Kismayo City, Jubbaland ‘s Goobweyn

Kismayo, Hidden Paradise in Southern Somalia
Kismayo sits at the coast of the Jubaland in southern Somalia. The city is located about 528km from Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. It has pristine beaches surrounding along the coast line. The mouth of the Jubba river lies about 40-60km away. The turquoise Indian Ocean washes its waves upon the white sandy beach. It has a rich history originating from the powerful Somali Arujan state to the Sultanate of Muscat (now Oman), to British East Africa, then finally part of Somalia. There are several mosques and the Kismayo port that attract visitors. These historical sites provide much insight into the culture and history of this city. The archipelago of islands off the coast also offer interesting cultural experiences.

 

Best time for visiting this place
You can go to this place at any time during the year, but you should choose a time that most suits you. It depends on what you will want to do. It should be mentioned that February – April are the hot months. The temperatures reach to around 35C-37C during this period. The weather from May to February is cooler. The temperatures will reach a maximum of 28C-30C. However, due to Somalia’s equatorial proximity, there is not huge temperature variance.

One could still visit the Kismayo beach during this time after the peak heat season.

 

General information about Kismayo
History of the name, how come to this Place, Culture: The name of Kismayo has its historical origins from Italian, because the Italians called it Chisimaio. This came about once the British Somaliland had been separated. Its beginnings in the Somali Arujan sultate, a powerful regime during the Middle Ages. This city was originally settled by the Arujan as a small fishing village. The Somali Arujan controlled various parts of the horn of Africa until the end of the 17th Century.

The Sultnate of Muscat (now Oman) controlled the region from 1836 – 1861. After this date the region fell under control of British East Africa. In 1925, Kismayo was already part of British Somaliland then later partioned to Italian Somaliland. The Northern part of Jubaland was part of Italian Somaliland. The Southern part was still under British control. This British territory later changed names to the Northern Frontier District. Finally, in 1960, Somalia gained independence, and Jubaland region joined Somalia. The region consists mainly of ethnic tribes the Marehan and Ogaden being the major ones.

 

Geographical description, the beauty of this place & why famous
Jubaland is in South Somalia with its capital Kismayo. The autonomous region shares its Western border with Kenya and its Northern border from Gedo to the Indian Ocean. This place lies in the Lower Juba province within the Jubaland autonomous region. One of the major rivers, the Juba river, flows near Kismayo. There are approxiametly 953,000 inhabitants and the total area of the region is approximately 110,300km². The people in here are making their living with farming and fishing. The region has many Islamic influences with Somali and Arabic as the official languages.

The region also consists of forests and wild animals that are roaming around. The wildlife such as hyaenas and lions still run freely and can be seen at any time. Off the coast of this city, there are various island archipelagos that are often unhabited and preserve the very nature and sanctity of the unhabited environment. The largest group of these islands are the Islands of the Bajuni. There are six main islands and various small ones that surround the large six. Another interesting feature is the extreme differences where beaches are seen one side. After taking a short drive to the other side, then one can see the green lush forests and jungles full of anmials. The Kismayo port has container ships bustling in and out of port. One can also spot passenger ships/boats coming in and out of the port as well.

 

Things tо dо аnd рlaсеѕ tо visit
Kismayo Port: A large port receiving passengers and cargo on a regular basis. This place provides a nice maritime experience to the city. It is located on a peninsula. It requires a short drive from the city center down to the port.

Alanle beach: One of the popular beaches in the Kismayo city area. It is host of wonderful sunsets. This beach also has pristine white sand. It’s one of the most popular beaches in the area. One can have a hut to have shade from the sun.

 

Beautiful sunrise In Kismayo Somalia
Islands of the Bajuni Archipelago: Home to the Bajuni people until 1991 when Somalis pushed them out during political strife, this archipelago boasts natural beauty. The islands are densely packed with trees and wildlife. There are six main islands that have various villages. One of the islands, Chula Island, has one of the largest uninhabited populations. Opportunities for diving are vast. Such dives show great tropical wildlife in a beautiful Indian Ocean.

Old Kismayo National Park: One of the famous national parks in Somalia. In this national park, many animals roam freely in their protected habitat. The park is home to indigenous animals form the region. This characteristic makes this park special and unique. Lag Badana-Bushbush National Park: A national park that requires a bit of a further drive from this city. The park was the first one established in Somalia and shares its territory with Kenya. The park holds many different types of wildlife. It’s also by the coast, so one can go to the beach as well nearby.

Goobweynis a town in the southern Lower Juba (Jubbada Hoose) region of Somalia, the best and beautifully Please in Somalia, This is where Jubba river meets Indian Ocean. its so colored, stunning nature and fresh Indian Ocean with magnificent views.

Kismayo Stadium: A sporting arena where various events are held. One can enjoy watching a football game in the arena. From time to time, the venue may also host other events like public speaking events or sporting events.

Grand Hotel: A fairly popular hotel in the area. It is holding a 3.6 out of 5 stars rating. It is more south region of the city. A short walk to the beach from the hotel. With the right room, the beach could probably be seen from the window. Hotel Ceenu Shamsi: A very popular hotel in this area. It is located in the southern suburbs of the city and has direct road access leading to the sea. Barwaaqo Hotel: This hotel is more inland. It has a rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars. The hotel also services food and is rated with moderate security.

 

Foods and restaurant in this place: One can eat some Somali samosas or some Somali flatbread. Other dishes includes okra vegetable soup, or some sorghum with lamb. One can have an opportunity to eat this food at the Sahan Takeaway in this city. These are common foods that most Somalis enjoy. Do not miss the opportunity to try some okra. Okra is a green flowering vegetable sometimes called “lady’s fingers”.

Another nice dish is the lamb surbiyaan alongside the Somali flatbread. The diversity of the cuisine with its mix of vegetarian and meat provide a nice taste for the palate. Samosas can have various ingredients. They are often made with meat and vegetables and spices. This combination provides a savory taste.

Aargada Mosque: A popular mosque that attracts visitors and believers. The mosque holds Quaranic and Arabic teachings. It is located in the city center amongst two other mosques. One can use this opportunity to see Arabic architecture and learn more about Islam and Arabic culture. It explains more about Somali culture given the infusion of Islam into the culture. Come and explore world’s best and unique destination since 1990s.