Hike through the forests and cliffs of Ga’an Libah, explore the Sheikh and Wagar Mountains, discover the high-altitude forests and escarpments of Daallo and finish with the ultimate challenge: an attempt to reach the summit of Shimbiris, the highest mountain in Somaliland.
This hiking expedition combines prehistoric rock art, nomadic culture and the Gulf of Aden with some of Somaliland’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Ga’an Libah, Sheikh, Wagar Mountains, Daallo & Shimbiris Mountains
Pick up and transfer to your Hotel. Depending on your arrival time you will explore the capital Hargeisa.
Start with the Civil War Memorial, then explore the Central Market and money changers. Visit the Hargeisa Cultural Centre for a taste of local art and history. After a rest you can freely walk around in the city center of Hargeisa to get a sense of the people and the city.
Our first evening features a traditional Somali music and dance if available (depending on the day of the week!).
Damal Hotel or similar
N/A
In the early morning you visit the Livestock Market. Livestock is the backbone of the economy of Somaliland. We head to Laas Geel, one of the most important rock art site in Africa. The vibrant colors and well preserved paintings are estimated to be around ten thousand years old. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit local nomadic families, offering a rare glimpse into traditional Somali pastoral life.
After exploring Laas Geel, continue off-road towards the Ga’an Libah Mountains.Ga’an Libah rises to approximately 1,700 metres above sea level and offers a completely different landscape, with mountain vegetation, wildlife, birdlife, cliffs and spectacular views.
Begin the first small hike of the expedition. The trail involves approximately two hours descending followed by around two hours climbing back towards the camp. After the hike, visit the spectacular cliff viewpoint overlooking the mountain range. Our team will set up the camping area and prepare a freshly cooked dinner. Enjoy dinner under the stars, followed by a campfire and, where possible an open-air movie night in the mountains.
Ga'an Libah Mountain Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up surrounded by the mountains and enjoy breakfast at camp. Begin the second hike of the expedition. The reserve is known for its forests, scenic cliffs, wildlife and birdlife and offers one of Somaliland’s best wilderness experiences.
After the morning exploration, break camp and continue towards the Gulf of Aden. The changing landscape is part of today’s experience as we leave the cooler mountain environment behind and descend towards the coastal plains.
Arrive in Berbera later in the day. Check into the hotel and relax on the beach. Depending on arrival time, there will be an opportunity for a swim and to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Aden.
Damal Berbera Hotel or similar
Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast you will see the historic town of Berbera. Especially the old quarter of the town with its many Ottoman and British architecture is of historic interest.
We leave Berbera behind and drive to the small town of Sheikh in the mountains. Passing Sheikh Mountains will be a nice experience because of the scenic view and pleasant temperature. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the mountains, surrounded by stunning views. There is also a possibility for a short hike through the mountains.
At the end of the day we will drive further East to Burao, the second biggest city in the country.
Note: Depending on the time and your preferences a visit to Wager Mountain can be combined with Sheikh Mountains.
Maansoor Hotel or similar
Breakfast & Lunch
Start your morning with a walk through Burao, a lively city known for its role as a key center in central Somaliland. Take time to explore the busy streets, connect with local life, and experience the energy of its open-air markets where goods, animals and stories are traded.
From Burao, we begin a long journey east toward Erigavo, the heart of Sanaag region. The drive spans roughly 390 kilometers, winding through wide open plains, tiny villages, and rugged terrain. As we gain elevation, the landscape shifts noticeably, with cooler temperatures and greener views.
By evening, we arrive in Erigavo, set high in the mountains at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. Here, you’ll settle in for the night and rest up for the scenic exploration that awaits the next day.
Abu Dhabi Hotel or similar
Breakfast
In the morning, we head out from Erigavo to explore the Daallo Mountains, a unique forest reserve rising above the Sanaag plains. Often called Somaliland’s “green paradise,” Daallo is part of the Golis Range and reaches elevations over 2,400 meters, with peaks up to around 4,000 ft (1,220 m).
Once there, we’ll take a hike through the forested escarpment, enjoy sweeping views of valleys and, on a clear day, glimpses of the Gulf of Aden below. In the evening, we return to Erigavo for the night.
Abu Dhabi Hotel or similar
Breakfast & Lunch
An early start at approximately for the biggest hiking challenge of the expedition: Shimbiris Mountain. Drive towards the trailhead and begin the hike to the highest peak in Somaliland.
The Shimbiris route includes steep sections close to the summit and requires an early start because of the weather and terrain conditions. As we climb, enjoy increasingly dramatic views across the mountain landscape. Reach the summit area and take time to appreciate one of the most remote mountain panoramas in Somaliland before beginning the long descent.
Return to Erigavo for a well-earned rest.
Abu Dhabi Hotel or similar
Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast in Erigavo, you’ll begin the long drive towards Burao, the main hub of central Somaliland. The road takes us through rugged terrain, scattered nomadic settlements, and remote villages that reflect the rural life in this part of the country.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Burao where you can rest or take a walk in the city centre.
Maansoor Hotel or similar
Breakfast
We’ll drive back to Hargeisa, the capital and largest city of Somaliland. If we arrive early enough, you’ll have some free time to explore more of the city. We’ll end our last evening with a cultural performance, including live Somali music if available (depending on the day of the week!).
Damal Hotel or similar
Breakfast
Transfer to The Airport for your departure.
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Breakfast
4 Days/3 Nights
6 Days/5 Nights
8 Days/7 Nights
To help you prepare for your trip, please ensure you understand the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination, for both directions of travel, which may change frequently.
