Africa
Ancient rock art, Indian Ocean shores and a long trading history.
Somalia has the longest coastline in mainland Africa, stretching along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Mogadishu's old quarters recall centuries of trade with Arabia, Persia and India, and Lido Beach is a local gathering place. In the north, the painted caves of Laas Geel near Hargeisa, in the self-administered region of Somaliland, hold some of Africa's best-preserved rock art.
Travellers should check their government's current travel advice before planning, as most governments advise against all travel to Somalia because of insecurity. Somali culture prizes poetry and hospitality, and food reflects its trade links: spiced rice, goat, bananas and sweet tea. Climate-wise, the dry season from December to March is the most settled; the main rains fall in April to June and October to November.
January, February.