Mogadishu

Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, is one of the oldest cities on the East African coast, a historic Indian Ocean trading port whose origins reach back over a thousand years. Long a crossroads where Arab, Persian, Indian and Swahili worlds met, it grew wealthy on trade in gold, ivory and cloth, and its old quarters preserve traces of that heritage in ancient mosques, among them one of the oldest in the region, and weathered coral-stone architecture. The city fronts the warm Indian Ocean along a sweep of long white beaches, and its markets, seafaring life and blend of cultures reflect the enduring maritime spirit of the Somali coast.

What you actually see

• The old mosques - among the oldest in the region.
• The coral-stone quarters - the weathered historic architecture.
• The beaches - the long white Indian Ocean shore.
• The markets - the trading and seafaring life of the port.

When to go

December to March, the cooler and drier season, is the most pleasant time on the coast, avoiding the hottest and wettest months; the warm Indian Ocean and beaches are inviting, and the mild weather suits exploring the old quarters. Coastal breezes temper the tropical heat.

Honest expectations

Mogadishu is a historic but much-weathered city whose old architecture has suffered over the years, so its appeal lies in its ancient heritage, seafront and everyday life more than grand intact monuments. As one of the oldest trading cities on the East African coast, with ancient mosques and long white Indian Ocean beaches, though, Mogadishu holds a genuine and storied maritime character.

Nearby

The Indian Ocean beaches and the southern Somali coast lie around the city.