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{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is already sufficiently detailed; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
[[File:Laas Geel single cow.jpg|thumb|right|Neolithic rock art at the [[Laas Gaal]] complex.]]
'''Tourism in Somalia''' is regulated by the [[Federal Government of Somalia]]'s Ministry of Tourism. The industry was traditionally noted for its numerous historical sites, beaches, waterfalls, mountain ranges and national parks. After the start of the civil war in the early 1990s, the Tourism Ministry shut down operations. It was later re-established in the 2000s, and once again oversees the national tourist industry. The [[Mogadishu]]-based Somali Tourism Association (SOMTA) also provides on-the-ground consulting services.
'''Tourism in Somalia''' is regulated by the [[Federal Government of Somalia]]'s Ministry of Tourism. The industry was traditionally noted for its numerous historical sites, beaches, waterfalls, mountain ranges and national parks. After the start of the civil war in the early 1990s, the Tourism Ministry shut down operations. It was re-established in the 2000s, and once again oversees the national tourist industry. The [[Mogadishu]]-based Somali Tourism Association (SOMTA) provides on-the-ground consulting services. In 2024, the number of foreign visitors to Somalia has increased by 50% in the past year, reaching over 10,000<ref>https://sonna.so/en/somalia-welcomes-foreign-tourists-as-security-improves/</ref>.


==History==
==History==
[[File:Zeila ruins.jpeg|thumb|right|Ruins of the [[Adal Sultanate]] in [[Zeila]].]]
[[File:Zeila ruins.jpeg|thumb|right|Ruins of the [[Adal Sultanate]] in [[Zeila]]]]
In the pre-independence period, European explorers would occasionally travel to [[Somalia]] and other parts of the [[Horn of Africa]] to visit the region's numerous historical sites described in old documents like the 1st century CE ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]''.
In the pre-independence period, European explorers would occasionally travel to [[Somalia]] and other parts of the [[Horn of Africa]] to visit the region's numerous historical sites described in old documents like the 1st century CE ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]''.
[[File:Somcoralreef.jpg|thumb|left|Somalia's ecological parks, coral reefs and protected areas.]]
[[File:Somcoralreef.jpg|thumb|left|Somalia's ecological parks, coral reefs and protected areas]]
⚫
Following Somalia's independence in 1960, the Ministry of Tourism was established in order to regulate the national tourist industry.<ref name="Cmepos">{{cite book|title=Coastal and Marine Environmental Problems of Somalia, Volume 1|year=1987|publisher=UNEP|page=127|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Q54TAAAAYAAJ}}</ref> In 1969, the Law on Fauna (Hunting) and Forest Conservation was passed, which defined and provided for the establishment of controlled areas, game reserves and partial game reserves. It was later amended in 1978.<ref name="IUCN">{{cite book|last=International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources|title=The Iucn Sahel Studies 1989|year=1989|publisher=IUCN|isbn=2880329779|page=107|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=3jRmxGZhSt4C}}</ref>


⚫
Following Somalia's independence in 1960, the Ministry of Tourism was established in order to regulate the national tourist industry.<ref name="Cmepos">{{cite book|title=Coastal and Marine Environmental Problems of Somalia, Volume 1|year=1987|publisher=UNEP|page=127|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q54TAAAAYAAJ}}</ref> In 1969, the Law on Fauna (Hunting) and Forest Conservation was passed, which defined and provided for the establishment of controlled areas, game reserves and partial game reserves. It was later amended in 1978.<ref name="IUCN">{{cite book|last=International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources|title=The Iucn Sahel Studies 1989|year=1989|publisher=IUCN|isbn=2880329779|page=107|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3jRmxGZhSt4C}}</ref>
⚫
Under Mire Aware Jama,<ref name="Kurian">{{cite book|last=Kurian|first=George Thomas|title=Encyclopedia of the Third World, Volume 3|year=1982|publisher=Facts on File|isbn=0871964961|page=1620|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=fbdNyIbm1ckC}}</ref> the Ministry subsequently passed the Tourism Act in 1984. The bill laid down official guidelines for the development and modernization of the tourism sector. Among its stated aims was the acquisition of land in the interior and on the coast as well as beach properties for the purpose of building or expanding tourist infrastructures. The Act also included provisions for "the protection, preservation and utilization of historic, cultural and artisanal resources; the protection and preservation of ecology and environment; and strict urban and regional planning for zones of touristic interest to include game parks, land and sea parks, sanctuaries, etc." The Tourism Ministry sought to center the industry in the vicinity of the southern [[Lag Badana National Park]], with nearby coral reefs and offshore islands likewise envisioned as part of the development. Additionally, plans were drawn up for the formation of a tourist resort area on one of the beaches near the capital [[Mogadishu]], in the south-central [[Banaadir]] region.<ref name="Cmepos"/>[[File:Mogaerial2.jpg|thumb|right|The historic [[Mogadishu]] waterfront (1984).]]
⚫
By 1989, newer legislation was drafted governing the establishment of national parks, game reserves and special reserves. The conservation of wildlife resources was at this time overseen by the Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Range's National Range Agency. Its Department of Wildlife also operated an independent law-enforcement unit, which had been created through presidential decree.<ref name="IUCN"/>


