Traveling to Somalia
Because Somalia is a country that is rife with violence and war, travel to Somalia is not recommended. There is a great deal of violence that takes place in Somalia everyday, and therefore independent travel to Somalia is not safe. People who must travel to Somalia for academic, research or business purposes should seek guidance from an expert on how to remain as safe as possible in a war torn country. That being said, if you do have to go there Somalia travel offers a great deal of beautiful sites for people to bask in, as well as a rich culture for people to experience. The beaches of Somalia are gorgeous, especially the beach around Mogadishu, however this may not be a safe option due to the presence of warlords and pirates along the coast. Las Geel is a site that contains hundreds of Neolithic cave paintings that have been well-preserved throughout history. Language may also be a barrier during Somalia travel. The use of language is very important to Somalians, therefore you should talk. Many Somalians are able to speak some English, as well as Arabic, however, if you are able to learn some Somali words locals will be appreciative that you tried.
Halal foods make up the majority of Somalian diet. Most of Somalian food and dishes are based on meat and vegetables are used as side dishes. During Somalia travel it is important to keep in mind that Somalians do not eat pork or consume alcohol, as this is against Islamic law. During Somalia travel the only form of currency that you will use is the 1000 shilling. Bartering is very common in Somalia, so if you do have goods that you can barter with they will be very useful to you.
Somalia travel may be difficult because there are very few safe way to get into and around the country. There is only one international airport in Somalia, Daallo Airlines. The other airport, Jubba Airways, only has incoming flights from a handful of domestic cities. There are ports that allow people into the country, however travel by boat is not safe because of pirates that operate in nearby waters. Travel into the country by car is also not recommended, as the borders are sealed, protected and usually unsafe. Also, since the government has been unstable and in a state of turmoil for over eighteen years the roads are in terrible condition and few, or no, traffic laws are upheld in the country.
If you travel to Somalia you must remember to maintain a great deal of respect for the people and their beliefs. For instance, if you go to a beach it is important to keep in mind that women must swim completely clothed. It is against Somalian custom for a woman to show her body in public. Do not wear short skirts, tank tops or any types of clothing that reveals a lot of skin. It is considered disrespectful to take photographs of women and the use of your left hand for shaking hands or eating is looked down upon. It is important that you review the customs and beliefs of the country before you travel to Somalia.