Africa > 🇸🇴 Somaliland
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Somaliland can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Somaliland; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Somaliland?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Somaliland?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Somaliland
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Hargeisa | HGA | |
| Mogadishu | MGQ |
🚗 Car Hire Options in Somaliland
You can rent a car in Somaliland, but almost every foreign traveller chooses a car with a driver. Self-drive hire exists in theory, yet companies rarely offer it to outsiders. Roads change condition quickly, checkpoints require local knowledge, and drivers must explain their route to police as they move between regions.
A car and driver offers:
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Clearances at checkpoints
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Safer navigation through rural areas
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Knowledge of current conditions
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Simple day-trip planning
Prices are reasonable by international standards and usually include fuel.
🚕 Getting Around Hargeisa Without a Car
Hargeisa itself doesn’t require a rental car. The city centre is compact, taxis are everywhere, and short journeys remain cheap. You can comfortably see:
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Downtown markets
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The National Independence Monument
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Local cafés and restaurants
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The busy livestock market on the outskirts
Walking is easy in central areas during daylight.
🌄 When a Car Is Useful: Key Day Trips
A hired car with a driver becomes valuable when you want to see some of Somaliland’s highlights:
Laas Geel
The extraordinary prehistoric rock paintings sit around an hour from Hargeisa. No public transport runs directly there, so a private vehicle is the only workable choice.
Berbera
The Red Sea port is about three hours away. A car provides flexibility to stop in the Sheikh Mountains or visit Batalale Beach. Buses do run between Hargeisa and Berbera, but they leave when full and don’t offer the same freedom.
Sheikh Pass
One of the most scenic roads in the region. A driver who understands the route and its checkpoints makes the journey straightforward.
🚌 Public Transport Between Cities
Somaliland has a lively network of shared minibuses and inter-city buses operating along the main roads:
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Hargeisa → Berbera
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Hargeisa → Burao
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Hargeisa → Wajaale (Ethiopian border)
These are cheap, social, and fairly reliable, though departure times can be loose. They’re perfect for patient travellers who like to immerse themselves in local life.
✈️ Domestic Flights
Flights connect Hargeisa with Mogadishu, Garowe, Bosaso, and Addis Ababa. They are the fastest and safest way to reach further-flung parts of the wider region.
🧭 Summary — Should You Rent a Car in Somaliland?
You don’t need a rental car for Hargeisa itself. However, if you want to explore Laas Geel, Berbera, or the highlands, then hiring a car with a driver is the best and most practical option. Self-drive is possible but not recommended for most visitors.
Public transport covers the main routes, and flights link Somaliland with neighbouring countries, so you can easily mix taxi travel, buses, and a day or two with a private driver.
