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Tourist Places to Visit in Kismayo, Lower Juba, South Africa, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Kismayo, Lower Juba, South Africa, Africa

Kismayu, or Kismayo, is a beach city situated in the province of Lower Juba in southern Somalia, around 480 km southwest of the national capital, Mogadishu. It functions as the commercial centre of the self governed Jubaland region. Kismayu is home to the Kismayu University and its tourism industry features white sandy beaches, port and historic buildings. The climate of Kismayu is classified as a semi-arid climate, with relatively hot weather year round. The geographical coordinates of Kismayu are 00°21′29″ S 042°32′43″ E.

History of Kismayu:

Kismayu changed the hands of many regional powers during the Middle Ages, initiated by Ajuran Sultanate, followed by Geledi Sultanate and later the Sultanate of Muscat. Prior to become a part of Italian Somaliland in 1925, Kismayu had seen the rule of the British as a part of the British East Africa. Kismayu got emancipation from the European rulers on 1 July 1960 along with the rest of Somalia.

How to reach Kismayu?

Kismayu hosts a domestic airport with only scheduled flights from Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, served by Garoonka Airlines. The airport is situated around 11 km southwest of the midpoint of the city.

Kismayu has extended road transportation, with direct link to Garbaharey, Bardera, Beled Hawo, Mogadishu and Buale. Only scheduled buses run between these cities.

The local transportation of Kismayu is catered by minibuses, taxis and rental cars. The city also houses many travel agencies.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Kismayu:

Kismayu is the site of many nationally recognized educational institutions, including the Kismayo University. Being the third largest city of Somalia, Kismayu houses many upgraded shopping centres and restaurants with traditional and modern features.

What to do in Kismayu?

Exploring beaches
City tours
Shopping

Must see in Kismayu:

Kismayo Stadium:

The Kismayo Stadium is a multiuse stadium as well as one of the major landmarks of Kismayu. The stadium is situated in the city centre, few kilometers east of Farjano SRCS Clinic.

Kismayo University:

Situated along the Road Kismayo–Mogadishu, the Kismayo University is a prime higher learning centre in Kismayu, constructed with the objective of enhancing the skills of local students. It was established on 5 September 2005.

Beaches of Kismayu:

Kismayu is famous for its many untouched beaches, of which the most famous one is Arrow Beach, is located around 15 km south of the city centre. The beach can be reached by a rental vehicle.

Kismayo Airport:

Situated around 11 km southwest of the centre of Kismayu, the Kismayo Airport provides all the basic facilities for visitors. Other than airport travelers, visitors are also allowed with prior permission only.

List of other places to see in and around Kismayu include:

The Port of Kismayo
Lag Badana-Bushbush National Park
Bardera Bridge
University of Gedo in Berdera
National Museum of Somalia in Mogadishu
Mosque of Islamic Solidarity in Mogadishu
Arba’a Rukun Mosque in Mogadishu
Mogadishu Cathedral
The Governor’s Palace of Mogadishu
The National Theatre of Somalia in Mogadishu
National Museum of Somalia in Mogadishu
The National Library of Somalia in Mogadishu
Mosque of Islamic Solidarity in Mogadishu
The Somali National University in Mogadishu

When to visit Kismayu?

Kismayu is a year round destination, though visitors can choose any month among January, February, June and August to get the real experience of Kismayu’s tour.

Where to stay in Kismayu?

Hotel Cascasleey is one of the prominent hotels in Kismayu, featuring 22 rooms with all latest facilities and services, including TV, internet, AC and 24 hour electricity. For more options, visitors can find hotels of the capital Mogadishu that are as follows:

Hotel Shamo
Mogadishu Airport Hotel
Jazeera Palace Hotel
Hotel Nasa-Hablod
Sahafi Hotel
Oriental Hotel
Amira Castle Hotel
Aran Guest House

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Hargeisa, Somalia, North Africa, Africa

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Hargeisa, Somalia, North Africa, Africa

Hargeisa is the 2^nd largest city of Somalia and the capital of the autonomous region of the country, Somaliland. It comes under the northwestern Woqooyi Galbeed province, is situated in a valley in the Ogo mountains region. Hargeisa is mainly noted as a commercial city, popular in retail services, stone-cutting and construction activities. Hargeisa is famous among tourists being hom to a large rock art complex dating from the Neolithic period. Hargeisa is located at an altitude of 1,334 meters between 10°00′00″ N latitude and 044°30′00″ E longitude and features a semi-arid climate with hot summers and warm winters.

History of Hargeisa:

The name of Hargeisa is a modified form of the local language word, Harar-as-sagir. Cave paintings on the outskirts of Hargeisa claims Hargeisa has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Before becoming part of the British Somaliland in 1888, Mohamoud Ali Shire of the Warsangali Sultanate had ruled Hargeisa. Hargeisa became the capital of the Woqooyi Galbeed province following the independence in 1960.

How to get Hargeisa?

