Somalia

Situated in the Horn Africa, Somalia has had a long history of interest conflict that continues to this day. lt also has some of the longest beaches that Africa has to offer, plateaus and mountains, a continuously climate and a rich nomadic culture. The friendly people. often dressed long, flowing robes, are regal and striking. Despite a high rate of criminal activity, there is a growing sense of hope for a more peaceful future.

From July to August or from January to February for the dry season

Buying henna and frankincense on the streets of Mogadishu Observing the rich culture in Hargeisa Splashing in the reportedly shark-free waters of Gezira beach Visiting the tannery at Brava Journeying in the beautiful mountains from Hargeisa to Berbera Watching herders bringing their livestock to the watering hole at Liboi Staying right on the beach in the old Arab town of merca Wandering amongst the friendly people of Berbera

Read Aman: The Story of a Somali Girl by Janice Boddy and Virginia Lee Barnes, a first-person account of the story of a Somalian girl’s life

Listen to Waaberi ‘ New Dawn’ by Maryam Mursal and the Waaaberi ensemble-gentle singing and sounds from one of Somalia’s greatest treasures

Watch Black Hawk Down by Ridley Scott, an account of the flawed events surrounding a US military combat mission in Somalia

Eat a breakfast of fried onions and sheep liver with bread, baasto(spaghetti) or rice with sauce, or soor (porridge made from sorhum)

Drink fresh mango or papaya juice

Ma nabad baa? (greeting; literally ‘ls it peace?’)

A large rural population; goats and camels; lively teahouses; tasty, traditional food; women with hennaed hands feet; wide valleys; street traders; chewing khat; tropical fruit; beautiful old Arab towns; colourful robes; magnificent sunsets

Camel trading at the livestock market; the satin-draped green Sheik Nadar’s tomb in Hargeisa; goat herds on the runway at Mogadishu airport

Founded in the 10 th century AD by Arab immigrants from the Persian Gulf, Mogadishu had its heyday in the 13th century. lt was then that the mosque of Fakr al Din and the minaret of the Great Mosque were built. The city’s wealth was based on trade across the lndian Ocean with Persia, lndia and China, which is what is what attracted the Portuguese during the 16th century.