Sof Omar Caves
Key information: Sof Omar Caves 
- Beautiful and thrilling deep limestone gorge and caves east of the Bale Mountains.
Walkopedia rating
- Walkopedia rating84
- Beauty31
- Natural interest18
- Human interest2
- Charisma33
- Negative points0
- Total rating84
Vital Statistics
- Length: Approx. 2 hrs
- Maximum Altitude: N/A
- Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
This walk description page is at an early stage of development, and will be expanded over time. Your comments on this walk, your experiences and tips, and your photos are very welcome.
WALK SUMMARY
This extraordinary deep limestone gorge and cave system lies some 100km east of the town of Robe, on the north-eastern fringes of the Bale Mountains.
You can walk through amazing alleyways and passages which are in places reminiscent of the slot canyons of Utah. Enjoy sculpted columns and tunnels and breathtaking grottoes. And 1.5 km of actual cave, so you will need proper equipment, torches especially. You will cross the river 7 times, and it can be deep at some times of year (and impassable at others – August to October especially), so be prepared.
Takes approximately 2 hours. Guides are essential; the local ones don’t speak English (as of 2019).
Other accounts: share your experiences
Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.
Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.
Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
Contents
Other great walks in Ethiopia
-
Central, Wonchi Crater Lake
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East, Fantale Crater
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East, Valley of Marvels
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Lalibela Area, Wollo Highlands
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Lalileba Area, Ashetan Maryam
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North, Between Lalileba and the Simien Mountains
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North, Zege Peninsula, Lake Tana
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North, Tigray, Tigray Rock Churches
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Simien Mts, Geech to Chenek
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Simien Mts, Imet Gogo
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Simien Mts, Mt Buahit
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Simien Mts, Ras Dashen
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South, Bale Mts, Above Dodola
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South, Bale Mts, Bale Mountains
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South, Bale Mts, Harenna Forest
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South, Bale Mts, Sanetti Plateau
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South, Bale Mts, Sangay Grassland and Park HQ Reserve
RESEARCH ESSENTIALS
Information and review
Finding flights, organising travel
Car hire
Accommodation
- Booking.com
Search and book the best places to stay -
TripAdvisor
Equipment & Clothing
Books and Maps
- Amazon
- Maps and guides from Maps Worldwide
- Cicerone � explore the world�s best collection of walking books
Holidays and Activities
MAGAZINE
Walking with Trees: the Kumano Kōdō Kōhechi - Stephen Barber's account and photos of one of Japan's great pilgrimage trails. March 2021
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
