Testimonials

Fantastic day trip to Hargeisa.

The Somaliland Travel Agency is highly recommended. Through the agency we have booked an individually arranged day tour in Hargeisa, capital city of Somaliland. Everything went perfectly – and our guide Awale was brilliant.

The experience: In February 2020, we, two friends from Berlin and Hamburg (Germany), traveled through Djibouti for two weeks. From Djibouti we spontaneously made a one-day trip by plane to Hargeisa: in the morning by plane from Djibouti City to Hargeisa, four hours sightseeing in Hargeisa, in the afternoon flight back to Djibouti City.

Booking and communication: We booked the Hargeisa sightseeing tour two days in advance from Djibouti through the Somaliland Travel Agency. Communication via email was quick and easy. Managing Director Abdullahi provided us with friendly, competent and good English advice via e-mail – and also provided excellent support with the entry formalities to Somaliland.

Guide: Guide Awale picked us up at Hargeisa airport on time and showed us the highlights of Hargeisa. Awale is a marvelous, outstanding guide – perfect English, very polite, highly informative and absolutely customer-oriented. We experienced a lot in the short time and learned a lot from Awale – and we were able to discuss the history as well as the cultural, political and economic present of Somaliland with him. Awale was more than a guide – for us he was like a good friend for a day and at the same time a fascinating ambassador for Somaliland. Thank you very much, Awale!

Hargeisa sightseeing tour: Hargeisa is one of the friendliest, most colorful, and at the same time dustiest big cities I’ve ever seen. Visiting Hargeisa is a unique, beautiful experience. The sightseeing tour that Somaliland Travel Agency arranged for us included all highlights such as the Civil War Memorial, the Central Market, the Money Market and the Saryan Museum. An off-road vehicle was available for the sightseeing tour, which Awale drove carefully through the lively city. The culinary highlight was a delicious lunch at the Fish & Steak House before Awale brought us back to the airport.

Great experience.

I only decided to visit Somaliland two days before travelling, and from the first contact with Abdullahi, the owner of the Agency, everything went incredibly smoothly. Although it was a busy season, Abdullahi responded immediately to my emails and I managed to join another person on his private tour.

I spent three days visiting Hargeisa, Las Geel, Berbera and Dhagax Khoure and everywhere we went the friendliness and openness of the Somaliland people was apparent. As a woman travelling alone, at no time did I feel in any way threatened or afraid and people were incredibly welcoming and hospitable, inviting us into their houses and to share their food. Awale, the guide is very professional and kind, and always made sure that I was looked after, especially when I was not feeling well upon arrival. Kasey the friendly guard accompanied us at all times, and throughout our trip Abdullahi was following up continually with Awale to make sure everything was going well.

I enjoyed every minute of my time spent in Somaliland and can highly recommend visiting Somaliland with Somaliland Travel.

The group to use in Somaliland. 

With Ethiopia Air opening air service to Hargeisa, Somaliland, I was interested in going to this rarely visited place. After reading lots of reviews to determine whether it was safe, I started looking for a host. I found the Somaliland Travel Agency website, which I thought looked professional. I liked that its founder had lived in Europe, and that they responded to me within 24 hours. I decided to go with them.

The group was as professional as any travel agency I have worked with. When a change to my trip occurred 24 hours prior to arrival, they were flexible, and helped me with arrangements so I could still visit. I was met by Awale and driver after clearing Customs (bring a passport photo and $60 for your visa on arrival application.). We visited the camel market, downtown, including the money changer with bricks of money stacked high, other markets, and had a good meal.

At no time did I feel unsafe during my visit. Awale is professional and speaks excellent English. If you are seeking to visit Somaliland, I highly recommend using Somaliland Travel Agency as your organizer.

Just what I wanted.
Somaliland was perfect! I told them the days I had and what I wanted to do and they arranged everything for me. Accommodation, food, transport and guides were perfect. I took over toys and clothing and we were able to hand them out along the way. Laas Geel was something I’ve wanted to see for awhile as the history nerd inside of me and they made this trip a memorable one. I would highly recommend their professional service, contact and enjoyable time.

