Once a refugee, Abdirizaq Abdullahi now leads Macrobia Expeditions, redefining tourism in Somaliland and Djibouti through cultural travel, luxury expeditions, and community impact
HARGEISA, Somaliland — When Abdirizaq Abdullahi fled civil war at the age of four, his journey took him far from the streets of Hargeisa to a new life in the Netherlands.
Decades later, he has returned—not as a refugee, but as a leading figure in a nascent tourism industry seeking to reshape global perceptions of the Horn of Africa.
As the founder of Macrobia Expeditions, Abdullahi has spent nearly a decade building a travel enterprise that connects international visitors with destinations across Somaliland and Djibouti—regions long overlooked by mainstream tourism.
“My travels showed me how powerful unique destinations can be,” Abdullahi said in an interview. “I realized Somaliland had incredible potential, yet almost no global visibility.”
A Journey Shaped by Displacement
Born in Hargeisa, Abdullahi left during the Somali civil war and grew up in Europe, where he pursued higher education and built a career in financial law and regulatory compliance.
His professional path included positions at major Dutch financial institutions and the central bank, offering stability far removed from his early childhood.
But his connection to home endured.
Frequent travel across Europe, Asia, and Africa sharpened his perspective on global tourism—and revealed a gap.
Somaliland, despite its relative stability and rich cultural heritage, remained largely absent from international travel circuits.
A return visit in his late twenties proved pivotal. Inspired in part by a documentary describing Somaliland as a “place that doesn’t exist,” Abdullahi began to envision a new future—one in which the region could attract adventurous travelers seeking unexplored destinations.
Building a Regional Travel Brand
In 2016, Abdullahi launched a modest tour operation focused on niche travelers. That venture would eventually evolve into Macrobia Expeditions, a company offering curated journeys across Somaliland and neighboring Djibouti.
Today, the firm caters to a wide range of clients, from independent explorers to high-end luxury travelers. Its offerings include access to remote archaeological sites, cultural immersion experiences, and marine excursions such as whale shark encounters off Djibouti’s coast.
The company’s reputation has grown steadily. It has earned multiple Travelers’ Choice recognitions from Tripadvisor, reflecting consistent customer satisfaction and rising international visibility.
“Being recognized globally as a company from Somaliland is incredibly meaningful,” Abdullahi said.
A recent collaboration with Cookson Adventures underscored that progress. The partnership delivered a high-end expedition featuring private jet arrivals and yacht-based exploration—marking a significant milestone in positioning the region within the global luxury travel market.
Tourism as Cultural Bridge
Beyond business growth, Abdullahi frames his work as a broader mission to reshape narratives.
“Each traveler who visits and shares their experience helps reshape perceptions,” he said.
Macrobia Expeditions emphasizes local impact, employing regional staff and partnering with locally owned businesses.
The company also supports community initiatives, including a program that provides food assistance to vulnerable families.
Environmental and conservation efforts form another pillar of its strategy. Through collaboration with the Cheetah Conservation Fund, the company contributes to wildlife protection efforts in Somaliland.
A Changing Landscape
Abdullahi’s story reflects a wider shift underway in Somaliland. While it remains partially recognised, the country has maintained relative stability and self-governance for more than three decades—conditions that are enabling entrepreneurs to experiment with new industries, including tourism.
Industry analysts say such ventures could play a critical role in diversifying the local economy and strengthening international engagement.
For Abdullahi, the goal is both personal and global.
“I want to show the world the beauty of Somaliland,” he said, “and in doing so, give back to the place that gave me a future.”
For more information on Macrobia Expeditions and upcoming Somaliland travel tours, visit: www.macrobians.com
Media Contact
Company Name: Macrobia Expeditions
Contact Person: Media Manager
Email: Send Email
Phone: 01472812312
Address:9 ariston street
City: HARGEISA
Country: United Kingdom
Website: www.macrobians.com
