Top Tourist Places to Visit in Baidoa, Somalia, Mogadishu, West Africa, Africa

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Baidoa, Somalia, Mogadishu, West Africa, Africa

Baidoa or Iscia Baidoa, is a Somali city and the capital of the Southwestern State of Somalia, situated in the south-central bay region of the country, around 250 km northwest of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. Administratively, Baidoa comprises of four districts such as Isha, Horseed, Berdaale and Howlwadaag. For a short period, Baidoa once served as the capital of the Transitional Federal Government in the middle of 2000. Baidoa coordinates with 3°07′00″ N latitude and 43°39′00″ E longitude and experiences a hot and semi-arid climate.

History of Baidoa:

Like the rest of Somalia, Baidoa also came under the rule of many regional powers, including Ajuran Sultanate (during the Middle Ages) and the Geledi Sultanate (in the early modern period). Following the regional rulers, Baidoa fell under the Europeans’ rule, mainly under the British and Italians, by the end of the 19^th century. Along with the other parts of the country, Baidoa became independent on 26 June 1960.

How to reach Baidoa?

Baidoa holds an airport but currently there is no flight serving the airport. So international tourists are needed to board flight to the Somalia’s prime airport Aden Adde International Airport first and afterwards visitors can choose bus or rental car to get Baidoa. The Aden Adde International Airport covers many international destinations such as Nairobi, Djibouti, Dubai, Sharjah and Istanbul.

To move within the city and sightseeing purposes, visitors can hire bike or car from the local travel agency.

Food and Shopping in Baidoa:

There are few standard restaurants in Baidoa offering mainly traditional Somali dishes. Shops are also limited in Baidoa. Visitors can head towards the capital, Mogadishu, to enjoy memorable shopping experience and to have mouthwatering Somali and international delicacies.

What to do in Baidoa?

Village tours
Walking
Traditional shopping

What to see in Baidoa?

Historical sites in Baidoa:

Coming under the rule of many regional powers and European empires, Baidoa holds some ruined historical sites that can be explored best through the aid of locals.

Baidoa Airport:

The Baidoa Airport is one of the landmarks of Baidoa, situated around 3 km away from the heart of the city. The airport is situated around 463 meters above sea level, known for its nice construction and surrounding environment.

Mogadishu:

Mogadishu is the capital city of Somalia, situated around 250 km southeast of Baidoa. Other than spectacular beaches, the capital is famous among tourists for a wide range of attractions like the Mosque of Islamic Solidarity, the Arba’a Rukun Mosque, the Mogadishu Cathedral, the Villa Somalia, the National Museum of Somalia, the National Theatre of Somalia, the National Library of Somalia Bakaara Market and Mogadishu Stadium.

List of other places of interest in Baidoa and Mogadishu (around 250 km) includes:

The National Theatre of Somalia
Villa Somalia
National Museum of Somalia
Mogadishu Cathedral
Bakaara Market
The Somali National University
Mogadishu University
The Governor’s Palace of Mogadishu
The National Library of Somalia
Mogadishu Stadium
Mosque of Islamic Solidarity
Arba’a Rukun Mosque

When to travel Baidoa?

Probably the best time to visit Baidoa is from January to February and from June to August.

Accommodation options in Baidoa:

It is difficult to find upgraded hotels in Baidoa and to get it, visitors have to reach the capital, Mogadishu, where visitors can all sorts of modernized hotels with all upgraded facilities and services. Buses are not regular between these two cities, but taxis may help. Here are some prominent hotels in Mogadishu (around 250 km from Baidoa):