Hargeisa is served by the Hargeisa International Airport, with scheduled flights from Berbera, Dubai, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Sharjah, Addis Ababa and Bosaso. The airport is catered by the airlines like African Express Airways, Jubba Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Daallo Airlines. The distance of 5 km between the airport and city centre can easily be crossed by bus and taxi.

The intercity bus transportation service connects Hargeisa to all the major northern Somali cities, including Berbera, Borama and Burao. Raho City Taxi and Hargeisa Taxi are the convenient options for local travel.

Food and Shopping in Hargeisa:

Hargeisa is the cultural capital of Somaliland, with many recognized universities, including the University of Hargeisa and a museum, the Hargeisa Provincial Museum.

Spaghetti, cheeseburgers and rice items are the major dishes of Hargeisa’s locals. When comes to shopping, handicrafts are popular in Hargeisa.

What to do in Hargeisa?

Exploring archeological sites
Visiting camel market
Visiting university

What to see in Hargeisa?

Laas Geel:

Laas Geel is one of the main reasons to visit Hargeisa. It is a rock art complex featuring elegant caves and rock shelters. Situated on the outskirts of Hargeisa, Laas Geel’s cave paintings are considered as the oldest cave paintings in the Horn of Africa, probably dating between 9,000–3,000 BCE. To reach there, visitors can hire a car at the local travel agency in Hargeisa. It is worth a trip.

Hargeisa Provincial Museum:

First museum founded after the independence of Somalia, the Hargeisa Provincial Museum was established in 1977 with a large ethnographic collection donated by Hargeisa’s residents. It was once thoroughly demolished in 1988 by the civil war but was reconstructed with former dignity.

The MiG monument:

The MiG monument is one of the symbols of the city, which was erected to commemorate the effort of the locals in forming the autonomous Somaliland region by detaching from other parts of Somalia during the 1980s.

University of Hargeisa:

The University of Hargeisa is renowned as one of the best universities in Somalia for higher education. Established on 27 September 2000, the university currently trains more than 4,600 students with different latest science and commerce courses. It is also a great cultural centre.

Other places of interest in and around Hargeisa include:

Hargeisa International Airport
Admas University College
Somaliland University of Technology
NASA Runway in Berbera
Port of Berbera
Beaches in Berbera
National Museum of Somalia in Mogadishu
The Governor’s Palace of Mogadishu
National Museum of Somalia in Mogadishu

When to visit Hargeisa?

Generally during the beginning months of the year are ideal to travel Hargeisa, when less rain falls, will be supportive to explore the pre-historic sites of Hargeisa.

Where to stay in Hargeisa?

After the national capital Mogadishu, Hargeisa holds the highest number of hotels in Somalia. Most hotels are in the downtown area that can be easily found. Here are some nice hotels in Hargeisa:

Hadhwanaag Hotel
Ambassador Hotel Hargeisa
Maan-Soor Hotel
Oriental Hotel
Safari Hotel
Deero Hotel

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Garoe (Garoowe), North Africa, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Garoe (Garoowe), North Africa, Africa

Garoowe is the capital city of the autonomous region Puntland in Somalia. Being the capital, Garoowe holds the presidential palace, regional parliament and all other administrative offices belonging to the Puntland Government. Garoowe is one of the fastest thriving cities of Somalia, situated around 940 km northeast of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The grand administrative offices, public universities and libraries are places of interest in Garoowe, that are well maintained and allowed for visitors with a prior permission. Garoowe is relatively peaceful compared to other Somali cities.

History of Garoowe:

Along with other northeastern Somali cities, Garoowe was reigned by Boqor Osman Mahamud belonged to Majeerteen Sultanate during the 19^th century. Later, in the early 20^th century, Garoowe came under the Italians rule and became independent in 1960. Garoowe was designated as the capital of the newly formed autonomous Puntland State of Somalia in 1998.

How to reach Garoowe?

Garoowe International Airport is the airport serving Garoowe, situated around 12 km away from the city centre. It operates flights from and to Dubai, served by Jubba Airways and other Somali cities.

The road transportation of Garoowe is extended only to other Putland cities, not to all parts in Somali. Buses are scheduled, but not regular. So, visitors can take the suggestion of hiring car that would be helpful for intercity travel, airport travel and sightseeing.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Garoowe:

Garoowe hosts the main campus of the Puntland State University and one of the campuses of the East Africa University. The Garowe District is home to a total of 30 primary schools.

Shops and restaurants are also abundant in Garoowe that are spread up all around the city with both modern and traditional features.

Things to do in Garoowe:

Visiting university and library
Walking
Shopping

What to see in Garoowe?

Presidential palace in Garowe:

Being the capital of autonomous region Puntland, Garoowe houses the presidential palace of Puntland that was opened on April 16, 2013. The building is located in the pleasant environment, in the heart of the city.

Puntland State University:

The Puntland State University is one of the reputed universities of Garoowe, established in 2004. The university offers all latest courses, including business administration and also conducts cultural programs showcasing the significance of the local culture.

