Transportation
Hargeisa is currently integrated into the international aviation systems, you should be able to buy a ticket with Hargeisa (HSA) as a destination at competitive rates on the internet. Hargeisa International Airport is only 10 minutes away. If volunteers and visitors for the Edna Hospital land in Hargeisa, we pick them up free of charge. If needed, we can also help with ticket purchase from here. There are flights 5x times weekly and the flight takes 40 minutes between Hargeisa and Djibouti on new aircraft with South African pilots. $195 each way single fare. (Compare to $150 each way by road which takes 2 1/2 hours and is not recommended.) East African Safari Air Express – provides flights from Nairobi. The last time we checked, the flights were scheduled in each direction only on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Nairobi, which serves as a hub for air travel in East Africa, is very easy to reach. African Express – Two flights a week between Dubai and Berbera which is two hours drive away from Hargeisa and requires that we send you our car and escort to pick you up from there. (It may be interesting to know that the Berbera runway is the longest in Africa as it was built for the US Space Shuttle to land if needed and is one of six similar runways in the world) Daalo Airlines – From and to Djibouti has two flights a week and also has two flights that link Djibouti to Dubai and Djedda. Fly Dubai – Has three flights between Djibouti and Dubai Jubba Airlines – Has flights between Hargeisa and Djibouti and connections between Djibouti and Dubai Ethiopian Air – Daily flights between Addis Ababa and Djibouti.
Visa
Upon your acceptance as a volunteer, you will be asked to email to Edna a scanned image of your passport (just the page with your photo). Your visa will be arranged ahead of time and you will be emailed a document which you should print (The hospital charges a Visa processing fee of US$20 which the volunteer settles after getting here). Carry this document with you and present it at the Immigration Desk at Hargeisa Airport. Everybody there is very familiar with Edna. You will have no difficulty at the airport as a hospital driver will meet you and assist you with airport formalities. The fee for the Visa itself is paid at the airport when it gets stamped on the passport and is $60, which is paid in U.S. dollars (2018).
Housing
Volunteers are each provided a private room with private bathroom in an area within the hospital. There are six rooms with a common area (table and chairs; TV and lounge) and a kitchen (stove, refrigerator, microwave, sink). Each room includes a small bed, wardrobe, and desk. The shower will be a surprise to many – just remember to flip on the little water heater a little ahead of time, unless you’re up for a cold shower. Wireless Internet is available throughout the hospital. The last time this page was updated, the Internet was on the slow side and not reliable. Fiber optic cable is being laid right now and vastly improved Internet is expected “soon.”
Meals
One is able to shop and cook as one pleases, using the kitchen facilities, but most volunteers take all their meals, buffet style, at Edna’s own table.
Water
As is the case, perhaps, in all African countries, one should never drink tap water. Bottled water is readily available. Because of the climate, remember to drink lots of water while in Somaliland. A bottle of mineral water currently costs 50 US cents.
Laundry
Laundry and room cleaning is provided by a staff of the hospital. Leave your laundry inside of your room by the door in the morning and it will be returned cleaned and ironed. Typically by the next evening.
Security
The Edna Hospital has armed guards as well as civilian guards on duty at all times. The volunteer accommodations are further protected by a gate which is secured from the inside past 10 pm. Edna usually briefs visitors when they arrive about security regulations. In general, Somaliland is a safe country which has been stable for the last 22 years. Since every country in the world has had its share of terrorist attacks, there is always a need for vigilance and security. Escorts are provided if traveling outside of Hargeisa or during late hours. Usual precautions with valuables and passport are always advisable. Bear in mind that no country has an embassy here but certain countries – United Kingdom, Ethiopia, and Denmark – maintain offices able to provide assistance to their citizens; if needed. All United Nations Agencies have missions here too.
Cash
There are a few ATM machines located in the city centre. The currency is the US dollar followed by
Somaliland Shilling, and fluctuates. It is presently worth about 10000 to one U.S. dollar. It takes a big stack of them to make just $10. It’s easy to use or exchange U.S. dollars for many sorts of purchases. Apart from bringing cash with you, you have two good options. 1)
Dahabshiil – www.dahabshiil.com – This is a good choice in case you happen to live in a city with a sizable population of Somali immigrants. Somalis the world over rely on this service to deliver money to their families. It’s inexpensive and safe. You can send money to yourself ahead of time or you can ask a family member or friend with a nearby office to send you money after you arrive. 2)
Western Union – www.westernunion.com – This costs more but the service is available worldwide. Wire money to yourself, and pick it up after you arrive; or have it sent by somebody else as needed. For volunteers staying for a longer period of time, we can help you set up a Zaad account, which is the mobile money transfer that is widely used in Somaliland. This will enable you to make purchases by using your mobile phone. For more information:
http://www.zaad.net/
Shopping
You will find ordinary items such as shampoo, deodorants, creams and toothpaste available in the Edna Supermarket. Some more things are available next door in the Edna Pharmacy, or in any of the many Supermarkets downtown.
What to bring
Scarf – women in Somaliland are expected to keep their hair covered while in public. During landing in Hargeisa, you will observe that all the women passengers not already wearing a scarf putting one on. It is recommended that women volunteers bring a scarf in their carry-on luggage.
Sunscreen – nearly all volunteers receive the opportunity to go on outings to see some more of Somaliland. Especially popular is a visit to the
Laas Gaal Cave Paintings, which happens to involve a couple of hours out in the equatorial desert. You may want a hat, as well.
Hot Weather Clothes – it’s a hot, dry climate so bring loose-fitting clothes. Both men and women should always wear long pants. Shorts are not acceptable.
Cold Weather Clothes – The months of December and January are cold. Volunteers spending winter here should bring a couple of sweaters and socks, or buy them here as needed.
Electrical Adaptor – The electrical outlets here are British and European. If you’re coming from elsewhere, you will need to bring one or buy an adapter here. It’s 220 volts, as opposed to 110 volts in North America – so, do check your equipment’s power supply, while you can plug in your laptop and it will be fine, some electrical devices might get burnt to a crisp.
Letter of reccomendation
Many volunteers receive from Edna a personal letter commending them for their volunteer service here at the Edna Hospital. Edna has learned that these letters have been found by the volunteers to have been of great value in both school and job applications. Only, do please remember to request this letter a few days before you leave, and not at the last minute.
Tobacco-free, Drug-free and Alcohol free
Volunteers should know that the hospital environment is tobacco / drug / alcohol free and their use is not accepted within the hospital or residential premises.
Cultural Sensitivities
Over the years, the hospital has welcomed hundreds of visitors, guests, volunteers and employees from every Continent of the World and belonging to different religious denominations which receive full respect from us. We expect the same for ours and Edna would be happy to brief visitors if they are not sure about how to go about certain cultural matters while they are guests in Somaliland.
