Sof Omar

Sof Omar is a spectacular and extensive underground cavern located south east of Ethiopia. Specifically,  in Bale small, Muslim village, 120 kilometers away from Goba. It is the longest cave in Ethiopia at 15.1 kilometers or 9.4 miles long. In some sources it is reffered as the longest system of caves in Africa. The Weyib River, which sources from the Bale Mountains National Park, penetrates the caves year round, offering a magnificent view to the visitors. Finally, It sinks at the Ayiew Maco entrance and reappears at the Holuca resurgence 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) away.

According to tradition Allah revealed the opening to this limestone cave system to Sheikh Sof Omar in the 12th century. The venerated Sof Omar settled in one of the of the caves. Then, spreads the word of his doctrine, virtue, and wisdom. Certainly, without being able to scare off the presence of the spirits. The Spirits were with their super natural powers from this magical natural universe. In contrast, the visitor to Sof Omar can see many signs of the persistence of such pagan beliefs and practices. A group of men sacrificing a goal; tokens of leather and cloth hung from rocky projections in the cave.

Even more, You approach the Sof Omar caves through the tiny village of Sof Omar. The Village is perched on the cliffs above the Web River. To the rear of the village is a dark, gaping crevice down which a precipitous narrow footpath winds to the first cave’s floor.  Pilgrims come to Sof Omar three times a year. Only a few patches of sunlight filter into this dimly lit kingdom. It extends in all directions through vast subterranean passageways of polished white limestone, carved by the river’s flood and recess over countless ages.