Eastern Africa Tours to Mogadishu

Somalia is a beautiful country situated in the Eastern region of Africa, in the famous “Horn of Africa”. The country has been ravaged by the civil wars waging from the past fifteen years. The country has presently been divided into three regions. The region which is being governed by the nominal government of Somalia is known as Gedo. The other two regions which have declared themselves to be independent countries are Somaliland and Puntland. There are several minor regions other than these three, which are being governed by warring factions. The city of Mogadishu used to be the capital city of Somalia, before the Government of Somalia was dethroned in 1990. Mogadishu used to be a flourishing economic hub of Eastern Africa before the 1990s. The well planned city had several structures and scenic locales which it could boast of.

Presently though, the city is divided between the clans headed by the warlords. Somalia's population mostly follows the Islamic religion. Any other religion has been banned by the warring factions of the country. This hatred against any other religion has led to the destruction of the places of worship of other religions. Though Mogadishu is a very dangerous place to travel to, yet many individuals visit the city because of business or for providing international aid. A tour to Mogadishu is only possible if you are being guarded by armed officials from Ethiopian or Somalian army.

Though Mogadishu has lost much of its charms, yet, the city has several interesting places which a tourist can visit on his trip to Mogadishu. The city was originally called Hammawein or Xamar Weyne and had been one of the prettiest sights on the Eastern coast of Africa. A tour to Mogadishu will reveal the violent condition that the local residents have to live within. Though, there are few places to visit at Mogadishu, which, in spite of the strife, is sure to charm you.

The places of interest at Mogadishu include:
The Cathedral of Mogadishu – this beautiful piece of architecture had been appreciated by all who had visited the country before the civil war began. Though the structure is in its ruins now, yet one can easily guess the glory attached with it before the civil wars broke out.

Bakara Market – if you decide to visit this typical Somalian marketplace, you will be surprised to see ammunitions being sold in the open. This marketplace was made famous in the movie “Black Hawk Down'

Shanghai Old City – this portion of Mogadishu used to be controlled by the wealthy people at one time. Now, it is being controlled by warlords and is not accessible by the common tourists. In spite of these facts, this place remains one of the most beautiful places in the strife- torn Mogadishu.