⚫
Under Mire Aware Jama,<ref name="Kurian">{{cite book|last=Kurian|first=George Thomas|title=Encyclopedia of the Third World, Volume 3|year=1982|publisher=Facts on File|isbn=0871964961|page=1620|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fbdNyIbm1ckC}}</ref> the Ministry subsequently passed the Tourism Act in 1984. The bill laid down official guidelines for the development and modernization of the tourism sector. Among its stated aims was the acquisition of land in the interior and on the coast as well as beach properties for the purpose of building or expanding tourist infrastructures. The Act also included provisions for "the protection, preservation and utilization of historic, cultural and artisanal resources; the protection and preservation of ecology and environment; and strict urban and regional planning for zones of touristic interest to include game parks, land and sea parks, sanctuaries, etc." The Tourism Ministry sought to center the industry in the vicinity of the southern [[Lag Badana National Park]], with nearby coral reefs and offshore islands likewise envisioned as part of the development. Additionally, plans were drawn up for the formation of a tourist resort area on one of the beaches near the capital [[Mogadishu]], in the south-central [[Banaadir]] region.<ref name="Cmepos"/>[[File:Mogaerial2.jpg|thumb|right|The historic [[Mogadishu]] waterfront (1984)]]
⚫
Following the outbreak of the [[Somali Civil War|civil war]] in 1991, tourism in Somalia came to a halt. Various international bodies subsequently began issuing travel advisories recommending that potential tourists avoid visiting the area for safety reasons. Aside from a handful of adventure seekers, few travelers ventured to the volatile southern provinces.<ref name="Mftpio">{{cite news|last=Abdinur|first=Mustafa Haji|title=Mogadishu's 'first tourist' puzzles immigration officials|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5im2jwahdq7x08XZEr7K_l4lkZv4w?docId=CNG.287f99cf53380cfffea81f8d5de03ae0.31|accessdate=14 June 2013|newspaper=AFP|date=10 December 2010}}</ref> Most instead limited their visits to the relatively stable northern [[Puntland]] and [[Somaliland]] regions.


⚫
By 1989, newer legislation was drafted governing the establishment of national parks, game reserves and special reserves. The conservation of wildlife resources was at this time overseen by the Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Range's National Range Agency. Its Department of Wildlife also operated an independent law-enforcement unit, which had been created through a presidential decree.<ref name="IUCN"/>
⚫
After the [[Somali Armed Forces]] evicted [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|Al-Shabaab]] militants from Mogadishu in mid-2011, the capital gradually started to experience a renaissance. Local businessmen and returning Somali expatriates built and opened up a number of new hotels and guest houses, mainly catering to other Somalis as well as some Westerners. Newly constructed beachside resorts also accommodated the first tourist families in many years.<ref name="Milmsrhtap">{{cite news|last=Ali|first=Laila|title='Mogadishu is like Manhattan': Somalis return home to accelerate progress|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2013/jan/11/mogadishu-manhattan-somalis-return-progress|accessdate=14 June 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|date=11 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="Hismhtbth">{{cite news|last=Nima Elbagir|first=Lillian Leposo|title=Holidays in Somalia? Mogadishu hopes to be tourist hotspot|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/30/business/mogadishu-holidays-business-economy|accessdate=14 June 2013|newspaper=CNN|date=12 June 2013}}</ref>


