Best Somalia Tours and Travel – 2024 – 2025

Young Pioneer Tours offers fully guided and security-conscious Mogadishu and Somalia tours for 2024 and 2025.

YPT are renowned for being one of the first international travel company to begin Mogadishu Somalia tours following the many years of instability within the country. While some danger still remains, now is the safest it has been for many years to visit Somalia.

YPT Group Tours to Somalia in 2024 and 2025

We are currently offering the following Mogadishu Somalia Group Tours for 2024 and 2025, with further trips also being planned.

The exact dates and itinerary of the tour are not published online or distributed publicly and the itinerary are subject to having days swapped around, due to security reasons. All group tours to Somalia are capped at 10 people, with the security of the group always being the foremost concern.

Djibouti, Somaliland, Eritrea & Somalia: Horn of Africa Independence Combo Tour – May 14th – 27th 2025 – $3445 or $1495 Mogadishu only

Our highly popular and sought after tour of the Horn of Africa, embracing each country and celebrating Independence Day in Somaliland and Eritrea. Experience the culture, history and grasp the fascinating charm of the friendly locals. See how borders influence politics and communities.

Djibouti, Somaliland, Eritrea & Somalia: Horn of Africa Independence Combo Tour

Best of Eritrea & Somalia Tour – October 3rd – October 7th/9th 2024 – $3040

Embrace the fascinating country of Eritrea boasting some of the best colonial architecture, pristine beaches and amazing cuisine. Continue further into Mogadishu Somalia and experience the people and culture not shown on western media.

Best of Eritrea & Somalia Tour

We can arrange your visa on arrival to Somalia. Click here to learn more.

Are Group Tours to Somalia Safe?

Our group tours to Somalia are accompanied by an expert YPT guide with years of experience alongside the best local partners in the country. We tailor our Somalia tours to create a unique itinerary to explore this un-touristy region of Africa.

All of our tours to Somalia are accompanied by a vetted armed security team, with YPT as with all conflict destinations taking advice from 3rd party security advisors.

Independent travel to Somalia and Mogadishu

We understand not all our group tours to Somalia may not be practical with your schedule or you would like a more in-depth bespoke experience in Somalia. YPT can help arrange the perfect Somalia tour. Prices will reflect on the number of people and what level of accommodation you desire, but YPT can arrange everything you require for an independent tour to Somalia.

For safety and security reasons, the itinerary is not published online or distributed publicly. For more information, please contact us here.

Independent Somalia Tour examples

With the difficulty in arranging travel to Somalia, as well as the overall security situation in the country, we are restricted as to what bespoke Somalia Tours we can offer. There is still some scope to what we can help arrange for independent travellers to both Mogadishu and Somalia.

Somali language Tour – The Somali language is spoken in neighbouring Somaliland, Djibouti, Ethiopia and in parts of Kenya. Since the Somali civil war, the Somali people have formed communities in the Middle East, Europe and North America. YPT can arrange Somali language programmes in Mogadishu to understand the language, vocabulary and texts.
Mogadishu Somalia Photography Tour – Our Mogadishu Somalia tours are appealing for photographers wishing to capture this unique region in the Horn of Africa. We can arrange Somalia tours to nomadic tribes capturing daily life, to the urban culture of Mogadishu.
Somalia Military Tour – The region has experienced many historical and recent conflicts, including The Battle of Mogadishu. We can arrange tours which takes you beyond the Military Museum and visit sites which still bear the scars of wars.
Can you visit Black Hawk Down site in Somalia? – This is something we will deal with in a different article, but Somali tours can be arranged partly around this historical event.
Journalist travel to Somalia – Young Pioneer Tours can facilitate travel for journalists to Somalia. These can potentially take in much of the country then a regular tour, with YPT also able to facilitate meetings with Somali leaders.
Filming in Somalia – Young Pioneer Tours can arrange filming within Somalia and Somaliland through our partners at Pioneer Media.

Mogadishu Tours

Currently all of our tours originate in Mogadishu, with the security situation meaning this is where we largely stay. For people taking independent vacations in Somalia, we can arrange to see extra parts of Mogadishu.

Travel to Somalia and Somaliland

For those wishing to see more of Somalia than just visiting Mogadishu most of our group tours also go to Somaliland. Those doing bespoke Somalia trips can also combine Somaliland with trips to mainland Somalia.

