Mogadishu Travel Guide

Mogadishu is the capital city of Somalia. It is a populous city with a population of more than 3 million people.

History 

A devastating civil war started in 1991 that has ruined the beautiful city. Since 1991, there were various Islamist or warlord-affiliated militias who have been controlling different parts of the city. A few months of relief was given in 2006 when the Union of Islamic Courts took full control of the city. It is important to note that Ethiopia invaded Somalia six months later and they have reinstated the western-backed Transitional Federal Government. The Islamist group known as the Al-Shabab gradually control over the Mogadishu until the government has controlled a few square blocks. 

A lot of African Union troops that include Ethiopia helped in clearing the city of militants in August 2011. Bombings and shootings are the commonplace but open warfare is ceased for now. The condition is changing now, foreign direct investment has increased as compared to the past and twenty embassies have re-opened.

Note: It is much safer as compared to the late 1990s and early 2000s. Note that the travel to Mogadishu is extremely dangerous due to the violent crime and terror attacks. It is advised by many governments not to travel to Mogadishu.

Traveling to Mogadishu 

Want to travel to Mogadishu? Below are the three ways for traveling to Mogadishu:

A) Travel Via Airplane

Flights to Mogadishu will be arriving at Mogadishu International Airport. It is also called the Aden Adde International Airport that is located a few kilometers southwest of the city center in the Degmada Waaberi district. The facilities at the airport are provided by the Turkish government. They have provided funds for the renovation of the airport, control tower, security, and navigational systems. According to an estimate, more than 100 flights operate to and from the airport on a daily basis. 

Wondering, which airlines go to the airport? Below are the airlines that going to Mogadishu, Aden Adde International Airport:

1-Jubba Airways

It is a Somali-based carrier that is having a hub at Mogadishu. This airline is offering services from Dubai Airport, Jeddah, Djibouti, Nairobi, and domestically from Hargeisa and several other cities. 

2-African Express Airways

This airline is providing services between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi, Berbera, Bosaso, Dubai, Aden, Galkayo, Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta, Sharjah, & Wajir.

3-BlueSky Air

This airline is providing passenger and cargo services in the cities of Somalia. It is having a hub at Mogadishu International Airport and connects with the rest of the world through Nairobi Wilson Airport in Kenya.

4-Ocean Airlines

It is another Somali based carrier that connects Mogadishu with Nairobi in Kenya and to Bosaso, Hargeisa, Garowe, Kismayu, and Galkayo in Somalia. In search of cheap flights to Garowe, Somali, then this can be the airline that you can choose. 

5-Turkish Airlines

It is providing twice-weekly service from the Istanbul Airport via Djibouti

6-Ethiopian Airlines

It is offering a daily flight between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu

7-Qatar Airways

This airline is going to start their flights to Mogadishu, from Doha, via Djibouti

8-Air Djibouti

This airline is only providing services to Djibouti.

9-Daallo Airlines

It offers services to Djibouti stopping route at Hargeisa.

10-Fly-SAX

This airline is offering service to and from Nairobi.

B) Travel Via Road

There is a possibility to drive into the city by truck. But this is a risky activity if you are not having a group of local militaries that are available for hire. Note that roads are linking the city with Somali locales, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Hired security forces, armed guards, and experienced guides are essential for a safe entry. But remember that there is a risk of being injured, killed or captured is very high. 

Roads turn into a muddy mess during rain. Furthermore, the traffic lights are not always working and there are no enforced traffic laws or public transport. The road network present in Mogadishu is being repaired and paved slowly after the civil war. If you are planning to travel, then a vehicle with a driver and armed guards is necessary. Break-ins at the intersections are possible, so it is recommended to avoid openly displaying anything that is valuable by a Somali. In all cases, it is best to hire an armored vehicle with guards and drivers.

C) Travel Via Boat

It is interesting to note that the small cargo ships leave from the Old Harbor of Mombasa for Mogadishu on a daily basis and sometimes to Kismayo. To travel on a boat, you have to speak with the security officers at the gate and they will negotiate the fare with the captain. The journey will be completed in 2-5 days according to the conditions. The sea is rough from July to August, so you have to spend more time traveling during this period of the year.

Places to Visit in Mogadishu

Whenever a person plans to visit a city, they look for places they can visit during the trip. But visitors should be traveling with the security guard. The list of places are as follows:

1-Ruins of Mogadishu Cathedral 

This cathedral was built during the colonial years of Italian Somaliland. This place barely survived during the civil war. This was greatly damaged during fighting in the 1990s that was severely bombed by Islamists in 2008. Note that some of the stone walls and arches are present as the testament to the old building. It is said by the Somali Government that there is a possibility of rebuilding the cathedral as a sign of religious harmony. 

2-Arba-Rucun Mosque

This mosque is called the “Mosque of the Four Pillars” Due to the city's Islamic heritage, one of few things that the city's various warlords can agree that this 1269 mosque has not been ruined as compared to the neighboring cathedral. It is said by the Mosque that this was built by the direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammed. 

3-Old Shanghai City 

This place is located near the airport. This is a secured place, customer-friendly and business-oriented. Visit the place enjoy the view of the beach from the top of the roof and see planes taking off and the Indian Ocean. It is better to contact them in advance. 

4-Arch of Triumph 

This Triumphal arch was built by the Italians in 1936. It is a monumental structure that is having a shape similar to an archway with one or more archway passageways. 

5-National Museum of Somalia 

It is a national museum located in Mogadishu. This was built in 1933 by the colonial authorities of the Italian Somaliland. 

