Sof Omar Caves
The Weyib river flows through this limestone cave in south-east Ethiopia. The system is about 15 kilometres long.
A river that runs underground
The Weyib rises in the Bale Mountains and cuts through a limestone plateau. At Sof Omar it enters the rock and flows underground for about a kilometre and a half before it comes out again.
The passages follow joints in the limestone and form a grid. A British expedition surveyed the system in 1972 and recorded about 15 kilometres.
Sof Omar Caves at a glance
- Location
- Bale zone, Oromia, about 100 km east of Robe
- Rock
- limestone
- Surveyed length
- about 15 km
- River
- Weyib (Web)
- Known for
- Chamber of Columns
- Religious use
- Muslim shrine and pilgrimage
- Lighting
- none
- Best season
- dry months, roughly November to March
The Chamber of Columns
The best-known part of the cave is a hall where the river has left tall pillars of rock. Visitors cross the river several times, so the route is only possible at low water.
Bats and fish live in the cave.
Sheikh Sof Omar
The cave is named after Sheikh Sof Omar Ahmed, a Muslim teacher who is said to have lived and prayed here many centuries ago. Pilgrims come each year, and parts of the cave are used for prayer.
Visitors should dress modestly and follow the guide's instructions near the shrines.
Sof Omar Caves in figures
In pictures
Select a photograph to enlarge it. Authors and licences are listed in the photo credits.
Before you go
Getting there
The cave is reached by a rough road from Robe or Goba, the towns that serve the Bale Mountains National Park. Allow a full day.
On the visit
There is no lighting or fixed path. Hire a local guide at the village and bring your own torch and spare batteries.
Good to know
The river crossings are dangerous after rain. Check road and security conditions locally before setting out.
Opening times, access rules and prices change. Confirm them before you travel: the Bale regional tourism office.