Top Notch Tour Guides!
I booked a short two night/one full day touring quickie. Somaliland TA stood out because they got back to my queries quickly, and in perfect English which helped this American. Stayed in nice hotel, and all was on time in great vehicles, with great driver. No worries. Went to Las Geel rock drawings, a rough transit. They made it easy.

Very professional Lac Abbé – Lac Assal tour
very professional and knowledgeable tour guide and superbe driver; we did the two day Lac Abbé – Lac Assal tour in Djibouti in October 2019 on very short notice and Somalilandtravel set it all up for us in a matter of days. Thumbs up for their customer service! The tour itself I can also highly recommend, especially in October when there are few tourists around.

Great service and logistics arrangement
Used Somaliland Travel Agency to arranged my tours in Djibouti and Hargeisa in Somaliland. The tours were great in these two locations! Special thanks to my guide Akram in Djibouti and Awale in Somaliland, they are great tour guides and Awale is an amazing driver. They are super accommodative and friendly. I have been in contact with Abdullahi who supported me in terms of planning. He is responsive and reply my email within 24 hours and very understanding as well. In Djibouti, I have visited Lake Assal and in Somaliland I have visited Las Geel. I felt safe when I was in Somaliland and really had a great time.

I recommend their service if you are planning to visit Djibouti and Somaliland !!

Laas Geel, Hargeisa, Berbera
En rentrant de Djibouti, j’en ai profité pour passer 3 jours au Somaliland; L’agence a été super reactive est m’a proposé une excursion à Laas Geel, Berbera pour finir à Hargeisa. Le guide Abdilahi s’est mis en quatre et à repondu à toutes les questions et m’a vraiment montré tout ce qu’il y avait à voir; présence aussi du garde armé, mais à aucun moment je ne me suis senti en insecurité. Un peu cher quand meme et aurait pu etre un peu compacté, mais dans l’ensemble, rien à redire. Je recommande, en combinant avec un tour à Djibouti.

Wonderful trip to Laas Geel
Abdullahi and Awale were both very responsive to initial emails, and helped fit me into a tight schedule. If I had more time, I would have loved to go to Berbera as well.

The trip to Laas Geel was great. Awale provided lots of background information on the cave art, and I learned alot about the history of the site and of Somaliland in general.

Somaliland is incredible, but it is virtually impossible to travel alone in the country. Somaliland Travel Agency opens up the country to visitors. The trip I took to Laas Geel was authentic and low-key, not the sort of “touristy” experience I typically associate with paid-excursions.

Overall, this is the company to contact if you wish to maximize your experience in Somaliland. Somaliland is a wonderful place, and its people have much to be proud of. I’m glad that I got to see Laas Geel, and only wish I had more time to see more of the country!

Superb Service
Having attempted to combine a journey to Ethiopia with one to Djibouti with a UK based agency I failed due to seeming disinterest on its part. This proved to be a blessing as I researched local agencies and happened upon Somaliland Travel.

The initial request was speedily answered and the detail made me select it from its competitors. All through the process I was impressed by the response time which was often almost by return. Help in obtaining a letter of introduction for the visa process astonished me. I asked one afternoon and received the letter the next morning.

Payment was clear. A deposit was taken by credit card or Paypal and the rest in zdjibouti in US dollars. The latter provided amusement as it was exchanged for local currency with a woman who touted a large money bag. Our guide had already phoned ahead for the transaction.

Our guide, Akrem, was excellent he took great care of us was punctual, knowledgable and friendly. He speaks a variety of languages and his English was fluent.

The trip was more than one to Lacs Abbé and Assal. He took in the geological highlights such as the point where the three tectonic plates are separating and pulling Djibouti apart. He also acted as a wildlife guide and we saw many species. We interacted with local villagers

Our driver was excellent. He made us feel safe. He knew the routes very well as he came from a village near Lac Abbé. His ability to drive on the rugged terrain was much appreciated.

