Somalia is a place situated on the eastern coast of Africa. Its natural beauty includes breathtaking beaches, clear waters, and varied wildlife, which people propose to visit as tourists. The country has several ethnic groups like Somalis, Bantus, and Arabs, among others, which make it richer culturally.
Nevertheless, Somalia faces numerous encounters at the moment. The country has been in continuous civil conflict, characterized by multiple factions contesting for supremacy over various sections. Consequently, extreme violence has led to a state of anarchy with its attendant consequences, such as actual deaths, internally displaced persons, and the disintegration of social services. Moreover, there are serious security concerns that include piracy in Somali waters and the existence of extremist groups like Al-Shabaab that destabilize the country.
Despite these problems, however, Somalia has an interesting cultural background. This nation has a very vibrant music industry, with traditional instruments such as ouds and darbukas being quite popular.
Contrary to the media labels that brand the country as a failed state, every news story and political narrow-mindedness cover real people who live real lives. I realized the truth when visiting Mogadishu, Somalia, that there is life and hope in the city with such a population, no matter the challenges.
I arrived in Mogadishu by plane from Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. There was a daily flight at 8 a.m.; I left my house at 5 a.m., and it was getting back at 12:25 pm from Mogadishu daily. Furthermore, you can fly from Nairobi, Entebbe, Doha, Djibouti, and Istanbul on regularly scheduled flights.
Getting out of the airport was a task, as there were so many procedures to get you cleared. There were so many forms to fill out, and I had to wait a long time to get my visa authenticated by the officials. The airport is highly fortified, and it may take time to get in and out.
The hotel in which I stayed was called Peace Hotel. The hotel is situated in the best area of the town, and the staff is competent and well-mannered. It is adjacent to the airport and offers high-security provisions. The airport pickup was quite fast, and I was Of course, there were some concerns at the beginning, but overall, I was very pleased with my residence and would certainly recommend it to others. Inside the Peace Compound, we can see a really tranquil and even beautiful oasis, which is the most beautiful place in the middle of the most dangerous city on the planet, of course. They have a gorgeous courtyard, a tremendous gym, a ping pong table, a good restaurant, an amazing rooftop, and a sitting area. You don’t ever experience worry or insecurity, but you see that you are in the heart of Mogadishu while at the Peace Hotel, which is incredible.
Places to see in Mogadishu
One of the best things to do when you are in Mogadishu, Somalia, is visit the wonderful beaches that appear along the coast of the country, which is 1500 miles long and which surrounds the Horn of Africa. In addition to the beaches that are located in the city of Mogadishu, during my single-day tour, I had the chance to explore three of them just outside.
The Liido Beach
Lido Beach is the most preferred and admirably scenic beach in Mogadishu, the capital city of the country. It is in the north of the city and is the most preferred place by the locals, as it serves many activities like swimming, soccer, dining, and enjoying. The city offers several wonderful hotels with truly incredible rooftop decks where you can have a romantic view of the ocean. With its rock facing the dazzling sea and the beach covered with fine white sand, though trampled, its quality seems to be high.
Mogadishu lighthouse
Before reaching the place, I had heard so much about the lighthouse and the beach under it and wanted to see it. That area was very interesting from the photos, which made it look beautiful with the amazing beach, the ruined lighthouse, and other architecture. Despite my expectations, the reality differed enormously because the images in the pictures turned out not to be as beautiful as the truth.
The beach was covered with garbage and litter everywhere. As we were taking a walk, we observed residents casually chucking their garbage over the small cliffs onto the shore. Piles of trash were colossal, and the whole place appeared and smelled like a dumpster. While the abandoned buildings gave a nice ambiance to the area, there was a disgusting amount of trash.
Peace Garden
The Peace Garden is the most popular relaxation point the city has within its central area. It is a green shelter with cafes and a kids’ playground, but you have to pay the entry fee. The space is well-secured with the use of roadblocks and concrete barriers, with a sign at the gate stating explicitly that such weapons as machine guns, grenades, handguns, or knives are not allowed. When I went there, the park was always crowded with young people, including graduates, many taking shots, enjoying real Somali tea, and then continuing with their normal lives in the city. The park looks like a strange island to the sound of the city noise.
Jazeera Beach
Jazeera Beach is a beautiful and calm place in the capital of Mogadishu that you should come to visit. The appearance of the beach is indescribable and looks like an oceanic paradise. The view of the skyline from the windows, the magical island far from the crowds, and the sunsets with the river create the perfect holiday destination. Besides that, on both sides, some people sell different goods, like shells that are available only on the coast of Somalia and peculiar jewelry items. Further, there are camel rides, bike rentals, auto-rickshaw rides, and other games. When I was there, it was difficult for me to realize that I was in Mogadishu, Somalia, as you seem to be on another planet sometimes.
On the other hand, other locations in Mogadishu won’t be as exciting as what I mentioned in this essay. Furthermore, security issues also limit what can be done in public spaces. As the market area is very dangerous, it’s better to stop here if you wish to purchase any souvenir items. The lack of space the area offers is also a reason for not taking any chances.
Nevertheless, the challenges of the inner city have made me in awe of its genuineness. I admire the courage and willpower of the individuals whom I have encountered. I hope that within a few years, the big Somali diaspora will come back home and carry with them the foreign investments that enable reforms, and prosperity, and someday Mogadishu will regain its past glory.
References:
- Abbamonte, Lee. “One Day in Mogadishu, Somalia.” Lee Abbamonte, 19 Dec. 2019, www.leeabbamonte.com/africa/one-day-in-mogadishu-somalia.html.
- Bred, Travel. “48 Hours in Mogadishu.” Travel Bred, 2 Apr. 2018, travelbred.com/2018/04/02/48-hours-in-mogadishu/. Accessed March 14, 2024.
- Visit_Mogadishu. “Mogadishu Best Vacation 2020: Plan Your next Trip.” Discover Mogadishu, Somalia Vacation Travel Guide | Go to Somalia and Explore, 2 Jan. 2020, visitmogadishu.com/mogadishu-best-vacation-2020-plan-your-next-trip/. Accessed 14 Mar. 2024.
