Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
Stop researching. Start exploring.Discover all 83 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.
Get instant access
Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You should consider the following vaccinations for Somalia:
-
Hepatitis A and
Hepatitis B-
Typhoid-
Polio-
Tetanus and
Diphtheria-
Yellow Fever (required if traveling from a country with risk)
-
Rabies (if planning extended outdoor activities)
-
Cholera (if visiting areas with active transmission)
-
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)-
Influenza (seasonal flu shot)
Check with a travel health professional for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Somalia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for SomaliaCulture & Customs
Respect local customs by dressing modestly; women should cover their hair and wear long skirts. Avoid public displays of affection, as these are frowned upon. It’s polite to greet with a handshake but use your right hand for eating and giving gifts, as the left hand is considered unclean.
For gay travelers, discretion is crucial due to conservative views on LGBTQ+ matters. Women should avoid solo travel at night and stay in groups when possible. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Somalia.
- Canjeero: Similar to a pancake but with a slightly sour taste, Canjeero is a staple breakfast item in Somalia. It’s often served with honey, ghee, or stews. It’s culturally significant as it reflects the Somali tradition of sharing meals.
- Suqaar: This is a flavorful stir-fry of diced beef or chicken cooked with onions, peppers, and spices. It’s a go-to dish for its simplicity and versatility, often enjoyed with rice, pasta, or flatbread.
- Bariis Iskukaris: A spiced rice dish, often cooked with lamb or chicken, and infused with a mix of Somali spices like cardamom and cloves. Bariis Iskukaris is typically served during special occasions and is a showcase of Somali hospitality.
- Muqmad (Odkac): Dried beef preserved in oil, Muqmad is a traditional snack that’s great for on-the-go munching. It’s popular for its long shelf life and is a nod to the nomadic lifestyle of Somalis.
- Malawah: Sweet and flaky, this Somali flatbread is usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack, often with a spread of jam or honey. It’s cherished for its sweet taste and versatility.
The tap water in Somalia is generally not safe for tourists to drink, even if some locals might consume it. It’s recommended to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any health issues. Always ensure the seal on bottled water is intact before purchasing.
The main language in Somalia is
Somali. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Somali skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Somalia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Somalia,
English is not the primary language, but it is spoken to varying degrees, especially in urban areas and among the younger population. The official languages are Somali and Arabic, with Somali being the most widely spoken. English is taught in schools, particularly in higher education, and is often used in business and government contexts.
In major cities like Mogadishu and Hargeisa, you may find English speakers among professionals, educators, and those involved in the tourism sector. However, in rural areas, English proficiency is much lower, and communication may primarily occur in Somali.
Travelers should be prepared for potential language barriers and consider learning a few basic Somali phrases to enhance interactions. Overall, while English is present, especially in urban settings, it is not universally spoken, so understanding local languages can significantly improve the travel experience in Somalia.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Somalia is SOS (S).
When backpacking in Somalia, keep in mind that ATM access is extremely limited, mostly found in larger cities like Mogadishu. It’s wise to carry cash, preferably USD, as it’s widely accepted and can be easily exchanged. Euros aren’t as useful here.
Credit cards are not commonly accepted, so don’t rely on them for daily expenses. For exchanging money, look for official exchange outlets or banks in urban areas. Avoid street exchanges as they can be risky and scams aren’t uncommon.
Carry smaller bills for day-to-day transactions, as larger bills can be hard to break. Always have a backup stash of cash in case you can’t find an ATM or exchange point. Stay alert and be discreet about your cash to avoid unwanted attention.
Tipping in Somalia isn’t a common practice, but small tips for exceptional service, like rounding up a taxi fare, are appreciated. In restaurants, if a service charge isn’t included, leaving a modest tip of around 5-10% for good service is courteous. Always carry small denominations to make tipping easier.
v2.webp){kind=logo}
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.