Mogadishu

[[file:Mogadishu banner 3.jpgGothic Church ruins in Mogadishu - Gothic Church ruins in Mogadishu

• African Express Airways has services between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi, Aden, Berbera, Bosaso, Dubai, Galkayo, Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta, Riyan Mukalla, Sharjah, & Wajir.
• Air Djibouti only to Djibouti
• BlueSky Air offers passenger and cargo services that link domestic cities in Somalia with its hub at Mogadishu International Airport and the rest of the world via Nairobi Wilson Airport in Kenya.
• Daallo Airlines has services to Djibouti stopping en route at Hargeisa.
• Fly-SAX offers service to/from Nairobi.
• Ocean Airlines Is the other Somali based carrier connecting Mogadishu with Nairobi in Kenya and to Bosaso, Garowe, Hargeisa, Kismayu and Galkayo in Somalia.
• Turkish Airlines now offers a twice-weekly service from Istanbul Atatürk via Khartoum. Flights departs Atatürk Airport on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Roundtrip fares starts at €430.

By road

It is feasible to drive into the city by truck, but this is considered a risky activity, unless you employ a group of local militia which are readily available for hire. Roads link the city with many Somali locales and with Kenya and Ethiopia. Armed guards, hired security forces, and experienced guides are all mandatory for a safe entry, and even then the risk of your being injured, killed or captured is extremely high.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Mogadishu

Small cargo ships regularly leave from the Old Harbour of Mombasa for Mogadishu and sometimes Kismayo. Speak with the security officers at the gate of this tiny port and they will negotiate a fare with the captain. The journey will take 2-5 days, depending on conditions. The sea is rough in July–August, requiring lengthier travel.

How to get around in Mogadishu

Roads are a muddy mess during rain, traffic lights do not always work and there are no enforced traffic laws or public transport. The road network in Mogadishu is slowly being repaired and paved. A vehicle with driver and armed guards is a must. Break-ins at intersections are feasible, so avoid openly displaying anything that could be considered valuable by a Somali. Better still, hire an armoured vehicle with driver and guards.

What to see in Mogadishu

Isbaheysiga Mosque in Mogadishu (2) - Isbaheysiga Mosque

Visitors should have a security guard accompany them.

• Arba-Rucun Mosque - Mosque of the Four Pillars - 2.033611, 45.335833 - Arba'a Rukun Mosque A Owing to the city's Islamic legacy, one of few things the city's various warlords can agree on, this 1269 mosque has been luckier than the neighbouring cathedral, and is one of very few buildings in the historic center which is not a ruin. It's said to have been built by a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed.

• Arch of Triumph - Arco di Trionfo Popolare - 2.034771, 45.342665 Triumphal arch built by the Italians in 1936.

• Banadir Governor Office - ufficio Govorno | The government building where the governor stays. Nice for taking pictures or a talk with the friendly staff.

• Black Hawk Down Crash Site 2.0525, 45.324722 - Battle of Mogadishu (1993) A security guard is absolutely required. Located inside the Bakara Market. There are plans to collect the ruins in a safe area so that people can easily see it without protection.

• Jaziira Livestock market - Offers a booming camel market, cows, sheep, and goats. Animals are fed before exporting them to Middle East markets. You will find different breeds from the Somali Cattle breed to the Ethiopian Borana Cattle Breed. In the camel market you can enjoy the fresh taste of the camel milk.

• Ruins of Mogadishu Gothic Church 2.035736, 45.341614 - Mogadishu Gothic Church Mogadischu Gothic Church - Built during the colonial years of Italian Somaliland and the cathedral has barely survived the decades of civil war. It was badly damaged during fighting in the 1990s and then severely bombed by Islamists in 2008. Some stone walls and arches remain as testament to the old building. The new Somali Government has mentioned the possibility of rebuilding the cathedral as a sign of religious harmony.

• Mogadishu Lighthouse 2.038694, 45.333306 A Italian colonial lighthouse that has been in ruins since the war, yet still retains its charm.

• Old Shanghai City

| conten=This ancient beachfront city shows the past and present history of the city, with iconic structures, ruins, and the beach nearby.

• Telecommunication Headquarter - Located near the airport, this place is secure, client friendly and business oriented. You can visit them and enjoy the view of the beach from the top of the roof where you can see planes taking off and the Indian Ocean. Make sure you contact them in advance.

• Jaziira Beach south of the city - Gezira Beach A Lovely and quiet place with resorts, hotels and restaurants with a white, sandy, sunny beach that is popular with everyone. Attractions include a small island where you can take pictures and go for a boat ride.

• Mogadishu Fish Market - Built with thanks to UK-Somalia and the fish market is thriving. For visitors who have seen the famous "Mogadishu Fish Picture" and want to try it for themselves, good luck.

• Mogadishu Peace Park - Beerta Nabadda | VIA Marocco, NA Mogadishu, Banadir, Somalia ☎ +252 61 9300004 Built in 2016 and the Peace Park is the most popular park in the city with over 700 people coming to visit, take pictures and just enjoy the green every day.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Mogadishu

• Liido Beach - Built for the Italian colonialists, commonly called Mogadishu Miami Beach. It is popular with foreign tourists and overseas Somalis. The area offers affordable seafood, nice resorts, swimming and sandy Indian Ocean beaches. The famous Anglo-American Club is located here.

