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About Sof Omar Caves

"The Sof Omar Caves are the epitome of underground adventure. They are the longest cave system in Africa, at 15.1 kilometres (9.4 miles).

Of the 42 entrances to the caves, only four are typically used by visitors. The caves were named after a Muslim holy man and are sacred in Islam and to local traditional religions. When entering through the Village Entrances, visitors pass by a shrine used by locals. 

Sof Omar is best known for its zig-zagging passages interconnected in a web. The widest passage in the caves is approximately 40 m (120 ft) wide, made by a river that disappears between two columns.

The caves are famous for their pillars. Follow the trails to the pebble beach and into the Chamber of Columns. This chamber is also unique in the world of spelunking. It is a group of interlocked pillars around a central cluster of columns that mark the water levels. 

Amature and expert geologists may want to spend a day getting lost at Sof Omar!"

Must See

  • The Web River that flows out from the Sof Omar Caves at the Holuca Resurgence
  • Limestone pillars reflect in the water in the entrance hall to the Sof Omar Cave system
  • The Chamber of Columns, Sof Omar
  • River just outside the cave entrance

How to reach

Drive from Goba to Sof Omar Caves takes  1hour  and 45 minutes covering a distance of 113.1 km
Drive from Delo to Sof Omar Caves takes  1hour covering a distance of 70.7 km
Drive from Megalo to Sof Omar Caves takes  1hour and 19minutes covering a distance of 33.6 km

Tips

  • There is an easy walking trail in the caves, which leads for over 1km into the caves. Do take the assistance of local boys, for a fee. These boys with torches will happily lead you along
  • There are no facilities for an overnight stay unless you camp
  • Start early and take a picnic basket with you
  • Better be warned that toilets are not available
  • Sof Omar has 42 entrances, but generally only four are useful for gaining entrance
  • Take powerful torches while venturing into the caves. It will come handy
  • Wear sturdy shoes especially if you are going in to the depths off the caves
  • Wear suitable clothing that will not hamper your movements
  • See that your head is protected by helmets
  • Do read the Wikipedia as well the the UNESCO relevant online sites in advance as proper guides are not available

Visit Time

Sunday:          Open 24 hours
Monday:         Open 24 hours
Tuesday:        Open 24 hours
Wednesday:   Open 24 hours
Thursday:       Open 24 hours
Friday:            Open 24 hours
Saturday:        Open 24 hours

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 27.9°C

 

Local Services in Bale (Contact directly)

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