Somaliland Highlights

If you want to visit a country that doesn’t officially exist - come with us to Somaliland! While the rest of Somalia has been a no-go zone for travelers for two decades, the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland has restored law and order within its boundaries, the safety of Westerners is taken very seriously and foreigners are welcome. This is a tour back in time to the beginning of civilization. From the modern capital Hargeisa to the ancient port of Berbera, from the desert communities to some of the best rock art on the continent: Las Geel - we’ll take you to a country that could not be further off the tourist trail. After visiting bustling historical towns we shall immerse in the green paradise of Somaliland - Daallo Mountains.

Our tour is for those who like their travel on the extreme side and are ready to reveal the secrets of this corner of the African Horn!

Highlights of the tour:
♦ Las Geel – the earliest cave paintings in the Horn of Africa
♦ Berbera – the old quarter


Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrival to Hargeisa. 
Pick up and transfer to your Hotel. Depending on your arrival time you will explore the capital of Somaliland. After a rest you can freely walk around the city center to get a sense of the people and the town.

Day 2: Hargeisa – Laas Geel – Berbera
Early morning you will explore Hargeisa by visiting the Civil War Memorial and The Central Market. After this you will visit Laas Geel, the most important rock art site in Africa. The vibrant colors and well preserved paintings are estimated to be around ten thousand years old. Drive continues to Berbera where you will be taken to your hotel. Here you can hang out on the beach and go for a swim while the sun goes down.

Day 3: Berbera – Sheikh – Burao
After breakfast you can relax on the beach and swim before exploring Berbera City. A half day trip will get you acquainted with this historical town. Especially interesting is the old quarter with its well preserved examples of Ottoman and British architecture. After this we will drive to the small town of Sheikh in the mountains. Crossing Sheikh Mountain will be a nice experience because of the view and the pleasant temperature. At the end of the day we will drive further East to Burao (or Burco in Somali), the second biggest city in the country.

Day 4 and 5: Burao – Erigavo – Daallo Mountains – Burao
In Burao you will wander around and explore the city. After that we have a very long drive to Erigavo, the capital of Sanaag Province. From Erigavo we will visit Daallo thick forest and Daallo escarpment, considered the green paradise of Somaliland. They are exceeding 2400 meters in height. Overnight stay in Erigavo in a small basic hotel and on the next day - an overnight back in Burao.

Day 6: Burao – Hargeisa
Drive back to Hargeisa (4,5 hours). Free time to explore the city. Hotel overnight

Day 7: Departure


Price Includes:
6 nights; standard hotels incl. breakfast
airport transfers
all transport and entrance fees
English speaking local guide
visa invitation
permission letters for the sightseeing such as Las Geel and other sites; local photo and tour permissions; SPU (Safety Protection Unit) escort

Not Included:
international flight tickets
insurance
tips and personal expenses
drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
visa

Additional Services:
single room supplement: 90 EUR


Gallery


Somaliland Highlights (Rated 4.75 / 5 Based on 377 Reviews.)
Group Size
6-12
Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit 1175 , 10 Days

Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit

 The Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly the most renowned walking trail in the Alps that runs...
Syria and Lebanon Roundtrip 1480 , 8 Days

Syria and Lebanon Roundtrip

Damascus is welcoming you again! Syria has seen some turbulent last years with a war raging the...
Caucasus Explorer - Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan 1180 , 11 Days

Caucasus Explorer - Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan

The Caucasus - the region where Europe meets Asia, where dramatic nature landscapes meet...

View all» What people say about us

Gunnar Svensson

Tour: Caucasus Explorer
★★★★★
Interesting trip in a different part of the world. with a possibility to learn a lot. Visit to spectacular churches and monastries, museums, wine producers, nature and beautiful cities. This tour is recommended.


Haley

Tour: Saudi Arabia
★★★★★
Fantastic trip with Penguin Travel! Loved all the sights we got to see in Saudi Arabia. Abdulaziz and Lyuben were very helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend for solo and group travelers, especially those wanting an "off the beaten path" experience. Can't wait to travel with Penguin again!


Milosh Kitchovitch

Tour: Balkan Kaleidoscope
★★★★★
Amazing tour! A great overview of eight Balkan countries with the perfect balance of organized activities and free time. Our guide Anton was the best - organized, calm and has great sense of humor. I highly recommend it. This was my first tour with Penguin and I will definitely be booking more tours with Penguin.


View all»

Blog

19.03.2023 10:17

Cape Coast: A city of history, life and magnificent beaches

Cape Coast, a city that lies on the shimmering shores of the Gulf of Guinea, is a land of rich culture, ancient history, and breathtaking beauty. A place tantalizes the senses and awakens the spirit with its vibrant arts scene, sumptuous cuisine, and fascinating heritage. This city, once the capital of the Gold Coast, exudes an air of mystery and enchantment. Its ancient Cape Coast Castle stands...


23.02.2023 13:24

Discovering the Best Time to Visit Iceland: Weather, Northern Lights, Outdoor Activities and Crowds

Iceland is a unique and stunning country, known for its otherworldly landscapes, hot springs, and Northern Lights. However, due to its location close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland's weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Therefore, it is essential to know the best time to visit Iceland to make the most of your trip. In this article, we will discuss the best time to visit Iceland based...


10.12.2022 15:21

Saudi Arabia - the birthplace of Islam (tips for visiting the country)

It took really long for Saudi Arabia to decide to open for tourists, but now it is finally a fact and Penguin Travel immediately put the destination on its belt. The Kingdom – known as the spiritual birthplace of Islam, now has a new approach to attract visitors and that's why the visa requirements are changed. The changes are so big, compared to the past that they look almost like a...


06.08.2021 17:00

7 Things to do in South Sudan

It’s the newest country in the world and one that a lot of people haven’t even heard of. Those who have, usually associate it with the military conflict that has been tearing up the region for decades. But behind all of that, lies a country of ancient cultural rituals, a myriad of colorful local tribes and raw natural beauty. It is still the most challenging destinations for the...