Study in Mogadishu

• Mogadishu University - Mogadishu University - a non-governmental university that is governed by the Board of Trustees and the University Council. Admission requirements for the university are listed on their website.

• Benadir University - Benadir University - Started in 2002 with the intention to train doctors but has expanded into other fields.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Mogadishu

Bakaara Market - Bakaara Market]

• Bakaara Market - Suuqa Bakaaraha - 2.049, 45.32 - Bakaara Market An open market and the largest in Somalia. Created in late 1972 during the reign of Siad Barre, its original purpose was to allow proprietors to sell daily crucials. The civil war subsequently created demand for arms and ammunition. Everything from pistols to anti-aircraft weapons are being sold. Falsified documents are also readily available. Forged Somali, Ethiopian and Kenyan passports can be processed within minutes. This illicit sub-market is known as Cabdalle Shideeye after one of its first proprietors.

Most markets and especially the Bakaara Market are a focus of ongoing arms control efforts for the disarmament of Somalia. Marketplaces should be considered hazardous not only because of their content and the presence of some unsavory characters, but also because they have caught fire several times in the last few years.

Halal Restaurants in Mogadishu

International cuisine can be found at Nasa Hablod Restaurant inside Hotel Nasa Hablod and at the Sahafi Hotel. These are probably the safest options for travelers.

• The Village - 2.036709, 45.337376 ☎ +252 616692309 Has several outlets, including at the airport. Main restaurant is next to the bus terminal.

• Liido Seafood Restaurant 2.037848, 45.360271 - Offers local and international delicacies, especially seafood related. Popular with foreign tourists.

• Istanbul Restaurant - Serves both local and Turkish Halal Food.

Mogadishu is overwhelmingly Muslim, and has a social taboo against alcohol, as does the whole country.

• Abdille Nuradin's Bar - Infront of the STN Tele Comp Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 1000 shln per drink.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Mogadishu

Mogadishu - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Mogadishu, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Mogadishu. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Mogadishu and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Mogadishu. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Mogadishu. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMogadishu: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Mogadishu.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Mogadishu: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Mogadishu, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Mogadishu.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Mogadishu, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Mogadishu, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Mogadishu and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Mogadishu, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Mogadishu, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Mogadishu without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Mogadishu is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Mogadishu.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Mogadishu is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Mogadishu, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Mogadishu Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Aaran Guest House - Affordable, very foreign-friendly, with excellent food. They take the safety of their clients to another level. Favored by UK travelers.

• Al-furat Hotel - Located in the center of the city, just opposite the parliament building and along Number 4. The security is excellent and anyone entering the building is thoroughly searched, even laptops are inspected and switched on. Its restaurant is not the best and its pricey (this whole area of Mogadishu is up-town and more expensive than other parts of Mogadishu). It offers good, fast internet connection, your room will have satellite TV, with 24-hr room service, and rooms are comfortable, with good shower room.

• Central Hotel - Cheap hotel, excellent food. It is where government elites come do business apart from their particular ministries.

• City Plaza Hotel - This hotel is in a very secure place, with excellent food, and is popular with UN workers, foreign workers, foreign tourists, and business people from abroad.

• Hotel Nasa Hablod | Km 4 square 2.031026, 45.311962 2 kilometers from International Airport ☎ +25261858440 +25262215943 - Restaurant, meeting rooms, safe box, TV, internet access, air-con.
• Hotel Shamo - From US$100 - Large rooms, with air-conditioning, wi-fi and electricity 24 hours a day. The restaurant is extremely decent, and serves lobster when it's available at the fish market. The hotel is relatively safe.

• Jazeera Palace Hotel - 2.022301, 45.304671 By all accounts the best hotel in Mogadishu, frequented by business travelers and high-profile visitors alike. Security is a priority, with armed guards and walls that enclose the hotel. Still, it was attacked in July 2015 by armed militants, resulting in several causalities. The hotel includes two restaurants.

• Oriental Hotel - Offers excellent food and security. Just for business travelers.

• Peace Hotel - This luxury hotel is close to the airport with views of the Indian Ocean in a nice upper class neighborhood. It is popular with UN aid workers and foreigners, and has a focus on client safety.

• Sahafi Hotel - 2.031447, 45.309438 - One of the best hotels in Mogadishu. The manager is very helpful and the staff are attentive and the food is good. Although the compound is probably your safest bet, if there is such a thing in Mogadishu, a Al Jazeera producer was shot dead in front of the hotel in 2005, and two French citizens were abducted by gunmen in 2009.

• Syl Hotel - A five-star hotel where government dignitaries stay. Located near beach resorts, offering cozy rooms and conference rooms.

Stay Safe

While significant improvements have recently been made and the city remains very dangerous for independent travel. Petty theft and violent crime remains a significant threat in a city which has effectively been in a state of war for nearly two decades and full of unemployed people with few possessions. Any white person and most other foreigners are thus regarded as wealthy and a target for crime. Do not wander the streets alone for any reason. If you must venture around the city, you should be accompanied by hired guards and ride in, preferably, an armoured car. Smash & grab break-ins are feasible in non-armoured vehicles. With the security situation improved and there are likely to be new hotels opening. Make sure yours has armed guards 24/7 and do not trust your valuables to be left in your room.

Basic services, such as water and electricity, are not reliable and you should not drink the water. Food and bottled drinks sold in the city may or may not be safe to consume. Try to get the advice of another foreigner who has been in the city a while. Health services are limited.

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