Overview
Join like-minded travellers and discover Kooyame, a remote island in the Bajuni archipelago and one of NomadMania DARE regions’ most unique destinations.
Located in the far south of Somalia, this isolated island offers untouched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and one of the most beautiful lagoons along the coast. Experience authentic coastal village life, where traditions remain unchanged and daily life is shaped by the sea.
With expert planning by RaadTours Ltd, this journey offers guided access to one of Somalia’s most off-the-beaten-path destinations—simple, raw, and unforgettable.
ℹ️ Travel Update:
This Kooyame route requires high security consideration and is accessed by large boat from Kismayo. The trip is currently available on request; however, it is undertaken at your own risk. Local authorities are still preparing the area for tourism, and we continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure safer and more stable travel conditions.
Kooyame Island, the second-largest in the Bajuni Archipelago, lies off the coast, a short boat ride from Kismayo, and spans 6.38 km². Historically home to the Bajuni tribe, who speak Tikulu (Kibajuni), the island once thrived but now has fewer than 20 households following the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991.
Kooyame holds archaeological significance, with ancient pillar graves inscribed with Islamic texts, possibly dating back to the Omani Sultanate era. These graves face threats from looting and destruction. The island also has a dark history as a slave trade prison and was once known as Onycha, famous for exporting aromatic substances. Today, Kooyame is noted for its rich history, white sandy beaches, and cultural heritage.
Highlights
- 01
Flight to Kismayo – Upon arrival, transfer to a comfortable 3-star hotel for relaxation. Explore Goobweyn Farming Village, where the breathtaking confluence of the Jubba River and the Indian Ocean creates a mesmerizing landscape. Then, embark on a scenic boat ride, capturing stunning views at the meeting point of river and sea.
- 02
Road Trip to Kooyame Island – Scenic journey through Somalia’s landscapes and livestock routes. Kooyame Island Exploration – Discover colonial-era sites, enjoy fresh seafood, and unwind on pristine beaches.
- 03
Final Morning & Departure – Reflect on an unforgettable Somali adventure before heading home.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Aden Adde International Airport, receive immigration assistance and transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, visit Airport Beach to enjoy the sunset and watch planes taking off. Overnight stay in Mogadishu.
After breakfast, be ready for your transfer to Aden Adde International Airport. Take a short domestic flight from Mogadishu to Kismayo. Upon arrival at Kismayo Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and assist with your pickup.
Enjoy a comfortable 12 km drive across the open plains with full security escort, transferring to Secure Zone Hotel, Mecca Hotel, or similar for check-in. After approximately 20 minutes, begin your Goobweyn road trip. Travel 12 km north with full security escort to Goobweyn Farming Village, home to the beautiful Jubba River.
Walk along the riverfront and enjoy the lush green riverbank scenery. Sit under the coconut trees while watching animals grazing nearby, flamingos fishing in the water, and camels drinking from the river.
Enjoy fresh coconut water and a local lunch before taking a scenic Boat Ride on the Jubba River (approximately 2 hours) to the point where the Jubba River joins the Indian Ocean. The views are impeccable, where the brown river water meets the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, creating a stunning natural contrast.
After the excursion, return to the hotel under full security escort and stay overnight in Kismayo.
After breakfast at your hotel in Kismayo, depart by private 4WD vehicle for a scenic 45 km drive south to the coastal departure point for Kooyame Island. Enjoy views of rural landscapes with camels and grazing livestock. Upon arrival, board a motorized boat and cruise through shallow lagoons and mangrove-lined waterways to the island.
Upon arrival, begin a guided village walking tour through sandy paths and communal spaces. Visit local families in their traditional homes, constructed from wooden frames with mud (cow-dung plastered) walls—an architectural style adapted to the coastal climate. Engage with residents, observe daily routines, and experience coastal life centered on fishing, including light traditional fishing activities.
Continue with a historical exploration of the island, including colonial-era remains, the old cemetery with pillar ruins, and a former slave trade holding site, presented with respectful historical context.
Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood and Somali lunch under a traditional tree. After lunch, relax on white sandy beaches, swim in clear turquoise waters, or unwind while enjoying the tranquil coastal scenery.
In the late afternoon, return by boat through the lagoons to the mainland and transfer back to Kismayo by 4WD vehicle. Arrive at your hotel for rest and overnight stay.
Wake up at 5:30 AM and enjoy the stunning sunrise at Kabora Beach before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Start your day by exploring the Fish Market, where you can see many types of fresh fish, including sharks and large reef fish. Continue to Alanley Beach to see the old shipwreckage along the shore. Visit the busy Livestock Market and stop by the new Kismayo Monument for photos. Don’t forget to visit a local Halwa store to taste and buy authentic Somali sweets.
Ending your trip with wonderful memories, transfer to Kismayo Airport for a short flight to Mogadishu, pick up and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight in Mogadishu
Note: Activities depend on your flight schedule; if time is limited, some may not be possible.
Breakfast, check out, and airport transfer. No sightseeing on final day.
Trip details
What's included
Included
- Round-trip flight (Mogadishu ↔ Kismayo)
- Accommodation (4 nights: 2 in Mogadishu, 2 in Kismayo)
- Kooyame Island excursion (boat transport & meals)
- Goobweyn excursion (transport, boat ride where the river meets the ocean & meals)
- Private 4WD transport
- All meals included
- E-visa support
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- English-speaking guide
- Special Security escort
- All required permits
Not included
- Travel insurance
- International flights to Somalia
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Tips and gratuities
- Meals outside the hotel
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, etc.)
- Additional hotel services (mini-bar, room service, etc.)
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Extra nights or room upgrades
Questions travellers ask
Kooyame Island is located in Lower Jubba, southern Somalia, and is one of the largest islands of the Bajuni Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its pristine blue waters, swaying palm trees, and untouched sandy beaches — often called “Hawaii of Somalia.”
Travelers typically fly to Kismayo, then transfer by boat from the mainland to Kooyame Island. Depending on sea conditions, the crossing takes around 45–50 minutes. Raadtours arranges all logistics from arrival to departure.
Raadtours operates in coordination with local Bajuni community leaders and security escorts to ensure full safety during the day trip.
No — due to security protocols and lack of permanent infrastructure, guests do not stay overnight on the island. All visitors return to Kismayo or a secure mainland guesthouse after sunset. Kooyame is strictly offered as a full-day excursion from Kismayo.
Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, fishing with locals, seafood barbecue by the sea, and cultural interaction with the Bajuni people.
Kooyame is currently recommended only for adventurous travelers. It is not suitable for children, elderly travelers, families, or honeymoon-style vacations. The setup is raw, wild, and completely off-grid — ideal for explorers, documentary makers, thrill-seekers, or those who enjoy untouched destinations.
Bring light clothing, swimwear, sandals, sunglasses, hat, waterproof bag, and personal essentials. Raadtours supplies drinking water, meals, and life jackets.
Yes, photography is allowed. Drone flying is possible but must be pre-approved for safety and cultural respect. Inform us during booking.
Packages include airport pickup in Kismayo, boat transfers, meals, water, accommodation in secure zones, guide, security escort, and island activities.
Map
Have a question about this trip?
Tell us your dates and what you'd like to see. A RaadTours guide replies personally, usually within a day.