HARGEISA, Somaliland - A bold new chapter in luxury adventure travel was written in November 2025 when Cookson Adventures, one of the world's leading ultra-bespoke expedition companies, partnered with Macrobia Expeditions to launch the first-ever high-end tour through Somaliland and Djibouti. The milestone journey, which saw a group of billionaires arrive aboard a private Gulfstream G500, marked an unprecedented moment: opening a once off-limits region to the world’s most elite travelers. A frontier rarely explored because Somaliland remains a self-declared, internationally unrecognized country.

For a region long associated with political fragility and obscurity, this carefully crafted 10-day adventure challenged perceptions and delivered white-glove experiences in places that had previously never hosted such ultra-wealthy travelers. From archaeological ruins and prehistoric rock art to boat diving and cultural immersion, the expedition blended rare access with refined luxury — firmly positioning the Horn of Africa as one of the last true frontier of elite exploration.

Private Jet Touchdown in Uncharted Territory

The journey began in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, where a Gulfstream G500 touched down — a first for the city’s international airport. Guests disembarked into a world untouched by mainstream tourism and were welcomed with a level of discretion and precision typically reserved for royalty. Partnering with local premium operator Macrobia Expeditions, Cookson Adventures ensured every detail, from high-security logistics to cultural sensitivity and comfort, was flawlessly executed.

“This was more than a trip; it was a statement,” said Abdirizaq Abdullahi, founder of Macrobia Expeditions. “It showed the world that Somaliland and Djibouti are not just safe, but capable of hosting some of the most discerning travelers on earth — with style, grace and impact.”

Ancient Civilizations, Luxury Boats, and Whale Sharks

From Hargeisa, guests explored 7,000-year-old rock art at Laas Geel and visited unexcavated archaeological ruins at Aw-Barkhadle with Dr. Sada Mire while sharing a private meal with village elders. Guests viewed rare ancient manuscripts and visited the Edna Adan Hospital, founded by the award-winning health pioneer Edna Adan Ismail, whose work in maternal care and women’s rights has earned her global honors including the UNESCO Peace Prize and France’s Legion of Honour. The group visited the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), gaining rare insight into efforts to rescue and rehabilitate Cheetahs threatened by the illegal wildlife trade. A private jet then carried them to Djibouti, where a luxury boat awaited in the Gulf of Tadjourah.

The marine leg of the journey included diving between tectonic plates, swimming with whale sharks and private BBQ setups on remote beaches. Each transition — from the desert to sea, from village to vessel — was seamless, luxurious and deeply respectful of local heritage.

“It was a logistical ballet across a region rarely visited, let alone by private jet,” said a Cookson Adventures staff member. “We partnered with Macrobia because they were the only ones who could deliver this level of safety, access and excellence on the ground.”

A Milestone for the Region

The success of this expedition has implications far beyond tourism. For Somaliland, a self-declared state still seeking international recognition, the arrival of billionaires on a Gulfstream signals a coming-of-age moment. For Djibouti, already home to rare marine life and otherworldly salt lakes, it demonstrates the growing appeal of its landscape for the ultra-wealthy.

Macrobia Expeditions, now in its ninth year, has long been pioneering responsible tourism in the Horn of Africa. With offices in Hargeisa, Djibouti and The Netherlands, and a five-time TripAdvisor Excellence Award record, the company continues to redefine what’s possible in frontier travel.

“This journey proved that luxury and adventure can coexist,” Abdirizaq noted. “We showed the world that the Horn of Africa isn’t just a place you read about in headlines. It’s a place you can truly feel like a pioneer, experience safely and help uplift by visiting responsibly.”

About Macrobia Expeditions

Macrobia Expeditions is the Horn of Africa’s leading premium tour operator, specializing in tailor-made experiences across Somaliland, Djibouti and beyond. With a commitment to cultural authenticity, environmental ethics and world-class logistics, Macrobia is the preferred ground partner for elite global travel brands.

Key Highlights of Macrobia Expeditions:

• Multiple Award Winner: Five consecutive TripAdvisor honors for excellence, with a 5-star rating based on guest reviews.
• Trusted Partnerships: Serves as the local partner for renowned international travel agencies such as Cookson Adventures, ensuring global standards and seamless travel experiences.
• Local Expertise: A team of local guides and staff with in-depth knowledge of Somaliland and Djibouti, crafting unique itineraries where few others operate.
• Years of Experience: Nearly a decade of operation, pioneering adventure tourism in regions previously overlooked by the travel market.

For partnership or media inquiries: info@macrobians.com https://www.macrobians.com

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