Bosaso: Puntland's port city on the Gulf of Aden

What official advice says first

The UK, US, Canadian and Australian governments advise against all travel to Puntland, citing terrorism, kidnapping and conflict in parts of the region, including the mountains west of Bosaso. Visitors are almost all people with family or business ties who travel with local hosts. If you go, read your government's current advice and confirm that your insurance covers the region.

The city and the port

Bosaso's life revolves around the port, where dhows and cargo ships load camels, goats and sheep bound for Arabia, and unload everything from rice to cars. The seafront and the old harbour area are lively in the evenings, when the heat eases and families walk by the water. The city's markets sell spices, cloth, gold and electronics, and the main streets are busy with money transfer offices and phone shops.

Frankincense country

The Cal Madow mountains to the west and the hills of the Bari region are among the world's main sources of frankincense and myrrh, harvested from wild trees as they have been for thousands of years. Bosaso is where much of the resin is sorted and shipped. You can buy frankincense in local markets and shops, but trips into the mountains are not advisable under current conditions.

Food

Expect fresh fish and lobster, goat and camel meat with rice, pasta in the Somali style, canjeero for breakfast and plenty of sweet tea. Juice bars serve mango, papaya and guava. Hotel restaurants are often the most comfortable choice for visitors.

The coast

The coastline east and west of the city has beaches and coves, and the coast further east toward Qandala and the tip of the Horn is wild and remote. Ask your hosts before heading out of the city, and go only with trusted local company.

Where to stay

Bosaso has several local hotels used by business visitors and returning families, some with security staff, generators and restaurants. Ask about airport transfers, guards and recent incidents before booking.

Getting there

Bender Qassim International Airport has flights from Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe and some regional hubs, which change often. Road travel between Puntland's cities and to other regions is long and risky, so most visitors fly.

Plan your time

Use our places to visit list and the free trip planner to plan around flights and family.

When to go

Bosaso is extremely hot from about May to September, when strong winds called the **kharif** blow dust off the mountains. The cooler months from November to February are far more comfortable for being outdoors. Many diaspora families still visit in summer for weddings and reunions, staying indoors during the hottest hours and heading to the seafront after dark.

Practical tips

Bring clean US dollar notes and set up a local SIM with mobile money, as card payments are rare. Dress conservatively; Puntland is a traditional society. Ask before photographing people and never photograph the port, security forces or government buildings. Keep your passport, visa and any regional entry paperwork with you, and let family or your hotel know your movements at all times.

Beyond the city

Garowe, the Puntland capital, is a short flight or a long drive away. The coast toward Qandala and Cape Guardafui at the very tip of the Horn of Africa is spectacular but remote, and only advisable with trusted local arrangements and the latest official advice.