Burao

Burao (also known as Burco) is the largest city in the Togdheer region and Somaliland's second-largest city. It forms the region's economic lifeline, with a huge amount of trade servicing surrounding towns and provinces. The city's massive livestock market is one of the largest in the Horn of Africa, attracting traders from across the Somali region. Burao has a modern shopping mall built in the early 2010s using funds from the Somali diaspora.

By Car / Road

Burao is connected to Hargeisa (approximately 160 km west) by a relatively well-maintained road. The journey takes about 2-3 hours by vehicle. Minibuses operate between the two cities.

The city is walkable. Local taxis and minibuses are available for transport within the city.

• Burao Livestock Market — one of the largest livestock markets in the Horn of Africa

• Modern Shopping Mall — built in the early 2010s with diaspora funds

• Visit the livestock market, particularly active on market days

• Shop at the modern mall

Restaurants in Burao serve Somali staples including rice, pasta, grilled goat and camel meat.

Somali tea (shaah) is widely available.

• Mid-range: Maansoor Hotel Burco — on the northern outskirts of Burao

The modern shopping mall in Burao offers a wide range of goods. The livestock market is where camels, goats, and sheep are traded.

• Hargeisa (160 km west) — the capital of Somaliland
• Oodweyne — a town in the Togdheer interior