Zimbabwe Country

Introduction
From propping up a bar to propping up a tent, Zimbabwe's got you covered. With more than a passing resemblance to a National Geographic best-of issue, Zimbabwe is a beautiful country to visit. It boasts the majestic Victoria Falls, magnificent wildlife preserves and the medieval ruins of Great Zimbabwe, as well as the bustling city of Harare.

Destination Facts
Capital: Harare
President: Robert Gabriel Mugabe
Government: parliamentary democracy
Time zone: GMT +2
Area: 390580
Population: 13000000
Languages: English is the official language of Zimbabwe, but it is a first language for only about 2% of the population.This is spoken by 76% of the population.
Syncretic (50%), Christian (25%), indigenous beliefs (24%), Muslim and other (1%)
Currency: Zimbabwe Dollar (Z$)
Country Dialing Code: 263

Weather
As most of Zimbabwe sits on highveld (high grassland) and middleveld (lower altitude grassland) plateaus, the tropical conditions normally associated with this region of Africa are tempered - except in the lowland regions. It's never particularly hot, most of the time climbing from cool nights to around 25 ° C (77 ° F) during the day. Temperatures are higher from November to April during summer and lower from May to October in winter. The mid-year dry season peaks around August with a very pleasant balance of sunshine, heat and humidity.

Warning
Security for travellers in Zimbabwe remains uncertain: political instability has triggered protests and violence in recent times. A recent cholera outbreak has already claimed over 3000 lives and the disease seems likely to spread, check the BBC for updates on the crisis. All travellers should use common sense to bypass obvious dangers and respect any local advice regarding safety.

Getting there and away
Most international flights arrive in Harare. If you're already in southern Africa, there are frequent services between Johannesburg (and plenty of other Southern African cities) and Harare and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. Air Zimbabwe offers services throughout regional Africa and to major cities in Europe. Popular land borders include the Victoria Falls/Kazungala crossing between Zimbabwe and Botswana (from where you can continue through Chobe National Park to Namibia), the Victoria Falls/Livingstone crossing to Zambia, and the road and rail links to South Africa via Beitbridge. To Mozambique (and Malawi), the route is from Harare to Blantyre via the Nyamapanda and Mwanza border crossings. Daily buses run this route.

Getting around
Currently, Air Zimbabwe only connects Harare and Bulawayo and Harare with Victoria Falls due to lack of demand and fuel. Sometimes, combined flight and accommodation deals are available for the price of the air ticket, so it's worth making inquiries. There are two types of buses - express and local. Most foreigners use scheduled express coaches to travel between major tourist spots, but the local buses are often just as quick, and will almost always be cheaper. There aren't any schedules for local buses and they run only from early morning to late afternoon, departing from the 'African township' bus stations, which are never in the town centre. It's also quite common to strike a deal with a truck driver for intercity transport. Car rental in Zimbabwe is expensive, especially 4WD, and the vehicles are not generally well-maintained. Cyclists will be happy to know that most roads are surfaced and in fair repair, and winds are rarely strong enough to make cycling difficult. Although distances between towns are long by European standards, they're generally only a day's ride apart and there are plenty of small stores between towns where you can stop for refreshment. Zimbabwe's railway network connects Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and Victoria Falls. Trains are very slow, and not particularly safe. All major services travel at night, and sleeping compartments with bedding are available but watch your belongings. There is a ferry service on Lake Kariba, connecting Kariba with Mlibizi, which is handy if you want to do a circular tour of Zimbabwe without retracing your steps between Victoria Falls and Bulawayo. The ferry departs when there is sufficient demand.

Uganda Country

Introduction
Newly invigorated and raring to go, Uganda is worth a fresh-eyed look. Travellers are flocking to Uganda's beautiful mountains, trekking opportunities and communities of mountain gorillas. Kampala is now the modern, bustling capital of a new Uganda, a country with one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.

