Laas Geel

About this place

Laas Geel is a group of rock shelters and caves on the rural outskirts of Hargeisa, north-western Somalia, in the Maroodi Jeex region. They hold some of the earliest known paintings of domesticated cattle in the Horn of Africa. The rock art is estimated at 4,500 to 5,500 years old and is in excellent condition, its colours still bright. A French archaeological team found the paintings during a survey in November and December 2002, while searching for rock shelters that recorded the arrival of herding in the region. The paintings spread across ten rock alcoves and show wild animals, decorated cattle and herders who are thought to have painted them. On the ceilings and walls of the alcoves you see red, white and brown paintings of long-horned cattle with necks decorated in stripes and geometric shapes, and small figures with outstretched arms. From outside the rocks look like grey granite boulders on a low hill in a plain of thorn trees. It is about 48 km from Hargeisa in a straight line. Visits go with a guide, and a local permit may be needed. Do not touch the paintings or use flash. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to this area, so read the current advice before you plan.