Once listed as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Mogadishu can be a daunting prospect for international visitors. But, for inspirational traveller and disability activist Davide Cirelli, the city was the next stop on his global campaign to show what disabled travellers are capable of.
This is how Davide became the first tourist ever hosted at Chelsea Village Hotel. His visit marks an achievement we are incredibly proud of, because it acknowledges how Chelsea Village Hotel is contributing to making Mogadishu a safe and welcoming destination for all.
Davide was born in Milan with a life-threatening congenital heart condition. He had a single ventricle instead of two, with pulmonary atresia that blocked his normal blood flow. Most doctors predicted that Davide would not reach adulthood, but his perseverance has helped him defy medical expectations. With the help of a pacemaker and following numerous open-heart surgeries, Davide is pursuing a life of exploration and adventure.
Credit: Davide Cirelli. Davide celebrated his 150th country in Uganda in July 2025.
“Here I am: 42 years old, married to Cecilia, father of Virginia, and just back from my 150th country,” says Davide. “I have been through far more immigration and security checks than heart screenings and blood tests!”
Country number 147: Somalia
For his trip to Somalia, Davide was looking for a place that could offer safety, comfort, and the assurance of being accommodated for his disability in Mogadishu. Chelsea Village came highly recommended.
“I contacted the general manager, Costa, who was extremely helpful with info and visa support and so on,” explains Davide. With Costa and the team’s expert input, Davide was soon on his way to the ‘green zone’ of Mogadishu, spending an enjoyable weekend at Chelsea Village Hotel.
Credit: Davide Cirelli. Davide explored the coastline of Mogadishu.
Supporting facilities on the ground at Chelsea Village Hotel
Guest safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our location within the secure Aden Abdulle International Airport green zone and dedicated on-site security team, Hart Nationwide, helps us keep our guests safe and protected in a complex environment.
Chelsea Village Hotel is also host to a world-class Role 2 medical facility, run by Medical Support Solutions (MSS), with 15 permanent medical staff on site around the clock. MSS offers a membership-based service, with dental care available on a walk-in basis. For more information about membership options, please contact MSS at ops@medsupportsolutions.com.
Credit: Davide Cirelli. Chelsea Village Hotel guests enjoy world-class dining.
What’s next for Davide
With over 150 countries visited – including Sweden, China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Venezuela, Turkey, Libya, France, India, China, Egypt, Kenya and now, Somalia – Davide is on a mission to complete his Half Heart, Full World project and visit all 195 countries. You can follow and engage further with Davide’s inspiring journey on his Instagram page and LinkedIn.
He is demonstrating that life with a disability can be both extraordinary and adventurous: “Travelling the world and living abroad with a disability is possible. Life with a disability can be extraordinary, and the world should be more accessible, because everyone has the right to explore its wonders.”
Hosting guests like Davide reminds us why we do what we do. Our mission is to provide a safe haven where people can experience Somalia with peace of mind. We are inspired by the courage and determination of travellers who, like Davide, push boundaries and redefine what’s possible.