Destination Facts
Capital: Kampala
President: Yoweri Museveni
Prime Minister: Apollo Nsibambi
Government: republic
Time zone: GMT +3
Area: 237000
Population: 24600000
Religions: Roman Catholic (33%), Protestant (33%), indigenous beliefs (18%), Muslim (16%)
Currency: Uganda Shilling (USh)
Country Dialing Code: 256

Getting there and away
Kampala's international airport is actually in Entebbe, 35km (22mi) southwest of the capital. Plenty of taxis and minibuses ply between the airport and Kampala. Few travellers enter Uganda by air because most flights to east Africa from Europe and north America use the Kenyan capital of Nairobi as a gateway. From Nairobi, most people then travel by bus to Uganda. There are flights to Entebbe from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. If you leave Uganda by air there's a departure tax of 40.00. The two border posts used by most visitors travelling by bus from Kenya are Malaba and Busia. The route into Uganda from Tanzania goes through the Kagera salient on the western side of Lake Victoria between Bukoba and Masaka. From Rawanda the main crossing point is located between Kabale and Kigali, via Katuna (Uganda) and Gatuna (Rwanda). From The Democratic Republic of Congo, the two main crossing points are west from Kisoro to Rutshuru via Bunagana, and northwest from Kasese to Beni. However, even with the advent of peace there are still several rival rebel factions roaming the countryside. For this reason, we do not recommend crossing at any border, except the Bunagana crossing, and even in this case, check, check and check again in Kampala and Kisoro. Entry from Sudan, which entails travelling through the dangerous north of Uganda is not recommended at present. Direct buses operate between Kampala and Nairobi daily, and take around 12 to 14 hours. All Ugandan passenger-train services have been suspended for several years and, until a large injection of cash is found, the situation is unlikely to change.

Getting around
Uganda Airlines has no scheduled internal flights; however, there are several smaller airlines offering both scheduled and charter flights. Eagle Air and Unite Airlines offer flights throughout the country. Most locals get around by share minibuses (known as taxis), and there's never a shortage of them. Fares are fixed and vehicles leave when full. Buses connect the major towns on a daily basis and Ugandan postal service minibuses travel from Kampala to all major centres several times a week. The latter cost less and are safer and faster than the former. Kampala also has bicycle taxis (known locally as boda-boda, as they originally used to shuttle people between border, or boda, posts). There's an excellent system of roads between most major centres in the southern part of Uganda, though some require a 4WD. Rental car companies are based near the airport in Entebbe, Kampala and other major towns. Drivers need an international drivers licence and must drive on the left. Note that road signs are non-existent and fuel is horrifically expensive. Warning: Travel to the north and northeast of Uganda is advised against due to ongoing violence. Check Safe Travel for current government warnings.

Weather
Uganda has a heady tropical climate tempered by altitude, which averages more than 1000m (3281ft). December to February are the hottest months, with the heat lingering around 29° C (84° F) during the day, and cooler temperatures in the mountains. The rainy seasons in the south are from March to May and October to November, the wettest month being April. In the north the wet season is from April to October.

Tunisia Country

Introduction
A land of ancient exotica spiced with modern luxury. Tunisia's list of attractions would do justice to a country twice its size. From the Roman-era hot springs at Hamman Mellegue to the space-age sets of Star Wars (parts of which were filmed at Matmata), its lush-to-lunar landscapes have seen more action than the New World nations combined.

Destination Facts
Capital: Tunis
President: Zine el-Abidine ben Ali
Prime Minister: Mohamed Ghannouchi
Government: republic
Time zone: GMT +1
Area: 163610
Population: 9920000
Religion: Islam, Christianity, Judaism
Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TD)
Country Dialing Code: 216

Getting there and away
Most of the tourists who visit Tunisia each year arrive by air. The main airports for international (predominantly charter) flights are Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Jerba, with Tozeur and Tabarka picking up a stray flight here and there. Tunis Air, the national airline, flies to a range of destinations in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, but there are no direct flights between Tunisia and North or South America, Asia or Oceania. There is no departure tax in Tunisia. Crossing by ferry from France or Italy is a popular option, and it's possible (though a pain) to bring a car or motorcycle along for the ride. To do so, bring the vehicle's registration papers and purchase liability insurance and an international driver's permit (in addition to your domestic licence). The only transport option between Algeria and Tunisia is taking a shared taxi (louage) from Place Sidi Bou Mendil in the Tunis medina to Annaba and Constantine. Travel to and from Libya is also difficult, and the likelihood of getting a visa remains slim. A better bet is to go through a tour company specialising in trips to Libya. The best yachting marinas in Tunisia are at Monastir, Port el-Kantaoui, Sidi Bou Sa ï d, Tabarka and Zarzis.