Garowe Public Library:

The Garowe Public Library is situated in the centre of Garoowe, holding a large collection of books on different subjects like science, technology, local culture and history. Outsiders are allowed with permission.

Mire Aware Stadium:

The Mire Aware Stadium is a multipurpose stadium in Garoowe, holding a capacity of around 15,000 people. The stadium is highly used for football matches, was the site of the Somali National Football Tournament, which was the first soccer tournament organized outside of Mogadishu.

Other places of interest in Garoowe include:

Port of Bosaso
Port of Berbera
Amoud University in Borama
The city of Hargeisa
Beaches in Berbera
NASA Runway in Berbera
National Museum of Somalia in Mogadishu
The Governor’s Palace of Mogadishu
National Museum of Somalia in Mogadishu

When to visit Garoowe?

Garoowe generally experiences a hot and dry climate, with an average winter temperature of 23 to 25 °C and summer temperature of 41 °C. Probably from May to October is the best time to visit Garoowe.

Where to stay in Garoowe?

Meka Hotel is the most famous hotel in Garoowe, situated in the heart of the city. Other than offering upgraded facilities and services, hotels also serve visitors with different authentic Somali dishes. For more options, visitors can refer hotels in Bosaso (440 km from Garoowe) and Mogadishu (around 440 km from Garoowe) that are listed below:

Hotel Huruuse in Bosaso
Hotel Juba in Bosaso
The Tropical in Bosaso
The International Village Hotel in Bosaso
Aran Guest House in Mogadishu
Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu
Oriental Hotel in Mogadishu
Hotel Nasa-Hablod in Mogadishu
Amira Castle Hotel in Mogadishu
Hotel Shamo in Mogadishu
Mogadishu Airport Hotel in Mogadishu
Jazeera Palace Hotel in Mogadishu

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Qardho (Gardo), Bari, North Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Qardho (Gardo), Bari, North Africa, Africa

Qardho, also called Gardo, is a city belonging to the Bari region in the autonomous Puntland state of Somalia, located between 9°30′ N latitude and 49°05′ E longitude. It is in the northeastern part of the country, functioning as the administrative centre of Qardho District. Qardho is situated around 700 km east of the country’s 2^nd largest city, Hargeisa and 1150 km north of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

History of Qardho:

Archeological evidences found around the area have shown that Qardho is one of the oldest settlements in northern Somalia. Qardho witnessed the rule of the Majeerteen Sultanate in the early modern age and at the turn of the 20^th century, Qardho fell under the Italians rule as a part of the Italian Somaliland. Following the independence of Somalia, Qardho was promoted as the seat of the Qardho District.

How to reach Qardho?

Qardho hosts an airport but flights are not scheduled. The closest major airport to Qardho is Bender Qassim International Airport in Bosaso, located around 240 km away from Qardho. This airport is served by African Express Airways (Aden, Berbera, Galkayo, Nairobi and Wajir) and Jubba Airways (Hargeisa).

Buses ply between Qardho and Bosaso, but not regular. So visitors are advised to use a rental car for comfort and convenient airport travel.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Qardho:

Like country, Islam is the predominant religion in Qardho, who cover around 90% of the total population of the city.

Qardho houses many nice boutiques, of which most are traditional options, where visitors can bag some colorful handicrafts, traditional costumes and jewelry.

Cuisine of Qardho is influenced by other African and Arab countries. Restaurants in Qardho are limited to traditional options only, so tourists have to be adjusted to that.

Things to do in Qardho:

Traditional shopping
Day tours
Walking

What to see in Qardho?

The campus of the East Africa University:

East Africa University is one of the recognized universities in East Africa, holding 7 campuses in different location of Somalia, including Qardho. Apart from educational activities, the university is known for blending the local culture of Qardho with foreign cultures with regular cultural programs.

Qardho Airport:

Located around 802 meters above sea level, the Qardho Airport is a modern and well constructed airport, situated around 6 km away from the centre of the city. Currently, there are no scheduled flights serving the airport, although the airport receives visitors as one of the major landmarks of the city.

Bosaso:

Bosaso is a port city, located on the coastline of the Gulf of Aden, around 240 km north of Qardho. Bosaso is famous among visitors as a beach destination and the city also houses many historical sites, modern restaurants, cafes and an international airport as well.

Other places of interest in and around Qardho include:

Gardo General Hospital in Qardho
Port of Bosaso
Amoud University in Borama
The city of Hargeisa
Beaches in Berbera
Port of Berbera
NASA Runway in Berbera
The Governor’s Palace of Mogadishu
National Museum of Somalia in Mogadishu
National Museum of Somalia in Mogadishu

When to visit Qardho?

Like most parts of Somalia, from May to October is the best time to visit Qardho, when the weather remains dry.

Where to stay in Qardho?

There are standard hotels difficult to find in Qardho, so visitors can find hotels in nearby cities that are listed below. In below list, the first 4 hotels are in Bosaso (around 240 km from Qardho) and the rest of the hotels are located in Hargeisa (around 720 km from Qardho).