The Horn's calm surprise: Somalia's northern capital lives a stability and commercial energy that startles arrivals — open gold markets without glass, streets alive past midnight, legendary hospitality. See Laas Geel (an hour out): Africa's oldest and most vivid rock art, 5,000 years and nearly visitor-free; the famous MiG memorial, the vast camel market, the twin Naasa Hablood hills, and virgin Berbera coast 2.5h away. Entry via Hargeisa airport with easy visa; in-town movement is routine, outward trips with an accredited local driver.
