Somalia

Somalia? Why not! The capital Mogadishu, with its ancient Arab-Persian echoes, now reopens its borders to international flights and the small region to the north, called Somaliland, self-proclaimed independent in 1991, is considered a small oasis of peace with 4 million inhabitants.

Not internationally recognised as a state, Somaliland has no access to international funding or foreign investment, so it is a state/non-state that is growing by its own efforts alone. Its main economy, as in most of Somalia, is based on animal husbandry and export, through the historic port of Berbera, the ancient medieval capital of the Ifat sultanate, and the qat trade with its traditional overland routes through the Horn of Africa. But for some time now, the cultural tourism sector has also begun to make an appearance (or rather reappear, because Somalia has not always been at war), with more and more curious travellers, geologists, archaeologists and anthropological enthusiasts landing in Hargeisa, the regional capital of English origin, or in Mogadishu, eager to discover the treasures hidden in this small strip of land overlooking the Gulf of Aden.

Between white beaches and crystal-clear water, lunar landscapes and livestock markets with fascinating atmospheres, a population of nomadic and semi-nomadic origin, strongly attached to its traditions, the main jewel is undoubtedly the incredible series of sacred caves of Las Geel, which, according to legend, are inhabited by spirits and hide cave paintings at least 5. The caves are legendarily inhabited by spirits and hide cave paintings that are at least 5,000 to 6,000 years old and have been declared Africa’s best-preserved Neolithic site to date, a unique and priceless collection in terms of date and iconographic style.

Kanaga Africa Tours works at the service of travellers to offer a privileged channel to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the reality of this magnificent country and appreciate its immense tangible and intangible cultural heritage. At the moment, due to a rather complex socio-political situation, we have decided to limit our trips to Somalia to Mogadishu and the Somaliland region only. We will certainly be the first to propose other itineraries as soon as the situation clears up and the necessary security conditions are restored.