By Bjørn Watne
Bjørn is a Norwegian living in France and a member of the Central Europe Chapter.
Passing through Addis Ababa on your way to or from Europe? For the adventurous traveler with a couple of spare days, a side trip to Mogadishu is surprisingly doable — and unforgettable. With regular Ethiopian Airlines flights at very reasonable prices, Somalia’s capital is closer than you think.
For a hassle-free experience, I recommend Dalmar Plus, a local company offering guided, private tours. Responsive and professional, they can arrange everything — from the invitation letter and visa, to airport pickup and curated sightseeing. A 2.5-day tour typically costs around US$550. This includes transportation, guide and logistics.
Arriving on an afternoon flight, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to a secure, centrally located hotel. After a brief check-in, it’s time to explore. Take a walk through downtown Mogadishu and grab dinner at a lively local pizzeria — don’t miss the house specialty: camel meat pizza. Coffee culture runs deep here.
Day two starts early at the Mogadishu fish market — raw, intense, and utterly authentic. Next,
head to the Old Bay area, where crumbling Italian colonial buildings overlook the Indian Ocean. Then it’s off to the Old Town to shop for souvenirs and enjoy strong Somali coffee. A traditional lunch — eaten seated on the floor with your hands — adds cultural depth to the experience.
In the afternoon, visit a local artist’s gallery and some of Mogadishu’s key monuments, before heading out of town to the sand dunes and beaches south of the city. With a cup of tea in hand, watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean — one of those travel moments that stays with you. Return to town for a delicious dinner and customary shisha to end the day. The final morning is relaxed: local breakfast, a bit more coffee, and then off to the airport for your flight back to Addis.
Dalmar Plus handles everything with calm efficiency and a constant eye on safety — making this edgy destination far more accessible than you’d imagine. Security was a top priority from A to Z, with a government representative accompanying us at all times.
Contact Info:
- www.dalmarplus.com
- WhatsApp (Jamal): +254 799 913990
The TCC always recommends to do due diligence on security before traveling to any part of the world experiencing civil and political unrest.
