Tourist Places to Visit in Kismayo, Lower Juba, South Africa, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Kismayo, Lower Juba, South Africa, Africa

Kismayu, or Kismayo, is a beach city situated in the province of Lower Juba in southern Somalia, around 480 km southwest of the national capital, Mogadishu. It functions as the commercial centre of the self governed Jubaland region. Kismayu is home to the Kismayu University and its tourism industry features white sandy beaches, port and historic buildings. The climate of Kismayu is classified as a semi-arid climate, with relatively hot weather year round. The geographical coordinates of Kismayu are 00°21′29″ S 042°32′43″ E.

History of Kismayu:

Kismayu changed the hands of many regional powers during the Middle Ages, initiated by Ajuran Sultanate, followed by Geledi Sultanate and later the Sultanate of Muscat. Prior to become a part of Italian Somaliland in 1925, Kismayu had seen the rule of the British as a part of the British East Africa. Kismayu got emancipation from the European rulers on 1 July 1960 along with the rest of Somalia.

How to reach Kismayu?

Kismayu hosts a domestic airport with only scheduled flights from Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, served by Garoonka Airlines. The airport is situated around 11 km southwest of the midpoint of the city.

Kismayu has extended road transportation, with direct link to Garbaharey, Bardera, Beled Hawo, Mogadishu and Buale. Only scheduled buses run between these cities.

The local transportation of Kismayu is catered by minibuses, taxis and rental cars. The city also houses many travel agencies.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Kismayu:

Kismayu is the site of many nationally recognized educational institutions, including the Kismayo University. Being the third largest city of Somalia, Kismayu houses many upgraded shopping centres and restaurants with traditional and modern features.

What to do in Kismayu?

Exploring beaches
City tours
Shopping

Must see in Kismayu:

Kismayo Stadium:

The Kismayo Stadium is a multiuse stadium as well as one of the major landmarks of Kismayu. The stadium is situated in the city centre, few kilometers east of Farjano SRCS Clinic.

Kismayo University:

Situated along the Road Kismayo–Mogadishu, the Kismayo University is a prime higher learning centre in Kismayu, constructed with the objective of enhancing the skills of local students. It was established on 5 September 2005.

Beaches of Kismayu:

Kismayu is famous for its many untouched beaches, of which the most famous one is Arrow Beach, is located around 15 km south of the city centre. The beach can be reached by a rental vehicle.

Kismayo Airport:

Situated around 11 km southwest of the centre of Kismayu, the Kismayo Airport provides all the basic facilities for visitors. Other than airport travelers, visitors are also allowed with prior permission only.

List of other places to see in and around Kismayu include:

The Port of Kismayo
Lag Badana-Bushbush National Park
Bardera Bridge
University of Gedo in Berdera
National Museum of Somalia in Mogadishu
Mosque of Islamic Solidarity in Mogadishu
Arba’a Rukun Mosque in Mogadishu
Mogadishu Cathedral
The Governor’s Palace of Mogadishu
The National Theatre of Somalia in Mogadishu
National Museum of Somalia in Mogadishu
The National Library of Somalia in Mogadishu
Mosque of Islamic Solidarity in Mogadishu
The Somali National University in Mogadishu

When to visit Kismayu?

Kismayu is a year round destination, though visitors can choose any month among January, February, June and August to get the real experience of Kismayu’s tour.

Where to stay in Kismayu?

Hotel Cascasleey is one of the prominent hotels in Kismayu, featuring 22 rooms with all latest facilities and services, including TV, internet, AC and 24 hour electricity. For more options, visitors can find hotels of the capital Mogadishu that are as follows: