times and cool and dry (winter) at other times that mosquitoes are a very rare sight. Many foreign residents do not use their insect nets at all.

Al Jazeera Hotel. This centrally located, friendly hotel has basic, clean twin rooms with en-suite and hot shower for US$18/night. There is a rooftop terrace with great views of the city. edit

Artan Hotel, Near Ida'ada Bus Station (Come to Dara Salam Super Market Go Straight to the North), ☎ 00252 63 520109. checkin: Any Time Before 12:00 Am; checkout: 12:00 Pm. Artan Hotel is a high standard Hotel locates in the center of the town, Hargeisa. Artan Hotel is clean,Quite and safe. You can find these services: 1. Single Bed 2. double Bed. 3. Family apartment 4. free wireless service $16 Per Night. edit

In recent years, Hargeisa has generally been safe, with little crime against the few tourists and foreigners, and little swindling or "ripping off". It is possible to walk around by yourself in the urban areas of Hargeisa in the daytime or at night, but make sure that you know where you are going, as there are no street signs, and no street lights at night. While the main roads have some rudimentary paving, most roads are sand and dirt and populated by goats and stray dogs.

However, in May of 2011, threats of violence were made against Christians and NGO workers in Hargeisa. Some NGOs responded by removing their staff. It is not yet clear whether or not these threats are serious.

If you leave the city, you will be required to take a government security guard with you (known as an "SPU"). It is also possible to get an exemption from this requirement, but you must have the required paperwork or you will be stopped at the checkpoints on the edge of the city and not permitted to go further (this is for your own safety, as the countryside is not as safe as the city). See the Somaliland page for further information.
Get out

If you depart via Hargeisa airport, you will find a very comfortable departure lounge, equipped with a cafe, toilets, television, and Internet access. Buy a copy of the local English language newspaper from the paper boy if you want to get a feeling for local news while you wait. As of November 2014, you very likely will be charged an exit fee and security processing fee. However, as of January 2015, an entrance fee/tax of $60 was asked for upon arrival at the airport. This larger fee, in theory, includes both the entrance and exit fees.

That being said, the fees in late 2014 were $30 for the exit fee and $10 for the security fee. This must be paid in dollars. Note that the amount of the fees is likely subject to change so come prepared. You will need to proceed to one window to pay the first fee and then proceed to another to pay the security fee. You will receive receipts which will then be checked by guards sitting just to the right of the payment windows even though they have just seen you paying your fees. It is all very bureaucratic but the bottom line is you must pay these fees or you will not be allowed to board your plane and leave the country.