⚫
Following the outbreak of the [[Somali Civil War|civil war]] in 1991, tourism in Somalia came to a halt. Various international bodies subsequently began issuing travel advisories recommending that potential tourists avoid visiting the area for safety reasons. Aside from a handful of adventure seekers, few travelers ventured to the volatile southern provinces.<ref name="Mftpio">{{cite news|last=Abdinur|first=Mustafa Haji|title=Mogadishu's 'first tourist' puzzles immigration officials|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5im2jwahdq7x08XZEr7K_l4lkZv4w?docId=CNG.287f99cf53380cfffea81f8d5de03ae0.31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215021938/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5im2jwahdq7x08XZEr7K_l4lkZv4w?docId=CNG.287f99cf53380cfffea81f8d5de03ae0.31|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 15, 2010|access-date=14 June 2013|newspaper=AFP|date=10 December 2010}}</ref> Most instead limited their visits to the relatively stable northern [[Somaliland]] territory.
⚫
==Regulation==
⚫
Tourism in Somalia is regulated by the reconstituted national Ministry of Tourism. The autonomous Puntland and Somaliland regions maintain their own tourist offices.<ref name="Ntmucig">{{cite news|title=New tourism ministry under construction in Garowe|url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2012/11/01/newsbrief-06|accessdate=14 June 2013|newspaper=Sabahi|date=1 November 2012}}</ref>


⚫
After the [[Somali Armed Forces]] evicted [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|Al-Shabaab]] militants from Mogadishu in mid-2011, the capital gradually started to experience a renaissance. Local businessmen and returning Somali expatriates built and opened a number of new hotels and guest houses, mainly catering to other Somalis as well as some Westerners. Newly constructed beachside resorts also accommodated the first tourist families in many years.<ref name="Milmsrhtap">{{cite news|last=Ali|first=Laila|title='Mogadishu is like Manhattan': Somalis return home to accelerate progress|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/jan/11/mogadishu-manhattan-somalis-return-progress|access-date=14 June 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|date=11 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="Hismhtbth">{{cite news|last=Nima Elbagir|first=Lillian Leposo|title=Holidays in Somalia? Mogadishu hopes to be tourist hotspot|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/30/business/mogadishu-holidays-business-economy|access-date=14 June 2013|newspaper=CNN|date=12 June 2013}}</ref>[[File:Angle view of Biyo Kulule.jpg|thumb|500px| Biyo kulule, a tourist place near [[Bosaso]] Bari region, Puntland, Somalia]]
⚫
Headquartered in Mogadishu, the Somali Tourism Association (SOMTA) also provides consulting services from within the country on the national tourist industry.<ref name="SOMTA">{{cite web|title=Somali Tourism Association (SOMTA)|url=http://somta.so/|publisher=Somali Tourism Association|accessdate=14 June 2013}}</ref>


⚫
==Regulation==
⚫
Due to the long absence of governmental regulation, it is uncertain how many international inbound tourists visit Somalia per year.<ref name="Itnoa">{{cite web|title=International tourism, number of arrivals|url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/ST.INT.ARVL|publisher=World Bank|accessdate=19 July 2013}}</ref> However, visas and stay permits are now mandatory for all foreign nationals. As of April 2013, the re-established Somali Immigration Department requires all undocumented foreigners to register at its offices in the capital.<ref name="Ssiacfrof">{{cite news|title=Somali immigration authority calls for registration of foreigners|url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2013/04/11/newsbrief-03|accessdate=14 June 2013|newspaper=Sabahi|date=11 April 2013}}</ref>
⚫
Tourism in Somalia is regulated by the reconstituted national Ministry of Tourism. The self declared republic of Somaliland maintain their own tourist offices.<ref name="Ntmucig">{{cite news|title=New tourism ministry under construction in Garowe|url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2012/11/01/newsbrief-06|access-date=14 June 2013|newspaper=Sabahi|date=1 November 2012}}</ref>
⚫
Somali Tourism Association (SOMTA) also provides consulting services from within the country on the national tourist industry.<ref name="SOMTA">{{cite web|title=Somali Tourism Association (SOMTA)|url=http://somta.so/|publisher=Somali Tourism Association|access-date=14 June 2013}}</ref>