Getting around
Tunisia has a well-developed transport network, with just about every town of any consequence linked daily with the capital. Things get crowded during August and September and around holidays, so book ahead if possible. Tunisia's domestic air network is fairly limited - there just aren't that many places far enough from Tunis to warrant catching a plane. Four airports catch domestic flights from Tunis - Gafsa, Jerba, Sfax and Tozeur - and no flight takes more than an hour. The national bus company, Soci é t é Nationale du Transport Interurbain (SNTRI, pronounced 'sintry'), operates daily air-conditioned buses to just about every town in the country. Their services are fast, comfy and affordable. In summer, they run at night to avoid the midday heat; book ahead at this time. In addition, there are regional bus companies that are cheap, but slower than SNTRI, and almost never air-conditioned. The train network run by the Soci é t é Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens (SNCFT) is well short of comprehensive, but it is modern and efficient and they do run on time. The main line runs several times a day between Tunis and Gab è s via Sousse and Sfax. One train branches off at Mahr è s to Gafsa and Metlaoui. Other destinations include Bizerte, Mateur, Ghardimao, Jendouba, Kalaat Khasba, Bir Bou Rekba, Nabeul, Monastir and Mahdia. For train enthusiasts, the Lezard Rouge (Red Lizard) is a restored beylical train that runs between Metlaoui and Redeyef daily, offering magnificent views of the Seldja Gorge. Tunisia's shared, long-distance taxis - called louages - take five passengers and won't leave until they're full (which never takes long). Louages are the fastest way to get around and the cost is only slightly higher than that for a bus. To find one, look for a white Peugeot station wagon with roof racks and identification signs on the front and back. There's always someone shouting out destinations and directing people to specific louages near their 'depots' - usually a vacant lot in the town centre. The government sets the rates, so if you think you're being ripped off, ask to see the list of tariffs before getting in. Driving around Tunisia is a treat - at least in the north. The roads are excellent and drivers are generally safe and courteous. The only things to watch out for are weaving moped drivers (of which there are bountiful numbers) and errant pedestrians. Fuel is cheap by European standards, but lead-free petrol is not widely available and car rental costs are exorbitant. Driving is on the right. There are two regular ferry services in the country. One connects Sfax with the Kerkennah Islands, about 25km (15mi) off the coast. The second runs from Jorf on the mainland to Ajim on the island of Jerba. Fares are very cheap. Bicycles are available for hire around the country. Conditions are ideal, save for summer heat, winter cold and the dearth of quality spare parts - fill out your repair kit before you leave home. Tunis also has a modern m é tro l é ger (tram) network, which is much easier to use than the buses, as well as a suburban train line (TGM) that connects the city centre with the northern suburbs.

Weather
Northern Tunisia has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers (June-August) and mild, wet winters (December-February). Tunis' high temperatures top out around 32° C (90° F) and drop no lower than 6° C (40° F). The mountains of the northwest occasionally get snow, while the farther south you go, the hotter and drier it gets. Annual rainfall ranges from 1000mm (40in) in the north, down to 150mm (6in) in the south, although some Saharan areas go without rain for years on end. Tunisia's lowest point is at Chott el-Gharsa, at 17m (56ft) below sea level, and its highest point is at Jebel Chambi at 1544m (1785ft).

Tanzania Country

Introduction
Take a walk on the wild side in this quintessential African landscape. Step out into the vast open plains of Tanzania and you suddenly feel very, very small. And so you should. You've just joined one of the largest, wildest animal populations in the world.
Wildebeest, monkey, antelope, lion, cheetah, crocodile, gazelle, flamingo - they're all out there.

Despite troubles from rowdy neighbours and a weak economy, Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities on the continent. Its famous parks make the often rather pedestrian towns well worth the stopover.

Geography:
A land of plains, lakes and mountains with a narrow, low-lying coastal belt, Tanzania is East Africa's largest country. The bulk of the country is a highland plateau, some of it semi-desert and the rest savannah and scattered bush. The highest mountains - Meru (4556m/14943ft) and Kilimanjaro (Africa's highest at 5896m/19335ft) - are in the northeast along the border with Kenya.

