Bosaso
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Somalia. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Somalia
- Region
- Bari (Puntland)
- Population
- 700,000
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- Bender Qassim International (BSA)
- Coordinates
- 11.28°N, 49.18°E
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Overview
Bosaso is a busy port on the Gulf of Aden in Puntland, north-eastern Somalia. It grew quickly in recent decades as a trading hub, shipping livestock across to Arabia and bringing in goods for the region.
There are few formal sights, but the coast and the mountains behind it are dramatic. Travel is not advised at present; this guide is written for a future, safer time.
Things to see
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Photo: Siphon, CC BY-SA 3.0 Port of Bosaso
Dhows and cargo ships crowd the harbour, loading livestock and goods for the Arabian Peninsula.
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Gulf of Aden shoreline
Long sandy beaches stretch either side of the city, backed by bare hills.
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Photo: Abdirisak, Public domain Cal Madow mountains
A rugged range west of the city with cooler forests and rare plants found nowhere else.
Things to do
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Photo: Scott Zona from USA, CC BY 2.0 Learn about frankincense
The hills of Bari are among the world's oldest sources of frankincense, still harvested by hand from wild trees.
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Eat fresh seafood
Look for grilled fish and lobster from the gulf, served with rice and spicy sauce.
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Photo: Dahir, CC BY-SA 4.0 Drink Somali tea
Sweet spiced tea in a roadside café is the best way to see local life.
Where to stay
City centre
A few hotels near the port and market cater mainly to business travellers.
Hotels in City centreSeafront
Hotels near the coast are a little calmer, with breezes off the gulf.
Hotels in Seafront
Getting around
Taxis and hired cars with drivers are the only practical option; trips outside the city need local arrangements.
The airport is close to the city, a short drive from the centre.
When to go
November to February is the least punishing time. From June to September, temperatures are extremely high and strong winds blow off the land.
Plan your trip to Bosaso
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.