⚫
Due to the long absence of governmental regulation, it is uncertain how many international inbound tourists visit Somalia per year.<ref name="Itnoa">{{cite web|title=International tourism, number of arrivals|url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/ST.INT.ARVL|publisher=World Bank|access-date=19 July 2013}}</ref> However, visas and stay permits are now mandatory for all foreign nationals. As of April 2013, the re-established Somali Immigration Department requires all undocumented foreigners to register at its offices in the capital.<ref name="Ssiacfrof">{{cite news|title=Somali immigration authority calls for registration of foreigners|url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2013/04/11/newsbrief-03|access-date=14 June 2013|newspaper=Sabahi|date=11 April 2013}}</ref>


==Attractions==
==Attractions==
[[File:Garesadihafun.jpg|thumb|right|One of the forts of the [[Majeerteen Sultanate]] (Migiurtinia) in [[Hafun]].]]
[[File:Garesadihafun.jpg|thumb|right|One of the forts of the [[Majeerteen Sultanate]] (Migiurtinia) in [[Hafun]]]]
Somalia has a number of local attractions, consisting of historical sites, beaches, waterfalls, mountain ranges and national parks. As of March 2015, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of the [[Southwestern Somalia|South West State]] announced that it is slated to establish additional wildlife game reserves and ranges.<ref name="Gswstrghtat">{{cite news|title=South West State to renovate Government Hotels to Attract Tourism|url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=12161|accessdate=25 March 2015|agency=Goobjoog|date=25 March 2015}}</ref>
Somalia has a number of local attractions, including historical sites, beaches, waterfalls, mountain ranges and national parks. As of March 2015, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of the [[Southwestern Somalia|South West State]] announced that it is slated to establish additional game reserves and wildlife ranges.<ref name="Gswstrghtat">{{cite news|title=South West State to renovate Government Hotels to Attract Tourism|url=http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=12161|access-date=25 March 2015|agency=Goobjoog|date=25 March 2015}}</ref>


===Historical sites===
===Historical sites===
;North
;North

*[[Aluula]] – Former capital of the [[Majeerteen Sultanate]] (Migiurtinia).
*[[Aluula]] – Former capital of the [[Majeerteen Sultanate]] (Migiurtinia).
*[[Bargal]] – Former seasonal capital of the Majeerteen Sultanate. Features the ruins of one of the castles of King [[Osman Mahamuud]].
*[[Bargal]] – Former seasonal capital of the Majeerteen Sultanate. Features the ruins of one of the castles of King [[Osman Mahamuud]].
*[[Bosaso]]-The ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]'' indicates that [[ancient Greek]] merchants sailed to Bosaso, providing notes about the strategic and geographical location of the current Bosaso area, which was known as '''[[Mosylon]]''' in ancient times. The towns environs such as [[Biyo Kulule]] and Bacaad as well as [[Karin, Bari Somalia|Karin]] which Italians had second largest base in Somali soil all are artifacts sites <ref>[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/periplus.html Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]</ref>
*[[Damo, Somalia|Damo]] – The likely "Market and Cape of Spices" described in the ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]''.
*[[Damo, Somalia|Damo]] – The likely "[[Aromata|Market and Cape of Spices]]" described in the ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]''.
*[[Dhambalin]] – Archaeological site in northern Somalia, with rock art in the Ethiopian-Arabian style showing early evidence of animal domestication.
*[[Dhambalin]] – Archaeological site in northern Somalia, with rock art in the Ethiopian-Arabian style showing early evidence of animal domestication.
*[[Eyl]] – Site of many historical artefacts and structures. Served as a base for the [[Dervish]] forces, with several forts remaining from this period. Also includes some colonial edifices built by the Italians.
*[[Eyl]] – Site of many historical artefacts and structures. Served as a base for the [[Dervish]] forces, with several [[Dhulbahante garesa]]s remaining from this period. Also includes some colonial edifices built by the Italians.
[[File:The National Archives UK - CO 1069-8-36.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view of the [[Dervish State]]'s main fort complex in [[Taleh]].]]
[[File:The National Archives UK - CO 1069-8-36.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view of the [[Dervish State]]'s main Dhulbahante Garesa complex in [[Taleh]]]]

