The pioneering first edition of this guidebook was the first dedicated entirely to Somaliland, and this second edition, fully updated and with a foreword by Simon Reeve, continues Bradt's groundbreaking tradition of publishing highly specialist guides to newly emerging destinations. Significantly, this new edition also covers Addis Ababa and eastern Ethiopia the main gateway into Somaliland. Also included is a detailed historical and archaeological background to a region whose wealth of rock art, ancient burial sites, ruined cities and historical ports stretches back 5,000 years and has links with ancient Egypt and Axum as well as the more recent Ottoman and British empires. Comprehensive birdwatching and wildlife sections include details of where to look for of the region's endemic and near-endemic birds and mammals, while the guide also contains the only proper maps available for the capital Hargeisa and other large towns such as Burao, Berbera and Borama, compiled from scratch using GPS. Somaliland ranks among the world's most obscure and uncharted travel destinations. It comprises the former colony of British Somaliland, which merged with its Italian namesake to form the Somali Republic upon attaining independence in 1960, but unilaterally seceded from the rest of war-torn Somalia in 1991. Now a peaceful and fully functional self-governing democracy, Somaliland still awaits official recognition by the UN AU and most other such organisations more than quarter of a century later. Yet despite its obscurity, this ancient and largely arid land has much to offer the truly intrepid traveller, and the low-key, low-rise capital Hargeisa Is easily reached by air or overland from neighbouring Ethiopia. With this unique guide, discover Las Geel, the most alluring rock art site on the Horn of Africa; the charmingly decayed Ottoman port of Berbera, which provides access to some splendid beaches and offshore reefs; the spectacular Daallo Escarpment, swathed in fragrant evergreen forests that support several endemic bird species; and the abandoned city of Maduna, the most impressive of several mediaeval Islamic ruins dotted around the arid interior.

'Briggs' love for Africa, and his deep respect for its people, inform and illuminate the whole experience.' Travel Africa 'Somaliland appears in a first edition and is the item of choice for anyone planning a visit to the region - including Addis Ababa and Eastern Ethiopia. From visa requirements and how to travel in the region to sights to see and places to stay, this covers one of the world's least-charted travel destinations and provides everything needed to understand the area and its attractions. Most guides list Somaliland as a side attraction to other nearby areas: this dedication to the country as a whole is a 'must' for travelers who want in-depth coverage over generalities, and is a pick for any independent travel library.' California Bookwatch 'The Somaliland guide book is very good and provides a lot of necessary information about Somaliland. I commend you for this great piece of work and hope you will continue updating it.' Ali A Awale Head of the Somaliland Mission UK

Vorwort
. The only guide available . With a foreword by Simon Reeve . Includes the only proper maps available for the capital Hargeisa and other large towns such as Barao, Berbera and Boroma, compiled from scratch using GPS. . Fully updated . Written by Philip Briggs, the world's leading guidebook writer on Africa . Includes the main gateway: Addis Ababa and eastern Ethiopia . Includes comprehensive wildlife and birdwatching sections . Ideal for intrepid adventurers and armchair travellers alike

Autorentext

By Philip Briggs - Foreword by Simon Reeve

Zusammenfassung
Somaliland Travel Guide - Travel information and expert advice with a foreword by Simon Reeve, including Hargeisa highlights, Islamic ruins and ancient rock art sites. Also featuring practical information, nomadic traditions and culture, Daallo Escarpment, Berbera, Las Geel, Maduna ruins, Zeila, wildlife, birdlife, culture and political history.

Inhalt

Introduction

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 

Chapter 1 Background Information

History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Arts and music

Chapter 2 Natural History

Lay of the land, Mammals, Reptiles and amphibians, Birds, Marine wildlife

Chapter 3 Practical Information

When to visit, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Safety, Women travellers, Gay travellers, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and weekends, Shopping, Photography, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette and travelling positively

Chapter 4 Health

Preparations, Medical problems

PART TWO THE GUIDE

Chapter 5 Hargeisa

History, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do 

Chapter 6 Las Geel and the Berbera Road

Aw-Barkadle, Las Geel, El Sheikh and Bulhar, Ga’an Libah Reserve, Beira Hills, Xabaalo Tumaalood

Chapter 7 Berbera and Surrounds

History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Berbera

Chapter 8 Sheikh and Burao

Sheikh, Burao

Chapter 9 Sanaag

Burao to Erigavo, Erigavo, Daallo Forest, Maydh

Chapter 10 West of Hargeisa

Rock art sites on the Borama road, Tog Wajaale, Borama, Zeila, Giriyad Plains, Looyada

Chapter 11 Overland Routes to Hargeisa From Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Harar, Jijiga 

Appendix 1 Language

Appendix 2 Further Reading

Index