Posted: 2004-10-31 14:48:00
Hi Globies!
Did anybody take a trip to Somaliland from Djibouti?. Is it already safe to travel? Any interesting places not to be missed there? Warnings? Tips?
Thank you
Wojtek
--- You can lose everything, but nobody will take away what you saw and what you experienced... W.D.
Posted: 2004-11-18 17:26:00
No any response?
It does not look very optimistic! I'll try it anyway if it will be possible
to get a visa - just to bring you new travel report...
Keep your fingers crossed!
Wojtek
--- You can lose everything, but nobody will take away what you saw and what you experienced... W.D.
Posted: 2004-11-20 13:59:00
Hey Wojtekd! Good health and high spirits!
A couple of years ago, when I was deciding my Egypt, Kenyan trip I too looked into these 2 countries. I think Djibouti and Eritrea would be awesome to go to.
I read your first posting and then did some asking around the Somolian community here in Edmonton.
From what I hear Somolia, MAY be a place to travel if you are under the wing of someone you know who lives there. From talking to the people here, Somolia is the same as Haiti right now. There is no centralized gov't, tourist facilities are near to none and getting around may be tough due to all the landmines and in house fighting. People say that if you know someone their and stay with them you won't run into as many problems as when your alone... I found this to be true when I'm Haiti--though we still ran into problems due to my skin color and passport.
Djibouti on the other seems to better to travel but still a bit on the tough side because of the many landmines in rural areas... ( I love to go rural).
Here is some info for you to check out. Hope it will be of a benefit to you. Best to you and yours
Tashi
Below is the travel report for Canada... I don't take these things seriously when I'm travelling I just keep them in mind.
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Canadians should not travel to Somalia. Canadians currently in Somalia should depart. There is a high threat from terrorism in Somalia. Recent killings and kidnappings indicate that extremist groups are specifically targeting foreigners, in particular humanitarian workers, in all areas of the country. Canadians who choose to remain in Somalia, despite this warning, should register and maintain close contact with the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya (see below). There is no resident Canadian government office in Somalia. The ability of Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa and the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya, to render assistance is severely limited.
The security situation is dangerous and unpredictable, particularly in the areas of Mogadishu, Baidoa, the lower Shabelle region, the Juba Valley, Kismayo, Merka, Garowe, Gaalkyo, Bossasso, and parts of the northwest. Canadians are at risk of kidnapping, murder, or arrest without notice or apparent cause. There is no guarantee of a fair trial or that local courts will respect diplomatic or United Nations immunities. There is an increasing trend toward Islamization of the courts, which utilize the Sharia Code for proceedings. United Nations peacekeeping forces were withdrawn from Somalia in March 1995.
Anti-Western sentiments are strong in some parts of the country.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
There is no recognized central government in Somalia to offer security or police protection. Somaliland, a self-declared republic, is seeking independence in the northwest. Puntland, an administrative region in the northeast committed to a unified Somalia, is operating as a separate entity until an acceptable government is established in the south. Somaliland and Puntland operate autonomously. Fighting continues among local militias and clans, and all forms of violent crime, including murder, kidnapping, looting, and banditry, are common. Protected humanitarian missions, including those under the auspices of the United Nations, can also be subject to attack. Security escorts are not a guarantee of safety.
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. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Street crime occurs. Canadians should exercise caution when travelling to remote areas of the country, including the borders with Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The presence of Djiboutian security forces is limited in these areas.
There are unexploded landmines in the northern regions of Tadjoureh and Obock (around military camps). Landmines may also be present in the southern district of Ali Sabieh. Travellers should not stray from paved roads or well-used dirt tracks. Overland travel should be undertaken only during daylight hours in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with sufficient water. Canadians should contact the Canadian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the office of the Honorary Consul in Djibouti (see below), or local authorities for the latest security information prior to overland travel.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Drivers and pedestrians should exercise caution in the capital. Do not travel after dark. Streets are narrow and poorly maintained, and lack adequate lighting. Local driving habits, pedestrians, roaming livestock, and excessive speeds pose additional risks. Major roads are paved but often lack guardrails. Police may set up roadblocks of wire coils, which may be difficult to see at night. Railway crossings are not well indicated. In the event of an accident, the driver should wait until the police make an official report. Intercity travel is limited to bus and ferry services between Djibouti and the towns of Tadjoureh and Obock. Buses are poorly maintained and driven erratically.
Canadians should avoid travel by road or rail to Djibouti. There have been acts of sabotage and derailment on the Djibouti-Ethiopia railway.
Posted: 2004-11-20 19:40:00
Thanks a lot for your post and interesting info,
Yes, on Monday I'll fly to Djibouti with a intention
to enter Somaliland for couple of days.
I did not plan to visit the rest
of former Somalia considering such a trip to risky.
Then I want to enter Eritrea and spend there most
of the time, hoping that this will be the highlight of my
voyage to the Horn of Africa.
Thanks again!
Wojtek
--- You can lose everything, but nobody will take away what you saw and what you experienced... W.D.
