- Marvel at one of the most spectacular and extensive underground caverns in the world
- See the natural "Chamber of Columns"
- Admire the fluted archways and soaring butresses of the caves
- Discover the history of the caves and how they came to be an important Islamic shrine
With over 15km of tunnels, the Sof Omar cave system is the largest known cave in Ethiopia, and possibly the largest in Africa. The caves are known for their many pillars, particularly in the "Chamber of Columns" and they have long been an important religious site for both Muslims and followers of the local Oromo traditional religion. It is said that the opening to this limestone cave system was revealed to Sheikh Sof Omar in the 12th century, and that he and his followers used the caves as a mosque. Soaring pillars, buttresses and archways would have made for an impressive natural place of worship.
- We're currently updating our itineraries and pricing for the Bale Mountains and Sof Omar Caves. If you're interested in visiting, please contact us to find out more.