The name Puntland is based on the name used by the ancient Egyptians for the mythical kingdom of Punt. Punt was possibly located in the Horn of Africa, in the area now known as Puntland, but there is no certainty about this. The ancient Egyptians traded with Punt, acquiring slaves, gold, ebony, ivory, and other goods.

Later, at the end of the 19th century, Puntland became part of Italian Somalia, then British-occupied, and since 1960 it has been part of independent Somalia. Puntland has occasionally sought independence, but is currently a semi-autonomous part of Somalia. However, the country has its own president, government, and flag. The area is slightly more stable than Somalia itself and it is possible to visit the region – and see the real Horn of Africa, Cape Guardafui and Ras Hafun!

With us, you will experience the countries in detail with a knowledgeable and reliable guide. Safely, of course.

Day 1

Arrival in Bosaso. You will be met at the airport, followed by a transfer to a hotel in Bosaso. Bosaso is Puntland's most important port city on the coast of the Gulf of Aden. No one knows the exact population, but it is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

Later city tour in Bosaso: historical landmarks, beaches, markets, port...

Overnight at hotel in Bosaso.

Meals: lunch (if arriving at before or during lunch time), dinner

Day 2

We will depart very early in the morning, as we have a long drive ahead of us. We will attempt to reach the small town of Bargaal on the east coast of Puntland during the day. The daily driving distance is about 350 km which should take around 12 hours. The roads in Puntland are not in particularly good condition, but the scenery is ruggedly beautiful.

Another option is to drive along the coast towards Cape Guardafui, but the exact route depends on the security situation, and at the moment the route via Bargaal is the better option.

Overnight at guesthouse in Bargaal.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

Today we set off very early with the plan to reach Cape Guardafui. Cape Guardafui is the northeastern tip of the Horn of Africa and the scenery is magnificent. We visit a lighthouse built by the Italians (completed in 1930). The lighthouse is named after former Italian Prime Minister Francesco Crispi and represents "fascist architecture." The lighthouse is currently not in functioning condition. Later that day, we arrive at a coastal town called Caalula.

Overnight at guesthouse in Caalula.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

Located about 50 km away, Caalula is a relatively unknown gem, but it offers wonderful nature experiences when we take a short boat trip through the mangrove lagoons outside the city. We also have time to see some landmarks from the Italian period, such as a few buildings. By 12 noon at the latest, we must continue our journey towards Bargaal, where we will arrive later today.

Overnight at guesthouse in Bargaal.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

Today we will drive about 200-250 km to Ras Hafun, the easternmost point of the African continent. We will visit the easternmost point, see the lighthouse and fishing boats there. With a bit of luck, we will also see antelopes in Ras Hafun. There will be an opportunity to go for a swim. In Ras Hafun, we can also see the remains of an Italian salt factory (“Saline Dante”), which in the 1930s was the largest in the world and employed hundreds of locals and also Italians. The area was known as Dante. The salt factory was destroyed during World War II when the British invaded the area.

Overnight at guesthouse in Ras Hafun.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

Early wake-up call and full-day trip to the city of Qardho.

Overnight at hotel in Qardho.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

Today we will drive to the city of Garowe, which is the capital of Puntland. Depending on the source, the city has between 250,000 and 350,000 inhabitants. We will visit the city's cattle market, among other places and see the modern city centre.

Overnight at hotel in Garowe.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8

Transfer to the airport in Garowe and the journey home begins.

Ateriat: aamiainen