6-Banadir Governor Office 

This government building is the place where the governor stays. It is a good place for taking pictures or having a talk with friendly staff. 

7-Black Hawk Down Crash Site

 A security guard is needed for this site. It is located inside the Bakaara Market. To visit this historic site, get cheap flights to Mogadishu, Somalia by getting in touch with a renowned travel agency. 

8-Mogadishu Lighthouse

This was made during the time of the Italian colonial years. This lighthouse has been ruined during the civil war but it is still retaining the charm. 

9-Mogadishu Peace Park 

This park was built in 2016. It is the most popular park in the city as more than 700 people visit the park. They take pictures and enjoy the greenery surrounding them. 

10-Almnara Tower 

This is a medieval relic that is located in Mogadishu. This has witnessed the rise and fall of the powers within the region. 

Markets in Mogadishu

There are two markets situated in the Mogadishu as listed below:

• Mogadishu Fish Market

This market was built by UK-Somalia collaboration. This fish market is thriving. For the visitors who have seen the famous "Mogadishu Fish Picture" and they want to try it for themselves, then this will be your chance when traveling to Mogadishu. 

• Jazeera Livestock Market

It is a thriving market for camels, sheep, cows, and goats. Animals are looked after here before exporting them to the Middle East markets. Here you will find different breeds starting from the Somali Cattle breed to the Ethiopian Borana Cattle breed. When visiting the camel market, you can enjoy the fresh camel milk. 

Beaches in Mogadishu

Want to spend some quality time with great views of the sea and sun going down. Following are the two beaches that you should visit:

• Jazeera Beach

 This beach is also called Gezira Beach and it is located in the south of the city. It is a lovely and quiet place that has resorts, hotels, and restaurants with a sandy, white, and sunny beach. The attractions include a small island where you can take pictures and can go for a boat ride. 

• Liido Beach

This beach was built by the Italian colonialists that are known as Mogadishu Miami Beach. It is very popular among foreign tourists and overseas Somalis. The area is offering a nice resort, cheap seafood, swimming, and sandy Indian Ocean beaches. It is having a famous Anglo-American Club. 

Restaurants in Mogadishu

Want to have food that tantalise your taste buds? In Mogadishu, you can find international cuisine at Nasa Hablod Restaurant that is located inside of Hotel Nasa Hablod and at the Sahafi Hotel. These two are the safest options for travelers. Below are the restaurants that you can try out when visiting Mogadishu are as follows:

1-Liido Seafood Restaurant

This restaurant is offering local and international delicacies, especially seafood. It is a popular place among the foreign tourists. 

2-Istanbul Restaurant

This restaurant is serving local and Turkish food. Remember that Mogadishu is a Muslim country, so alcohol is forbidden and it is followed by the whole country.

3-The Village

It has several outlets and one is located at the airport. The main restaurant is situated next to the bus terminal. To know more about the details, contact at info@thevillagehar.com

4-Abdille Nuradin's Bar 

If you are in search of the best drinks, then this is the place for you. The price per drink is 1000 Shillings. 

Hotels in Mogadishu 

Want to know about the best hotel for accommodation in Mogadishu? Below are the options that you can choose:

1-Al-Furat Hotel

This hotel is located in the center of the city that is opposite the parliament building. The security at this place is excellent and anyone who is entering the building is properly checked and even the laptops of the travelers are inspected and switched on. This hotel is not good and it is a little expensive as compared to the other hotels in Mogadishu. This hotel is offering a good, fast internet connection, and the rooms are having satellite TV. Furthermore, there is 24-hr room service, rooms are comfortable and they are also having a good shower room. 

2-Jazeera Palace Hotel

It is frequently visited by business travelers and it is having a high-profile visitor. Security is a priority here due to the presence of the armed guards and the hotel is having enclosed walls. This hotel was attacked in July 2015 by the armed militants and this leads to several casualties. This hotel has two restaurants. 

3-Sahafi Hotel

This place provides a rooftop panoramic view of Mogadishu City Center. It is covered with a 3-meter concrete blast wall, watch posts, and at least 20 armed guards in the hotel every time. The manager here is very helpful and the staff is very attentive. Furthermore, the food is also good. 

4-Aaran Guest House

It is one of the affordable options and it is a foreign-friendly place that provides excellent food. This hotel is taking the safety of their customers to another level. This place is favored by UK travelers. 

5-City Plaza Hotel

This hotel is a secure place that provides excellent food quality. It is very popular among the UN workers, foreign tourists, foreign workers, and business people who are coming from abroad. 

6-Hotel Shamo

This hotel is having large rooms with proper air-conditioning, wi-fi and electricity 24 hours a day. It is a decent restaurant that serves lobster. It is a relatively safe place. The price starts at US$100. 

7-Peace Hotel

This luxury hotel is near the airport that gives you the views of the Indian Ocean within an upper-class neighborhood. It is a popular spot for UN aid workers and foreigners. This hotel focuses on customer safety. 

8- Nasa Hablod Hotel

It is located at a distance of 2 km from the International Airport. It has a restaurant, meeting rooms, TV, internet access, safe box, and air-conditioning.

9-Central Hotel

It is a cheap hotel that offers excellent food. At this place, government elites come for business other than particular ministries. 

10-Syl Hotel

It is a five-star hotel where government dignitaries stay. It is located near the beach resorts that are offering cozy rooms and conference rooms.

11-Oriental Hotel

This hotel is providing excellent food and security. It is best for business travelers. 

This was a complete guide about Mogadishu traveling. But you need to be careful and you should have armed guards with you when traveling. If you are a resident of the UK, then you should book flights tickets from UK to Mogadishu at an affordable price tag for your journey.