Generally speaking, visiting most other parts of Somalia is considered too dangerous, although at times it is possible for us to arrange travel to Puntland. For inquiries about where is it safe to travel in Somalia, please get in touch.

Frequently asked questions about Somalia Tours

How do I get a visa for Somalia?

Every facet of your Mogadishu Somalia visa is taken care of by YPT, all you are required to do is send us a clear copy of your passport. The process is pretty much straight forwards for all nationalities excluding Israelis. We will issue your Letter of Invitation for you to receive your Visa on Arrival at Mogadishu Airport.

What currency should I bring to Mogadishu Somalia?

ATMs are non-existent in Mogadishu Somalia and all expenses are taken care during your tour including meals. However, if you would like to buy some souvenirs, tip your local guides (which is really appreciated) or take some local currency (Somali Shilling) back. We recommend bring USD in small denominations, our local partners can exchange if for you at an official currency exchange or at the black market.

Is it ethical to travel to Mogadishu Somalia?

Yes, it’s ethical to visit Mogadishu Somalia. With decades of civil unrest and international sanctions, it’s the local resident who pay the prices. With the little tourism we bring, this goes along way for the local community involved with ensuring you have a great time in their city.

Is it safe to visit Mogadishu Somalia?

Tours to Mogadishu Somalia do create dangers of their own. Prior any group or private tour a risk assessment is carried out with the YPT team and our local partners. Throughout your tour, you are accompanied by a security team armed with automatic rifles to ensure yours and the group’s safety. The situation can alter with little to short notice, your YPT and local guide have the final say and may amend the itinerary accordingly.

As always though we suggest confirming with a government agency such as the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UKFCO), or similar before you travel to Somaliland.

Who should I inform about travelling to Mogadishu Somalia?

When travelling to Mogadishu Somalia, like any YPT tour we’ll need your emergency contact details. We also advise you to inform your Foreign Office. Your Embassy in Mogadishu are more practical in the unlikely event of encountering any issues.

Can you interact with the locals in Mogadishu Somalia?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to interact with local residents, although there are some restrictions for safety reason. As we would like you to have much freedom as possible, however you won’t be able to wonder off alone. We take every precaution to ensure a safe trip and we ask you not to discuss the names of the hotels or the details of your itinerary.

Is there alcohol in Mogadishu Somalia?

Alcohol is prohibited in Mogadishu Somalia which reflects the countries religion and laws. Islam was introduced to Somalia in 7th century. Alcohol possession and consumption are taken seriously with punishable offensive including lengthy prison sentences.

You can always enjoy a cool beer once you leave Mogadishu.

What is the food like in Mogadishu Somalia?

The culinary experience makes our Mogadishu Somalia tours enjoyable. Dishes include sambusa, sabaayad and bariis iskukaris (camel meat with rice). There are also plenty of options for those with dietary requirements.

How big are your tour group sizes in Mogadishu Somalia?

Group tours to Mogadishu Somalia are capped at 10. The dynamics of tours in “red countries” is to ensure we can move safely around attracting little to no attention as possible. With smaller groups, the tour is more intimate and informative in a region not use to tourism.

What should I wear in Mogadishu Somalia?

You should dress conservatively in Mogadishu Somalia which respects the countries religion of Islam. Although temperatures can reach 40 degrees, we recommend men to wear trousers and t-shirts and our female group members to wear something to cover your shoulders, and below your knees. Women will also be expected to cover your hair. Don’t forget to pack your hat and sun glasses.

Should you tip in Mogadishu Somalia?

With the unstable economy in Mogadishu Somalia and international sanctions, we recommend tipping your local guide, driver and security. A collection can be taken and distributed accordingly, what you give is entirely up to you however it’ll be hugely appreciated and goes a long way.

Can you get a sim card and data in Mogadishu Somalia?

Yes, you can collect a sim card with unlimited data once arriving at Mogadishu Airport. Cost is approx. $20USD. Wi-Fi is also readily available at our hotel.

Is Mogadishu Somalia safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

Homosexuality is illegal in Mogadishu Somalia; we ask group members from refraining to act in such a way that may be deemed offensive to the local laws and customs as they carry extreme penalties.