Destination Facts
Capital: Dodoma (official); Dar es Salaam (administrative)
President: Jakaya Kikwete
Government: republic
Time zone: GMT + 3
Area: 945090
Population: 35922000
People: 99% African (over 100 tribes), 1% Asian, European and Arabic
Religion: 45% Christian, 40% Muslim, 15% indigenous beliefs
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TSh)
Major industries: Tobacco, sugar, sisal, diamond and gold mining, oil refining, cement, tourism
Major Trading Partners: India, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Rwanda, the Netherlands, South Africa, Kenya, UK, Saudi Arabia, China
Country Dialing Code: 255

Getting there and away
There are frequent, albeit expensive, flights between Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, and between Zanzibar and both Nairobi and Mombasa. By land, numerous bus routes connect Tanzania and Kenya. These include Mombasa to Dar es Salaam, Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Nairobi to Arusha, and Voi to Moshi. It's possible to go by dhow between Mombasa and Pemba but sailings are slow and sporadic. More regular are the lake ferry services between Mwanza and Bukoba (from where it's then easy to continue overland into Uganda), and cargo ships between Port Bell (Kampala) and Mwanza (Tanzania). For Zambia the best option is the fitful Tazara railway, with trains that run over two nights between Dar es Salaam and Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, via Mbeya and the border posts at Tunduma and Nakonde.

Getting around
Tanzania's two main non-charter airlines are Air Tanzania and Precision Air, operating domestic flights. Service on both is generally good. For flights to the Zanzibar Archipelago, check Coastal Aviation and ZanAir. Charter airlines are another option: prices are manageable if you can get a group together large enough to fill the plane (usually three- or five-seaters). The two train lines in Tanzania, the Tanzanian Railway Corporation's Central Line and the more comfy TAZARA line, link Dar es Salaam with various destinations. Buses travel by day throughout Tanzania - they are not permitted to travel at night (though some do). Be aware that road accidents are probably the biggest safety risks while travelling here, as roads are poor and buses can be very speedy. Scandinavian Express, with a wide range of routes, is generally the best line. For shorter trips off the beaten track, minibuses (also called dalla-dallas) are an option (often the only option). You might minimise the risks of the road by driving your own vehicle, though for most trips outside major towns you will need a 4WD. You can rent a car expensivelyn at one of a handful of agencies in Dar es Salaam. A few travellers cover at least some of the country on their bicycles. Main roads are generally not good for this, though many secondary roads are ideal - as long as you stay ultra-alert. If roads aren't your thing, you can hop onto a ferry on Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa and along the coast. Sailing a dhow, a boat that has been on the coastal waters for centuries, seems a more romantic experience, but the journeys can be long and uncomfortable. After several accidents involving tourists, the government has prohibited foreigners on non-motorised dhows, or on any dhow between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar island. Despite the efforts and risks involved, however, sailing under the moonlight with the breeze in your hair can be a great way to travel.

Weather
If there's a time to avoid coastal Tanzania, it's during the long rainy season from March to May, which has a brief revival from November to January. The best time is between June and September when rainfall is sparse and temperatures orbit around a pleasantly balmy 28 ° C (83 ° F). Inland on the plateau, rain during the middle of the year is insignificant and temperatures sink slightly but comfortably.

Sudan Country

Introduction
Souq it out with some nomads along the Nile. Sudan remains a politically unstable country. While the north remains calm, Darfur is wracked by crisis while the aftershocks of a decades-long civil war continue to reverberate across the south.
The security situation in Sudan is highly unstable and several areas, particularly in and around Darfur, are no-go zones. Check Safe Travel for current government warnings.