*[[Hafun]] – Site of an ancient [[necropolis]].
*[[Hafun]] – Site of an ancient [[necropolis]].
*[[Haylaan]] – Site of numerous ancient ruins and buildings. Includes the tombs of Sheikh [[Darod]] and his wife [[Dobira]].
*[[Haylaan]] – Site of numerous ancient ruins and buildings. Includes the tombs of Sheikh [[Darod]] and his wife [[Dobira]].
*[[Laas Gaal]] – Complex of caves in northwestern Somalia containing some of the earliest known [[rock art]] in the region. Its cave paintings have been estimated to date back between 9,000-3,000 BCE.
*[[Laas Gaal]] – Complex of caves in northwestern Somalia containing some of the earliest known [[rock art]] in the region. Its cave paintings have been estimated to date back between 9,000-3,000 BCE.
*[[Las Khorey]] – Former capital of the [[Warsangali Sultanate]]. Is the seat of the Sultan's former two-storey palace, a fortress, and a number of other historic ruins.
*[[Las Khorey]] – Former capital of the Warsangali Sultanate. Is the seat of the Sultan's former two-storey palace, a fortress, and a number of other historic ruins.
*[[Maydh]] – Site of an ancient port city in the Sanaag region of Somalia. Includes the tomb of Sheikh [[Isaaq]].
*[[Maydh]] – Site of an ancient port city in the Sanaag region of Somalia. Includes the tomb of [[Ishaaq bin Ahmed|Sheikh Isaaq]].
*[[Qa’ableh]] – Old town with a number of ancient burial structures. Believed to harbor the tombs of former kings from early periods of Somali history. Includes the tomb of Sheikh [[Harti (Darod)|Harti]].
*[[Qa’ableh]] – Old town with a number of ancient burial structures. Believed to harbor the tombs of former kings from early periods of Somali history. Includes the tomb of Sheikh [[Harti (Darod)|Harti]].
*[[Qombo'ul]] – Historic town in the Sanaag region. Sites include ancient ruins, buildings and structures.
*[[Qombo'ul]] – Historic town in the Sanaag region. Sites include ancient ruins, buildings and structures.
*[[Taleh]] – Former capital of the [[Dervish State]]. Features a large fortress complex.
*[[Taleh]] – Former capital of the [[Dervish State]]. Features the largest [[Dhulbahante garesa]] complex.
*[[Zeila]] – The commercial port of Avalites in antiquity, and the first capital of the medieval [[Adal Sultanate]].
*[[Zeila]] – The commercial port of Avalites in antiquity, and the first capital of the medieval [[Adal Sultanate]].


;South
;South
[[File:Gondereshe2008.jpg|thumb|right|The Citadel of [[Gondershe]].]]
[[File:Gondereshe2008.jpg|thumb|right|The Citadel of [[Gondershe]]]]
*[[Afgooye]] – Former capital of the [[Geledi Sultanate]].
*[[Afgooye]] – Former capital of the [[Geledi Sultanate]].
*[[Barawa]] – An important medieval trading city.
*[[Barawa]] – An important medieval trading city.
Line 60: Line 64:


===Beaches===
===Beaches===
[[File:Mogbeach1.jpg|thumb|right|Beach in Mogadishu.]]
[[File:Mogbeach1.jpg|thumb|right|Beach in Mogadishu]]
*Al-Jazira – [[Mogadishu]]
*Gezira Beach – [[Mogadishu]]
*Bosaso - [[Bosaso]]
*Baathela – [[Berbera]]
*Baathela – [[Berbera]]
*Batalaale – Berbera
*Batalaale – Berbera
*Lido – Mogadishu
*[[Lido Beach, Mogadishu|Lido]] – Mogadishu


===Waterfalls===
===Waterfalls===
Line 71: Line 76:


===Mountain ranges===
===Mountain ranges===
[[File:Almadow Overview.JPG|thumb|right|The [[Cal Madow]] mountain range.]]
[[File:Almadow Overview.JPG|thumb|right|The [[Cal Madow]] mountain range]]
*[[Cal Madow]]
*[[Cal Madow]]
*[[Golis Mountains]]
*[[Golis Mountains]]
Line 86: Line 91:


==See also==
==See also==
{{portal|Somalia}}
*[[Somalian architecture]]
*[[Somalian architecture]]
*[[Somali passport]]
*[[Somali passport]]
*[[Transport in Somalia]]
*[[Transport in Somalia]]
*[[Maritime history of Somalia]]
*[[Maritime history of Somalia]]
*[[Visa policy of Somalia]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 101: Line 108:
{{Somalia topics|state=collapsed}}
{{Somalia topics|state=collapsed}}


