Baidoa (also known as Baydhabo) is the largest city in Southern Somalia and the state capital of Bay Region, with a population of 1.2 million in 2022. Baidoa is a war zone, so travel here is dangerous.

Understand

Baidoa market

Baidoa and the broader Bay region are home to a number of important ancient sites. Archaeologists have found prehistoric rock art on the city's outskirts at Buur Heybe. Baidoa incurred significant damage during the Somali Civil War, having been captured and re-captured by Al-Shabaab and government forces. Fighting continues on the city's outskirts, and it is the site of a large refugee camp.

Get in

• As of 2022, the roads to Baidoa are blocked by Al-Shabaab militants.
• 1 Shatigadud International Airport (BIB  ^IATA). Jubba Airways flies from Mogadishu.  

See

• 1 Buur Heybe. Stone age archeological site. It’s not set up for tourists, but with a bit of research, you might be able to arrange a visit. (updated Nov 2023)