Travel to Somalia to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Backpacking or travelling in Somalia?

• Somalia is like an episode of Game of Thrones: rugged, unpredictable and full of surprises. The country is not the first choice of the average tourist and that is not without reason since the country is suffering from wars and instability. If you do find a moment to go, embrace the chaos, the adventure and enjoy the variety and landscapes that the country has to offer.
• Spotting activities: swim, surf and relax on Mogadishu Beach; climb hills and admire ancient rock paintings in Laas Geel; experience the relaxed atmosphere of Berbera; smell money at the Money Market in Hargeisa; visit the Somaliland Heritage Museum; dive in the Gulf of Aden; take a camel ride; attend cultural festivals and discover hidden desert caves.
• Spotting animals: chameleons (but hard to find), gazelles, Arabian oryx, ostriches, hyenas, wild donkeys, African wild dog, rock hyraxes.
• Food spotting: sambusa, canjeero, bariis ishkukaris, muqmad, halwa, malawah.

Studying in Somalia?

• With limited resources and infrastructure, it is not the most obvious country to study. If you still want to take on the challenge, there are several universities and programs to choose from! For example, it can be interesting to follow Islamic studies or study medicine, technology or local history.
• Study cities: Mogadishu, Hargeysa.
• Language: Somali, English and here and there Arabic.

Internship in Somalia?

• It is not easy to find an internship, but you have the best chance via the diplomatic route, with NGOs or international aid organizations.
• Competencies: dealing with conflict situations, responsibility, cultural awareness, cooperation, Somali and English skills.

Volunteering in Somalia?

• Think mainly of education, health care and humanitarian aid.

Working in Somalia?

• There is a demand for humanitarian, healthcare, education and technology workers. You can also search through your national diplomatic departments.

Working as a digital nomad in Somalia?

• Being a digital nomad... is mostly challenging at the moment.

Living in Somalia?

• Few people choose to move to Somalia, but those who do can experience a warm welcome and a somewhat chaotic life.
• Why yes, why not? The hospitality, authentic culture and the opportunities to make a difference in development cooperation are certainly attractions, but... there are also security challenges, infrastructure problems and few facilities and conveniences.
• Education: limited opportunities.
• Expat community: small and often concentrated around NGOs and international organisations.
• Safety: improved, but still a challenge.
• Climate: hot summers and mild winters.
• Health insurance: facilities are limited, so it is advisable to have your own comprehensive health insurance.

Stories, tips and experiences from Somalia