Somaliland Travel offers value for money and great professionalism.

Day trip to Las Geel
The dream came tru thanks to the Agency!  They were extremely professional and I didn’t have to worry about anything, from transportation, to security, food, drinks and timing.
I sent them email 1 week in advance to organize everything. They picked me up at the airport and took to the site.

No words to describe how beautiful the Las Geel was, how safe I felt myself in the country.
Only positive words and highly recommended if you’re searching for the new places and destinations off the beaten track.

Thanks to the Somaliland Travel Agency it all went smooth and easy.

Amazing experiences!!
We had terrific experiences with the tours we did with Somaliland Travel. We took the 2 day tour to the Abbe and Assal lakes in Djibouti. Great staff, super helpful and friendly, and the structure they offer is of excellent quality. We slept in typical Afar tents on Lake Abbe and were able to see the wonderful sunrise the next day. Then we head to the lowest point in Africa on sensational Assal Lake. A remarkable and wonderful experience!

Friendliest country (and guides)
I had the pleasure of spending 3 days in Somaliland recently. Didn’t see any other tourists there which is very nice since it means that people are seriously interested in chatting and noone is trying to sell you anything.

I have traveled quite a lot all over the world but I think that as a whole, the people of Somaliland are the friendliest people I have met so far.

There’s only so much to see and do there since the country is fairly small and not developed for tourism yet, but just walking around and feeling the vibe is a great experience. I spent 3 days: One in Hargeisa, one driving to Las Geel and Berbera, and one going back to Hargeisa and visiting Dhagaz Khoure.

My guide (Awale) and guard (Kaysee) were both very nice and I enjoyed spending my time there with them.

If you are looking for a travel destination out of the ordinary (the country is not even officially recognized by the UN), I can definitely recommend Somaliland – and the Somaliland Travel Agency 🙂

Great people
Very realiable, friendly and flexible. I recommend this agency, our group felt as pioneers in tourism. Jacek

They Did As Promised
Had a great one-day tour to Las Geel. The agency arranged the tour, airport transfers and accommodations at the Damal Hotel (a great stay… see review). They were easy to deal with, very responsive, and helpful with providing guidance on visas. They required a deposit through wire transfer beforehand, and the rest payable upon arrival. No issues and no hidden fees/expenses. My guide, Awane, was great… super polite, friendly, concerned I had what I needed, and really looked out for me. He was waiting at the airport as promised, and we took a drive around the city before dropping me off at the hotel. The next day we had a great tour to the camel market and Las Geel. After a short rest, we met again for a walk around the city center, then a tasty dinner of local food. I can highly recommend this agency. Somaliland is an interesting and safe place to visit, so don’t worry about it, and just go!

Beautiful Djibouti
A very smooth communication and booking process, trustworthy and reliable. I had an amazing two-day tour in Djibouti with the guide Akram. I will for sure contact them to arrange tours in Somaliland, Erithrea and Somalia next time I am there. Well done guys!

Somaliland Travel Agency
Thank you for taking good care of our clients. Good service!!! Reasonable price! Good choice for traveling in Somaliland.

B2B service, hotel and transfers
Thank you for taking so good care of our two business clients in August. Perfect service with hotel bookings and transfers. Pleasant e-mail communication. Annika

Very interesting

We made a combination of Djibouti and Somaliland and the truth is that the agency responded to the expectations being the very professional guides. We were very happy.

Excellent Tour of Hargeisa, Laas Geel, and Berbera
Just returned from a long weekend trip to Hargeisa, Laas Geel, and Berbera and would highly recommend it for those well experienced travelers wanting to see and learn some new things. We arranged the trip on our own and then connected with Somaliland Travel after arrival for a guided tour. I’d recommend instead booking with them from the outset – in so doing they could, for example, arrange a visa on arrival for you (I flew to Dubai first to get mine). I’d let them arrange a visa on arrival, arrange the required body guard, accommodations, driver, etc. These 3 locations together make for a really interesting 2-3 day trip.