⚫
[[Category:Tourism in Africa|Somalia]]
[[Category:Tourism in Somalia| ]]
[[Category:Tourism in Somalia| ]]
⚫
[[Category:Tourism in Africa by country|Somalia]]

Latest revision as of 14:43, 17 November 2024

Tourism in Somalia is regulated by the Federal Government of Somalia's Ministry of Tourism. The industry was traditionally noted for its numerous historical sites, beaches, waterfalls, mountain ranges and national parks. After the start of the civil war in the early 1990s, the Tourism Ministry shut down operations. It was re-established in the 2000s, and once again oversees the national tourist industry. The Mogadishu-based Somali Tourism Association (SOMTA) provides on-the-ground consulting services. In 2024, the number of foreign visitors to Somalia has increased by 50% in the past year, reaching over 10,000[1].

History

[edit]
Ruins of the Adal Sultanate in Zeila

In the pre-independence period, European explorers would occasionally travel to Somalia and other parts of the Horn of Africa to visit the region's numerous historical sites described in old documents like the 1st century CE Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.

Somalia's ecological parks, coral reefs and protected areas

Following Somalia's independence in 1960, the Ministry of Tourism was established in order to regulate the national tourist industry.[2] In 1969, the Law on Fauna (Hunting) and Forest Conservation was passed, which defined and provided for the establishment of controlled areas, game reserves and partial game reserves. It was later amended in 1978.[3]

Under Mire Aware Jama,[4] the Ministry subsequently passed the Tourism Act in 1984. The bill laid down official guidelines for the development and modernization of the tourism sector. Among its stated aims was the acquisition of land in the interior and on the coast as well as beach properties for the purpose of building or expanding tourist infrastructures. The Act also included provisions for "the protection, preservation and utilization of historic, cultural and artisanal resources; the protection and preservation of ecology and environment; and strict urban and regional planning for zones of touristic interest to include game parks, land and sea parks, sanctuaries, etc." The Tourism Ministry sought to center the industry in the vicinity of the southern Lag Badana National Park, with nearby coral reefs and offshore islands likewise envisioned as part of the development. Additionally, plans were drawn up for the formation of a tourist resort area on one of the beaches near the capital Mogadishu, in the south-central Banaadir region.[2]

The historic Mogadishu waterfront (1984)

By 1989, newer legislation was drafted governing the establishment of national parks, game reserves and special reserves. The conservation of wildlife resources was at this time overseen by the Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Range's National Range Agency. Its Department of Wildlife also operated an independent law-enforcement unit, which had been created through a presidential decree.[3]

Following the outbreak of the civil war in 1991, tourism in Somalia came to a halt. Various international bodies subsequently began issuing travel advisories recommending that potential tourists avoid visiting the area for safety reasons. Aside from a handful of adventure seekers, few travelers ventured to the volatile southern provinces.[5] Most instead limited their visits to the relatively stable northern Somaliland territory.

After the Somali Armed Forces evicted Al-Shabaab militants from Mogadishu in mid-2011, the capital gradually started to experience a renaissance. Local businessmen and returning Somali expatriates built and opened a number of new hotels and guest houses, mainly catering to other Somalis as well as some Westerners. Newly constructed beachside resorts also accommodated the first tourist families in many years.[6][7]

Biyo kulule, a tourist place near Bosaso Bari region, Puntland, Somalia

Regulation

[edit]

Tourism in Somalia is regulated by the reconstituted national Ministry of Tourism. The self declared republic of Somaliland maintain their own tourist offices.[8] Somali Tourism Association (SOMTA) also provides consulting services from within the country on the national tourist industry.[9]

Due to the long absence of governmental regulation, it is uncertain how many international inbound tourists visit Somalia per year.[10] However, visas and stay permits are now mandatory for all foreign nationals. As of April 2013, the re-established Somali Immigration Department requires all undocumented foreigners to register at its offices in the capital.[11]

Attractions

[edit]
One of the forts of the Majeerteen Sultanate (Migiurtinia) in Hafun

Somalia has a number of local attractions, including historical sites, beaches, waterfalls, mountain ranges and national parks. As of March 2015, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of the South West State announced that it is slated to establish additional game reserves and wildlife ranges.[12]

