A 7-day trip to Puntland, to coincide with the solar eclipse on 2nd August 2027, the longest land-based solar eclipse in our life time.
The best places to take in the spectacular natural phenomenon are the Horn of Africa and North Africa. On this Puntland adventure we’ll explore the region, while also basing ourselves in a perfect spot to take in the eclipse.
The eclipse will be the longest total solar eclipse, easily accessible on land, in the 21st century – expected to be up to 6 minutes and 23.2 seconds – the next won’t be until 2114.
We’ll begin in Bosaso, before road tripping to Xaafun on the Indian Ocean Coast, heading to the eastern most point of continental Africa to view the eclipse.
We continue north along the coast, past pristine beaches and historic fishing villages, to the Baargal, which has better links to Yemen, than other parts of Somalia, providing an intriguing cultural experience. We continue on to the very north-eastern tip of the Horn of Africa, where the Indian Ocean meets the Red Sea, spending time at the Italian colonial lighthouse, which marks the tip of the Horn.
When then return on a long road trip to finish in Bosaso.
Arrive in Bosaso, transfer to hotel for lunch and a briefing.
If there is time then you will have an afternoon tour around Bosaso.
Overnight in Bosaso.
An early start before a 12 hour drive, on increasingly rough roads, from Bosaso to Xaafun, on the Indian Ocean coast.
The drive takes you from one of Puntland major cities to one of it’s more remote villages.
Overnight in Xaafun.
Early start to witness the Total Solar Eclipse, from the easternmost point of continental Africa.
We spend the remainder of the day exploring Xaafun and surrounding area.
This is also a chance to rest and stretch your legs in between long drives.
Overnight in Xaafun.
An eight hour drive from Xaafun to Baargal.
En route you will get a flavour of life in one of the most remote parts of Puntland. Villages on this coastline often have better links with Yemen than with other parts of Somalia.
Overnight in Baargal.
Get up before dawn for a long drive up the coast to the very tip of the Horn of Africa. We will reach the point where the Indian Ocean meets the Red Sea and spend some time at the Italian colonial lighthouse that marks the tip of the horn.
From there we will return to Baargal. Please note that this is a particularly long day of travel.
Overnight in Baargal.
A 12-14 hour drive back from Baargal to Bosaso.
Overnight in Bosaso.
Transfer to airport. Your security escort will drop you at the airport to catch your flight.
No sightseeing on the final day.
End of trip.
