Berbera - city in the northwestern Berbera District of Somaliland

Berbera is a large city in Somaliland. Popular golden beaches such as Bathaale and Batalaale have earned the city the nickname Beach City.

Understand

Berbera is a port city that lies on the coast of Somaliland, facing the Gulf of Aden. For this reason, it's the economic centre of Somaliland, attracting most of the trade that takes place in the country. The city while also serves Ethiopia's trading needs. In terms of attractions, Berbera doesn't have a whole lot to offer. The primary reason for visiting the city rather is to absorb the culture and lifestyle. Today, much of the city is simply crumbling buildings and mud-thatch houses.

Get in

Most people get to Berbera by travelling overland from Hargeisa, via minibus and 4WD. The journey is 150km, and usually costs $5. You will need an armed security officer to escort you between the cities, which will have to be organised in Hargeisa. Sometimes travellers are able to go independently by organising a letter of permission from the Police Commissioner in Hargeisa. If you leave Berbera by road, you will need an armed security guard again.

Get around

Public transport is limited to taxis or whatever minibuses you can find. If you wish to see the waters, take a Gulf of Aden cruise on a miniature ferry.

See

• Baathela Beach. A pristine, sandy beach about 4km from the centre of town.
• NASA Runway. A huge runway built in the 1980s as an emergency landing for space shuttles.
• Historic buildings of the different empires in the central city

Do

• Swim at the very nice Batalaale beach.
• Go snorkeling in the beautiful Red Sea.

Buy

Eat

Enjoy the dinner beach hotel of Xeeb Soor with the sea waves beside you.

Drink

Sleep

• Al Madiina, 10.43586°, 45.00917°, +252 2720254. Located near the centre of Berbera. The rooms vary in quality, depending on price. The most expensive ones have air-conditioning. US$3-20
• Maan-Soor Hotel, Baathela Beach (3 km from city centre). Consists of cottages near the beach, but not facing it.

Connect

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