The Tribe is a youth hostel operated by Daniel Dymov above the Simodi Beryllium Mining Site in Somaliland. It occupies a landscaped ridge inside the mine’s perimeter, with about eight prefabricated chalets, a central common lodge, garden lights and views over the surrounding desert. A road on the far side leads north toward Djibouti.
Accommodation
Dymov says each chalet cost $85,000 with delivery and installation. He credits contracted workers with the septic, water and solar systems and a Portland designer with selecting the furnishings. Local tribesmen installed the furniture and inspired the hostel’s name. A painted stone thanks Mr. Dymov above twelve names and a Spring 2025 inscription.
The common lodge has couches, beanbags, music and carefully arranged decor. Ben Etxina and Bowry Champlain are assigned a double chalet during the Hammett investigation. A French guest named Chloé, distinct from Ben’s former girlfriend, greets Bowry and kisses Ben. She later lends Ben soap at the outdoor shower and passes on Dymov’s warning about expensive water. The chalet ridge is airy and exposed, with a strong breeze and long views.
Dutch Simodi
Dymov markets the hostel as Dutch Simodi. A wooden sign claims that it was established in 1897, lies under Dutch law and the Crown of Orange, and excludes trespassers by force. When Ben challenges this history, Dymov admits inventing the protectorate presentation to overcome travelers’ reluctance to book a trip to Somalia. He lists the hostel under the Netherlands and boasts of its favorable guest rating.
Guests are directed to fly to Djibouti, where Xasan collects them in an African Resources Corporation van. Ben and Bowry’s stay ends with the discovery of Ho’s body at the laboratory below and the escape of the armed robot.