Destination Facts
Capital: Khartoum
President: Lt Gen Umar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir
Government: Power-sharing government of national unity
Time zone: GMT +3
Area: 2376000
Population: 38114160
Religions: Sunni Muslim (70%), traditional (25%), Christian (5%)
Currency: Sudanese Pound ( £ Sd)
Country Dialing Code: 249

Getting there and away
Sudan Airways connects Khartoum with destinations throughout Africa. There are also services from Port Sudan and from Dongola to Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In the south, Juba is becoming slowly connected to flight routes to Kenya. Of the international airlines, EgyptAir serves Cairo, Kenya Airways fly to Nairobi and Ethiopian Airlines fly to Addis Ababa. Lufthansa flies frequently to Europe and the USA via Frankfurt; Gulf Air and Emirates connect with worldwide destinations via the Middle East. The airport departure tax for international flights is the usual hefty 20.00, payable in dollars. Sudan shares borders with many countries, but not all are open. Overland travel to the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo remain unstable and dangerous, but connections to Uganda and Kenya are becoming viable and secure. The frontier with Eritrea is closed to travellers.The roads between Sudan and Egypt are closed, however it's straightforward to go by the weekly ferry that leaves Sudan's inland port of Wadi Halfa and sails along Lake Nasser to the port near the Aswan Dam about 20km south of Aswan in Egypt. Saudia Arabia is also an option by water, with regular ferry services running between Suakin and Jeddah.

Getting around
Sudan Airways flies to all of Sudan's major cities (Ed-Debba, Dongola, El-Fasher, Al-Geneina, Juba, Khartoum, Malakal, Merowe, Nyala, El-Obeid, Port Sudan, Wadi Halfa and Wau) but be prepared for last-minute schedule changes and overbooked flights. There's a domestic airport tax of 4.00. Sudan's major highway is the sealed road linking Khartoum with Port Sudan via Gedaref and Kassala. The routes from Khartoum to Atbara, Dongola and El-Obeid are also mostly sealed. Luxury buses run between Khartoum, Kassala, Port Sudan and El-Obeid, and less comfortable buses run on the other sealed roads. In the rest of the country, 'roads' are mostly desert tracks and the only public transport can involve hardy 'buses' adapted from trucks. For shorter distances, and around towns, the transport of choice is Toyota pick-ups known as boksi (plural bokasi).The state-run rail network, once one of the best in Africa, is sadly run-down as a result of war and lack of investment and maintenance. The only remaining passenger services are from Khartoum to Wadi Halfa and Port Sudan (via Atbara). There's also a branch line in the west from Er-Rahad to Nyala.

Weather
Sudan's climate ranges from your typical blisteringly hot desert weather in the north to humid and tropical in the equatorial south. Any rain in the north (rarely more than 150mm/6in per year) normally falls between July and September. In the south, annual rainfall can exceed 1000mm (39in) and usually occurs between April and November. Even in January daytime temperatures above 30 ° C (86 ° F) are almost a certainty, and at night in the middle of the year the mercury still lingers around 25 ° C (77 ° F). Northern temperatures are particularly high, climbing to more than 40 ° C in Khartoum in summer when there are also frequent dust storms. Humidity is only really noticeable in the south and is rarely uncomfortable.

South Africa Country

Introduction
Wildlife, wild times and a culture in repair. Smell the braai (barbecue), hear kwaito music blaring out of a Soweto nightclub, feel the Capetonian sea breeze, see the stripy flash of a zebra as it zigzags through the bush.
South Africa bombards the senses from the moment you step foot on its soil.

The infrastructure is constantly improving, the climate is kind and there are few better places to see Africa's wildlife. But if you want to understand South Africa, you'll have to deal with the full spectrum; poverty, the AIDS pandemic and violence remain a problem.

'When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said, "Let us pray." We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.' - Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Geography:
South Africa is a big wallop of a country, extending nearly 2000km (1240mi) from the Limpopo River in the north to Cape Agulhas in the south and nearly 1500km (930mi) from Port Nolloth in the west to Durban in the east. Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland run from west to east along South Africa's northern border and Lesotho soars above the grassland towards the southeast. The country can be divided into three major parts: the vast interior plateau, the Kalahari Basin, and a narrow coastal plain.

Destination Facts
Capital: Pretoria (official); Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cape Town (legislative).
President: Jacob Zuma
Government: republic and independent member of the British Commonwealth
Time zone: GMT +2
Area: 1233404
Population: 49052489
People: 79% black, 9.6% white, 9.0% mixed race, 2.6% of Indian or Asian descent
Currency: Rand (R)
Major industries: Mining, finance, insurance, food processing
Major Trading Partners: USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Italy
Country Dialing Code: 27

Getting there and away
Although about 30 airlines now fly to South Africa, it still isn't exactly a hub of international travel and the fares reflect that. OR Tambo International Airport, east of Jo'burg, remains the main international airport, but there are an increasing number of international flights to Cape Town and a few regional flights into Durban. Numerous buses cross the borders between South Africa and all of its neighbours. These are the most efficient way to travel overland, unless you have your own vehicle. Other than sometimes-lengthy queues, there are usually no hassles. At the border, you'll need to disembark to take care of visa formalities, then reboard your bus and carry on.

