Sof Umar Caves
Sof Umar cave, Africa’s Largest, cave, and marvelous underground world is located in south east of Ethiopia, some 115kms from Bale Mountains National park. It lies at an elevation of about 1300m above sea level. The caves area which is typically characterized by flat topography and deep gorges is cut by the river Web. The caves carry the whole flow of the Web River, underground through amazingly carved caverns for a distance of 1.5 kms. There are over 15kms of associated passages, which require skill, especial equipment, time and site guides for a full investigation of the caves.
Sof Umar cave is also reputed as a historical Islamic heritage attributed to the “Sheikh Sof Umar” from whom the name of the cave is derived.
He lived and worshiped Allah in the cave and taught Islam to his followers for many years.
Sheik Sof Omar is said to be the nephew as well as the disciple of Sheikh Husein.
Sheikh Husein
Sheikh Husein is situated in the south east of the country west of Hararge at the south edge of the Web River at about 70 kms from Sof Umar caves. The shrine is named after an ancient Muslim holy man, religious leader, known as Sheikh Nur Husein bin Malka, Who was reputed for his religious teachings, high devotion and remarkable miraculous deeds. According to oral tradition establishment of the Shrine dated back to the 11th century AD.