Africa’s longest coastline that stretches a staggering 2,071 miles long

, in eastern Africa, boasts the continent’s longest stretch of coastline on the mainland, covering an impressive 2,071 miles around the Horn of .

The coastline is generally divided into two parts, northern and eastern coastlines, separated by the tip of the Horn, known as Cape Guardafui. The northern coast faces the Gulf of Aden, while the eastern coast faces the . 

This expansive coast offers Somalia access to crucial maritime routes that connect Africa to the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent.

The country is bordered by Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti to the west and has a hot, arid and semi-arid climate. 

The coastline of Somalia has different conditions throughout its length. It is dotted with a variety of landscapes, from pristine , rugged cliffs and lush coastal plains. 

There are several islands near the coastal areas, including Ras Caseyr (Cape Guardafui) which stands as the easternmost point of Somalia. It joins the Guardafui Channel to the Gulf of Aden.

The significance of Somalia’s long coastline extends beyond natural beauty. It has historically played a key role in trade, with Somali ports serving as important centers of commerce for centuries. 

Since ancient times, traders from the Arabian Peninsula, , and Persia have sailed to Somali shores to exchange goods such as frankincense, spices, and ivory. 

Today, the coastline remains vital for Somalia’s economy, providing access to fishing resources, which is a major industry in the country, and offering potential for the development of ports and shipping infrastructure.

Beyond this, coastal Somalia is also rich in biodiversity, with its ecosystem is known as “Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystem”. It boasts 63 species of corals, as well as being home to several species of dolphin and turtle including the common and bottlenose dolphin and the loggerhead and green turtle. 

Despite everything the coast has to offer, the currently advices against all travel to Somalia, due to the threat from groups and continuing violence – so Somalia may not be the best choice for an African beach holiday. 

The terrorist group Al Shabaab, and other groups opposed to the Somali government, continue to carry out frequent attacks, including in the capital Mogadishu. Terrorist groups operating in Somalia have made threats against westerners and those working for western organisations in Somalia, including .

For example, in August 2024, there was an with many civilians reported killed and injured.

While Somalia has the continent’s longest coastline on the mainland, the island of Madagascar holds the crown for the longest coastline in Africa.

Madagascar, which is the fourth biggest island globally is located on the eastern side of Mozambique, and has a coastline that stretches for an incredible 3,000 miles.