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 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
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.

Get around
Buses are the main form of transportation in the city.

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

Stay safe
See the warning on the Somalia article for more information on the security situation.

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.

Go next

 * Kenya