Whispers of The Past

#somaliland #travel #backpacking

Las Geel - the famous rock art site in Somaliland, near Hargeisa is estimated to be between 5,000 and 7,000 years old.

That places it roughly in the Neolithic period (around 3,500–5,000 BCE).

Archaeologists discovered the site in 2002, and radiocarbon dating along with stylistic analysis of the paintings suggest that early pastoralist communities created the vivid depictions of cattle, herders, and ritual scenes — making Las Geel one of the oldest and best-preserved rock art sites in all of Africa.

⁉️Tips and Tricks:
Before you visit the site you will need to acquire a permit to do so. It costs 50 USD (cash) and is issued by Hargeisa's "Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism".
You will be offered an expensive yours that include car, guide and guards to Las Geel, by ministry's employees. However it is optional and completely doable on your own as well. There are several minivans going from Hargeisa to Berbera every day. Just pick one that suits you the best. Insist on paying for half way rather than all the way to the final destination if you feel it's the right thing to do.(We did and we payed only half the price)
Follow your route to one direction or another and ask your driver to drop you off where the path to Las Geel branches off into the dessert. There will be a control post that checks the permits. After check is done you have around 1,5 - 2 hours walk ahead of you so prepare water and snacks.
When you reach the site there will be another check point already on the site of Las Geel. Employees of the site might insist on have them as guides and ask for additional pay, but it's optional as your permit that you got from Ministry has all entrance fees included.
The way back is tricky. You will have to hitch a ride, or try to stop minivan going between Hargeisa and Berbera on the same road where you stepped out of your ride.
Find a shade as this might take a while.
Good luck!

‼️Recommendations:
During noon the dessert become unbearably hot. Do try getting there as early as possible. By doing so you will also have better chances of finding a ride back.

Bon Voyage!