The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Geeldora Road
Geeldora Road is a very challenging drive located in the northern part of Somalia. It is an epic adventure only for 4wd vehicles.
Where is the Geeldora Road?
The road is located in the Sanaag region, within the Cal Madow mountain range. While internationally recognized as part of Somalia, the territory is under the de facto control and administration of the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland.
What are the security hazards on the Geeldora Road?
The route through the Cal Madow range carries severe security risks due to the territorial dispute between Somaliland and Puntland. Armed checkpoints operated by regular military units and local tribal militias are positioned frequently along the track. Each checkpoint enforces independent regulations, requiring specific regional permits or the payment of local transit fees to pass. Foreign drivers and commercial transport vehicles are legally required to travel with an armed military escort, known as a Special Protection Unit (SPU). This armed security detail is necessary to mitigate the high risk of ambush, vehicle theft, and kidnapping by criminal bands or insurgent groups operating out of the remote cave networks within these mountains.
Is the Geeldora Road unpaved?
The road is totally unpaved and rocky. It features narrow parts and very steep sections. It tops out at 1.911m (6,269ft) above sea level.
How long is the Geeldora Road?
The road is 90km long, running north-south from Las Qoray (a historic coastal town also known as Laasqoray and Las Khorey) to Badhan (a city also known as Baran).
Pic: Ali Yusuf