Somaliland Travel Agency was our groups land operator. We were 7 people from Europe and North America interested in Rock Art and it was the first visit to Somaliland for all of us but one member. We had 3 excellent drivers who took care of us during the 6 days stay in the country. One spoke good English, the remaining two not really, which was too bad but, not very surprising as the country gets very few tourists. We used a rather rough roads in search of the Rock Art and the drivers stood up to the task. Some roads were truly awful. The 4x4s however beaten up were in good technical condition. All was working. We appreciated functioning A/C very much. I would call the service of Somaliland Travel Agency excellent.

Full professionalism in organizing and preparing the expedition. Flexible and offer tailored to the individual needs of the participants. Easy and quick contact as well as friendly and professional service during the trip. I highly recommend expeditions with Somaliland Travel Agency.

Somali travel organised a 2 day trip to Lac Abbe and Lac Assal in Djibouti.
We were very satisfied with the trip and guide, and driver. Guide was knowledgeable about the places we visited

Great experience with Somaliland travel. I had signed up for a visit to Laas Geel, the camel market and the Hargeysa Central Market, in one day. Somaliland is safer than you think, but just be aware that as a woman you have to dress according to local custom: with a headscarf and a long wide dress that covers legs and arms completely (abaya).

The driver was on time and spoke good English. We first went to the camel market, a lively and colorful happening. In a comfortable Toyota Landcruiser we drove to the rocky landscapes outside the capital, to Laas Geel, with cave paintings estimated to date estimated to date somewhere between 9.000 and 3.000 yrs BC. It was an unforgettable experience. The driver guided us around and gave us historical backgrounds. In a place so peaceful, not flooded with tourists, we could just sit back and enjoy the scene. We then drove back to get a tour around the center of Hargeysa. There is something magical about the central market in Hargeysa, with all those colorful fabrics. We were offered tea with camel milk by a market vendor, was very tasty!

There was enough flexibility in the programme to cater for our special wishes, such as visiting the money exchange market and buying herbs and spices to take back to Holland. Overall a great experience, which I warmly recommend.

In general, all the good. There are some comments on the work of the guide. But this does not lower the estimate.

Somaliland travel agency tailored an itinerary to suit my travel needs. Communication before I travelled was informative and supportive so that I felt completely prepared for my trip. All accommodation and transport were ideal, especially the driver! Everything was perfectly organised with no hitches including my arrival and visa. I had a wonderful time.

Spending 2 weeks in Djibouti and Somaliland we were full satisfied. The service was excellent, everything was arranged and there were no problems or wishes, which couldn’t be solved or satisfied. Our thanks to the staff of this company, they made our trip and this beautiful country with so many friendly people unforgettable.

Hi!

Thank you, we enjoyed the trip to Somaliland! It was very interesting and we could see a lot of places. The driver and the guide where very friendly and tried to take care as well as they could. We always felt save and arrived home by good health.

Best wishes from Vienna!

We spend wonderful days in Somaliland. The tour was good prepared and we had a good experience. We felt save and met friendly people. Thanks to your agency.

I can definitively recommend Somaliland Travel as a reliable local touroperator. The Managing Director Mr. Abdirizaq Abdullahi is a real professionalist. Extremely helpful, with a very good communication skills. PERFECT arrangement of the whole trip. Everything on time, as agreed. Very good drivers, professional and helpful guide. MANY THANKS, Abdirizaq. WELL DONE – Pawel.

Dear Somaliland Travel Agency,

Greetings from Addis-Abeba!

I would like to use this opportunity to thank You for the organization of our trip to Somaliland!

Everything was OK, interesting and safe.

Thanks for You and for Your guide! “

Best regards,
Vladimir KHRITININ