Sof Umar Cave

The Sof Umar caves are about 110 kilometres from Robe town. This cave system is one of the largest cave systems in Africa. The Webb river cuts through a deep gorge and into the rock formation creating a mass of chambers and tunnels that visitors can explore.

The smoothly worn limestone forms majestic gates as the river enters the cathedral like caverns underground. The tunnels and passages worn by the river stretch like an underground spiders webb for about 15 kilometres. The main walking route from the entrance to its emergence from the rock is only just over a kilometre though and will take guests about two hours to walk.

Sof Umar caves are a reputed historical Islamic heritage site,  dedicated to the Sufist Sheikh Safiy Ullal Umar (abbreviated as “Sof Umar”). The Sheikh is said to be the nephew as well as the disciple of Sheikh Hussein. He lived and worshiped Allah in the cave and taught Islam to his followers many centuries ago. Today, there is a cultural practice of offering prayers and sacrifices by pilgrims twice a year.