Kismayo - Kismayo

Travel WarningWARNING: Travel to Somalia is not safe. See the warning on the Somalia article for more information.
(Information last updated Aug 2020)
A birds eye view of Kismayo.

Kismayo (also Kismaayo, Kismayo, Kismayu and Chisimayu) is a port city in Southern Somalia.

Understand

Kismayo is a port city around 500 km south of the capital Mogadishu, and has a population of around 250,000. Since the former President Siad Barre was overthrown in 1992, Kismayo has been a city in constant turmoil with local war lords, the federal government, African Union peacekeepers, Al Shabaab and others all vying for control of the area.

Get in

0°0′0″N 0°0′0″E
Map of Kismayo
The Kismayo International Airport terminal.

As warring insurgents have made road travel extremely dangerous, travelling by plane is the only safe option to reach the city. Air fare from Nairobi to Kismayo ranges from US$450-500 for a return ticket.

  • 1 Kismayo Airport (KMU IATA). Kismayo Airport (Q10853735) on Wikidata Kismayo Airport on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2021)

Get around

Buses are the main form of transportation in the city.

See

Do

Buy

Eat

The city offers a range of dishes that include standard African fare and traditional East Africa meals.

Drink

Sleep

  • 1 Golden Beach Hotel, ☏ 252 61 7342659. Beachfront hotel, among the nicest in town. (updated Aug 2019)
  • Hotel Cascasleey, ☏ 252-07903209446. Small hotel with 22 rooms built in 1983, a restaurant and a mosque is available at the hotel grounds. 

Stay safe

The city is not safe for any visitors. Arrival by car from Mogadishu is extremely dangerous, while arriving by sea invites risk of attack by pirates.

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