Getting around
Domestic fares aren't cheap. If you plan to take internal flights, check with a travel agent before you leave home for special deals on tickets and air passes. South Africa is geared towards travel by private car, with some very good highways but limited and expensive public transport. If you want to cover a lot of the country in a short time, hiring or buying a car might be necessary. If you don't have much money but have time to spare, you might organise lifts with fellow travellers and, if you don't mind a modicum of discomfort, there's an extensive network of minibus taxis, buses and trains. Two major national bus operators cover the main routes and will usually be pretty comfortable. The hop-on hop-off Baz Bus is cheap and convenient for backpackers.

Weather
South Africa has been favoured by nature with one of the most temperate climates on the African continent, and plenty of sunny, dry days. The main factors influencing conditions are altitude and the surrounding oceans. Basically, the farther east you go, the more handy your rain-gear becomes, but there are also damp pockets in the south-west, particularly around Cape Town. The coast north from the Cape becomes progressively drier and hotter, culminating in the desert region just south of Namibia. Along the south coast the weather is temperate, but the east coast becomes increasingly tropical the further north you go. When it gets too sticky, head for the highlands, which are pleasant even in summer. The north-eastern hump gets very hot and there are spectacular storms there in summer. In winter the days are sunny and warm.

Warning
Travellers should be aware that criminal gangs are known to operate at airports, bus stations and other major transport hubs in South Africa, particularly at Johannesburg International Airport. Muggings and carjackings are regularly reported in Johannesburg's city centre.

Related Posts: Mozambique, Lesotho, Bostwana

Somalia Country

Introduction
Kevlar vest; check. Military entourage; check. Somalia, here I come. A traveller to Somalia is spoilt for choice in the number of things that can go wrong.

Destination Facts
Capital: Mogadishu
President: Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed
Prime Minister: Nur Hassan Hussein
Government: transitional
Time zone: GMT +3
Area: 627337
Population: 8025190
Languages: Sunni Muslim
Currency: Somali Shilling (So)
Country Dialing Code: 252

Getting there and away
Daallo Airlines operates weekly services from Dubai, London and Paris to Djibouti, from where there are connections to Hargeisa (Somaliland) and Mogadishu (Southern Somalia). They also have flights from Djibouti to other smaller Somali destinations. Ethiopian Airlines offers flights from Addis Ababa. There's a large amount of dhow traffic from Djibouti and Kenya, but piracy is rife - major merchant ships get shanghai'd in these waters so don't even think about sailing a yacht along Somalia's coast. The land border between Somaliland and Djibouti is open, but it's a difficult two-day truck journey between Djibouti and Hargeisa. From Jijiga in Ethiopia there's bus traffic to Hargeisa. Although the southern border town of Liboi was once a fascinating little place, there's no way you can get overland from Somalia to Kenya at present. Moreover, the entire border area is infested with well-armed Somali shifta (bandits).

Getting around
In Somaliland there are a few sealed roads (the one from Berbera to Hargeisa is one of the few), and medium-sized buses and crowded 4WDs service routes between major Somaliland settlements. However, foreigners are asked to rent a car with driver and guide when travelling outside Hargeisa.

Weather
With a generous serve of desert, it's no surprise that Somalia is as dry as a wafer in the sun. Inland and along the northern coast temperatures can be ferociously hot between May and September, making the coastal humidity particularly treacherous. In the south, temperatures are less severe but the humidity is significantly higher.

Warning
Somalia remains one of the world's most dangerous destinations. Travel is possible in the northern self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland, with the exception of the Sool, southern and eastern Sanaag regions and Buhoodle districts. These areas are in dispute with neighbouring Puntland which remains a no-go area.

Related Posts: Kenya, Ethiopia, Congo