Sof omar a 15 kilometers of cave - carved by the action of the Weyb river, which flows picturesquely through the forested scenery is one of the most spectacular and extensive underground caverns in the world: the Sof Omar Cave System is found in the southern part of the country 120kms east of Goba .The river disappears into the limestone rock where the caves begin

It is not a single cave; it is a series of unconnected caves which skirt the edge of the river. Carved in the soft lime stone by the flow of the water, the caves have rounded corridors and wonderful shapes. Don't forget flashlights - it is predictably completely dark A tour to the four cavern chambers of the Sof Omar will begin at the first entranceway - called Gulenta Ayo Makoo.This is a high roofed chamber, with various passageways leading to the river or deeper into the caves.

It is still quite light because of entrance and the opening on the river. When it gets dark a bit further on the sound of the rushing water becomes ominous.Following a passageway leads to the second chamber - that of Jaba Bikileh - which the holy man Sheikh Sof Omar used as his prayer room. It has an altar worn smooth and shiny, presumably by the thousands of pilgrims who flock to the cave.

 Hear if you turned off your flashlights you will be thrown into a complete and very eerie darkness. Further on is a very high chamber - appropriately named Dome hall. High overhead is a dome in the rock, very similar to the basilicas' of so many churches in Ethiopia. The final chamber where to be visited is a big open chamber which was used as a meeting room. Here the holy men would gather to discuss and set bylaws and to hear court cases.  

As a holy shrine, it is not surprising to find that the caves have mystical powers. Just inside the main entrance is a small room which has the remains of animals sacrificed by the devoted. Whenever people face problems, such as food shortages or wars, they come to pray for relief at the caves, and their prayers are answered. If you arrive on the days of the festivals at the caves, one of three during the year, like the festival of Sheikh Sof Omar will be very wonderful.

The festivals attract many pilgrims from all over Ethiopia, although the Harar and Jimma areas were cited as major sources. As it is estimated by the locals 200-300 ferengis(the nick name for the foreigners) visit annually.