Somaliland

Guidebook writer and Africa expert Philip Briggs first backpacked through East Africa in 1986. He undertook a pioneering trip to Somaliland in 2011 to research the first edition of the Bradt guide to this fascinating and peaceful but little-known country, which seceded from the rest of war-torn Somalia in 1991, but remains officially unrecognized outside of its own borders. He returned in 2017 to research the second edition of the Bradt guide, which features vastly expanded coverage of facilities in the capital Hargeisa. Philip has written and co-authored more than a dozen Bradt guides to other destinations, among them neighbouring Ethiopia, the only country that has full diplomatic links with Somaliland, and he has contributed to many other books, travel and wildlife magazines.

• IntroductionPART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background InformationHistory, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Arts and musicChapter 2 Natural HistoryLay of the land, Mammals, Reptiles and amphibians, Birds, Marine wildlifeChapter 3 Practical InformationWhen 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 positivelyChapter 4 HealthPreparations, Medical problemsPART TWO THE GUIDEChapter 5 HargeisaHistory, 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 RoadAw-Barkadle, Las Geel, El Sheikh and Bulhar, Ga'an Libah Reserve, Beira Hills, Xabaalo TumaaloodChapter 7 Berbera and SurroundsHistory, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around BerberaChapter 8 Sheikh and BuraoSheikh, BuraoChapter 9 SanaagBurao to Erigavo, Erigavo, Daallo Forest, MaydhChapter 10 West of HargeisaRock art sites on the Borama road, Tog Wajaale, Borama, Zeila, Giriyad Plains, LooyadaChapter 11 Overland Routes to Hargeisa From Addis AbabaAddis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Harar, Jijiga Appendix 1 LanguageAppendix 2 Further ReadingIndex

'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 AwaleHead of the Somaliland Mission UK