When you travel overland through the Horn of Africa, the most profound moments rarely happen where you planned them. They find you in the dust of a roadside pitstop, long after you’ve left the official itinerary behind. On my journey through Somaliland for Frog on the Border, I had traveled by truck from Djibouti to… Continue reading A Spiritual Detour in the Dilla Valley, Somaliland
Category: Africa
Here you will find stories regarding African countries I have visited so far: South Africa, Kingdom of the Sky – Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somaliland.
Meeting Lucy: A 3-Million-Year-Old Miracle in Addis Ababa
If you’ve been following my journey through Ethiopia here at Frog on the Border—from the surreal, neon landscapes of Dallol to the brutal, sun-baked salt mines of the Afar depression—you know this country is defined by raw, tectonic shifts. But back in November 2022, after leaving the wilderness behind and walking into a quiet, blue-walled… Continue reading Meeting Lucy: A 3-Million-Year-Old Miracle in Addis Ababa
Crossing Borders in Somaliland: Berbera’s Untold Stories
The boundary between Djibouti and Somaliland isn't just a line on a map; it’s a transition into a world where roads are a luxury and the stars are your only guide. In an act of "boundary-hopping" that felt equal parts brave and mad, I bypassed the airports and hired a seat in a rugged 4x4… Continue reading Crossing Borders in Somaliland: Berbera’s Untold Stories
Exploring Earth’s Tectonic Wonders: Djibouti & Qeshm Island
First, I embarked on an epic three-country trip to Djibouti, Somaliland, and Ethiopia, and one of the highlights of my journey was visiting the breathtaking Grand Canyon of Djibouti. Located near the Afar Triple Junction, where three tectonic plates are pulling away from each other, this natural wonder is a must-see for any geology enthusiast… Continue reading Exploring Earth’s Tectonic Wonders: Djibouti & Qeshm Island
The Historical Significance of the Palace in Addis Ababa
The Palace of Emperor Minilik and Empress Taitu, built in 1883, is a historical site located in the Entoto Mountains above Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This palace served as a significant cultural and religious hub, showcasing the country's rich royal heritage and architectural grandeur. The palace played a crucial role in Ethiopia's history, particularly during the… Continue reading The Historical Significance of the Palace in Addis Ababa
Ways to explore Djibouti
Getting prepared for a long adventurous ride to the Lake Abba camping site. While my pals making some additional supplies from the local health center, I was making new acquaintances with locals. The area looked like it needed some improvements, especially roads and sidewalks. Okey, we are almost ready to set off. Djibouti has several… Continue reading Ways to explore Djibouti
Discovering the Ngwenya Mine: Africa’s Ancient Mining Site
The Ngwenya Mine in Eswatini is one of the oldest mines in the world. It's located in the Barberton Mountain lands, northwest of Mbabane, and near the border with Mozambique. Ngwenya, which means crocodile, describes the shape of Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) second-highest mountain, looming above the Ngwenya border post. The open-cast mine catalyzed industrial and economic… Continue reading Discovering the Ngwenya Mine: Africa’s Ancient Mining Site
Two restaurants one people, Djibouti
Yemeni Restaurant in Djibouti is a culinary attraction like no other. Situated in the city's backyards, the bar attracts both locals and travelers from neighbouring countries. Simplistic and raw climate made this place much more different from other diners I have had the opportunity to visit. I enjoyed having fresh, hand-picked fish with bread and… Continue reading Two restaurants one people, Djibouti
Adventurous ride to Hargeisa, Somalia
It was time to say goodbye to lovely Djibouti. After a week of visiting fascinating places and making wonderful friendships, I made my way to Somalia, or, to be more specific, Somaliland. I secured and paid for a front seat in the solid jeep. A fifteen-hour journey through rough terrain was awaiting me. It took… Continue reading Adventurous ride to Hargeisa, Somalia
Kalashnikov Experience in Ethiopia
It was about time to have a long and adventurous ride to Semera from where I and newly met friends would go to explore Danakil Depression, Dallol, and Earta Volcano. The journey started in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. The reliable and comfy jeep only added to the enjoyment of the ride. After a… Continue reading Kalashnikov Experience in Ethiopia
Quirks of Hargeisa, Somaliland
Money MarketThe money market in Hargeisa is known for its unique way of trading money, where shoppers sit in rows and trade money in kilograms. The local currency, the Somaliland shilling, is not just used for transactions but is also traded as an item. These shoppers sit in orderly rows, not to barter for produce… Continue reading Quirks of Hargeisa, Somaliland
Amound University in Borama, Somaliland
Borama (Somali: Boorama, Arabic: بورما) is the largest city in the northwestern Awdal region of Somaliland. The town is located near the border with Ethiopia. During the Middle Ages, Borama was ruled by the Adal Sultanate. It later formed a part of the British Somaliland protectorate in the first half of the 20th century. Amoud University has a rich history spanning over several decades. Established in 1952 as… Continue reading Amound University in Borama, Somaliland
Frog on the border 