Mogadishu, Somalia is one of those places in the world. Somalia is 30 years into a brutal Civil War that has taken a huge toll on the once thriving country.
In that time, Somalia has been and is a safe haven for terrorist groups; has endured regular terror attacks, suicide bombings, and assassinations. But behind every negative media story and political naivety exist real people living real lives. One day in Mogadishu, Somalia showed me that there is life and there is hope in this proud city of 2. Flights can be expensive and unreliable for various reasons. However, you must have a work visa arranged ahead of time to travel to Somalia.
As of time of writing, there are no Somalia tourist visas at all-there are no tourists. The airport is heavily fortified and can take a while to get in and out of with numerous checkpoints. Departing from Mogadishu Airport can take time and be an intense hassle. There are several security checks. Get there early and be patient. MGQ is unlike any other airport in the world security wise.
If you take one piece of advice from me, it should be to stay at the Peace Hotel in Mogadishu. Arrange your trip through the owner, Bashir. He is absolutely the man in Mogadishu and will arrange your accommodation, transportation and security team.
Before you leave the compound to go sightseeing, Bashir will give you a security briefing from what is essentially a mission control straight out of a movie. You are transfixed by how hi-tech it is and how secure Bashir makes you feel. They have cameras all over the city and technology that shows any potential danger. It then offers alternative routes if necessary. Obviously no photos were allowed. Inside the Peace Hotel compound is a very comfortable, pleasant and even beautiful oasis in the middle of likely the most dangerous city on Earth.