Historical sites

[edit]
North
Aerial view of the Dervish State's main Dhulbahante Garesa complex in Taleh
  • Hafun – Site of an ancient necropolis.
  • Haylaan – Site of numerous ancient ruins and buildings. Includes the tombs of Sheikh Darod and his wife Dobira.
  • Laas Gaal – Complex of caves in northwestern Somalia containing some of the earliest known rock art in the region. Its cave paintings have been estimated to date back between 9,000-3,000 BCE.
  • Las Khorey – Former capital of the Warsangali Sultanate. Is the seat of the Sultan's former two-storey palace, a fortress, and a number of other historic ruins.
  • Maydh – Site of an ancient port city in the Sanaag region of Somalia. Includes the tomb of Sheikh Isaaq.
  • Qa’ableh – Old town with a number of ancient burial structures. Believed to harbor the tombs of former kings from early periods of Somali history. Includes the tomb of Sheikh Harti.
  • Qombo'ul – Historic town in the Sanaag region. Sites include ancient ruins, buildings and structures.
  • Taleh – Former capital of the Dervish State. Features the largest Dhulbahante garesa complex.
  • Zeila – The commercial port of Avalites in antiquity, and the first capital of the medieval Adal Sultanate.
South
The Citadel of Gondershe
  • Afgooye – Former capital of the Geledi Sultanate.
  • Barawa – An important medieval trading city.
  • Gondal – An historic settlement in southern Somalia. The site of ancient ruins, it is considered a predecessor of Kismayo.
  • Gondershe – Medieval stone city built on an oasis featuring coral stone houses, fortifications, tombs and mosques. Location of the film La Conchiglia (1992) shot by the award-winning Somali director Abdulkadir Ahmed Said.
  • Hannassa – Historic town built on a promontory. Features pillar tombs, old houses with archways and courtyards, and a mosque with a well-preserved mihrab overlooking the Indian Ocean.
  • Hobyo – Former capital of the Sultanate of Hobyo.
  • Kismayo – Site of ruins of the Geledi Sultanate and other kingdoms.
  • Luuq – A town in the southwestern Gedo province of Somalia. It is one of the older settlements in the area.
  • Merca – An ancient port city in the southern Lower Shebelle (Shabellaha Hoose) region of Somalia.
  • Mogadishu – Former capital of the Sultanate of Mogadishu. Likely coextensive with the ancient port of Sarapion, as described by Ptolemy.
  • Nimmo – An historical town located south of Mogadishu, it consists of ruined stone houses and mosques.
  • Warsheikh – One of the principal settlements of the Sultanate of Mogadishu during the Middle Ages.

Beaches

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Beach in Mogadishu

Waterfalls

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Mountain ranges

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The Cal Madow mountain range

National parks

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Main article: List of national parks of Somalia

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ https://sonna.so/en/somalia-welcomes-foreign-tourists-as-security-improves/
  2. ^ a b Coastal and Marine Environmental Problems of Somalia, Volume 1. UNEP. 1987. p. 127.
  3. ^ a b International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1989). The Iucn Sahel Studies 1989. IUCN. p. 107. ISBN 2880329779.
  4. ^ Kurian, George Thomas (1982). Encyclopedia of the Third World, Volume 3. Facts on File. p. 1620. ISBN 0871964961.
  5. ^ Abdinur, Mustafa Haji (10 December 2010). "Mogadishu's 'first tourist' puzzles immigration officials". AFP. Archived from the original on December 15, 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  6. ^ Ali, Laila (11 January 2013). "'Mogadishu is like Manhattan': Somalis return home to accelerate progress". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  7. ^ Nima Elbagir, Lillian Leposo (12 June 2013). "Holidays in Somalia? Mogadishu hopes to be tourist hotspot". CNN. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  8. ^ "New tourism ministry under construction in Garowe". Sabahi. 1 November 2012. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  9. ^ "Somali Tourism Association (SOMTA)". Somali Tourism Association. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  10. ^ "International tourism, number of arrivals". World Bank. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
  11. ^ "Somali immigration authority calls for registration of foreigners". Sabahi. 11 April 2013. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  12. ^ "South West State to renovate Government Hotels to Attract Tourism". Goobjoog. 25 March 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  13. ^ Periplus of the Erythraean Sea
[edit]
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Somalia.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Tourism_in_Somalia&oldid=1257982677"