Mogadishu Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Mogadishu

Visits to Mogadishu are usually organised with local hosts, and any sightseeing should be planned with them and with appropriate security advice.

• Lido Beach — A long sandy beach lined with seafood restaurants, popular with residents in the evenings and on Fridays.
• Hamar Weyne — One of the city’s oldest quarters, with narrow lanes and traditional coral-stone buildings.
• Arba’a Rukun Mosque — A mosque dating back to the 13th century, among the oldest in East Africa.
• Mosque of Islamic Solidarity — A large, prominent white mosque that is one of the city’s landmarks.
• Somali National Theatre — A historic cultural venue in the city centre, symbolic of Mogadishu’s arts heritage.
• Somali cuisine — Try spiced rice with goat or camel, grilled fish, canjeero flatbread and sweet spiced tea.

Best time to visit Mogadishu

Mogadishu is hot all year, with a humid coastal climate moderated by sea breezes. Somalia’s year is traditionally divided into four seasons: the main dry season, Jilaal, from about December to March; the main rains, Gu, from about April to June; the drier, breezy Xagaa season from about July to September; and the shorter Deyr rains from about October to November.

December to March is generally the most comfortable period for travel, with dry weather and plenty of sunshine. Rainfall in the capital is relatively modest compared with inland areas, but downpours during the rainy seasons can disrupt road travel.

Getting from the airport

Aden Adde International Airport lies on the coast close to the city centre and within a secured zone. Access to and from the airport is controlled, and procedures can change at short notice.

Visitors should arrange airport pick-ups in advance through their hotel, employer or host organisation, which will normally provide suitable transport and security. Informal taxis are not recommended for arriving travellers. Allow plenty of time for security checks when departing.

Where to stay

Accommodation choices are usually guided by security arrangements, so seek advice from your host before booking.

• Airport zone — Secured compounds and hotels used by many international organisations and business visitors.
• Lido and Abdiaziz — Seafront hotels near Lido Beach, used by visitors travelling with local hosts.
• Central districts — Areas such as Hodan host hotels used by business travellers with established local arrangements.

Travel tips

• Travel advice: Many governments advise against travel to Somalia; check your government’s latest travel advice and your insurance cover before planning a trip.
• Money: US dollars are widely used and mobile money is very common; cards are rarely accepted, so plan cash needs with your host.
• Dress and etiquette: Somalia is a conservative Muslim society; dress modestly, and women should cover their hair in public.
• Photography: Always ask before photographing people and avoid photographing security forces or official buildings.
• Health: Seek medical advice before travelling, drink bottled water and protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes.