Dhagah Maroodi (Dhagax Maroodi): The Ancient Rock-Art Site Near Gabiley
What is Dhagah Maroodi?
Dhagah Maroodi is a rock-art site northwest of Gabiley known for engraved imagery, including bovine figures and at least one reported human figure on a rock outcrop.
Academic writing on Somaliland archaeology notes that Dhagah Maroodi is unique because many bovine rock-art sites are painted, while Dhagah Maroodi is highlighted as a petroglyph (engraved) site.
Some tourism posts also refer to it as “Elephant Rock” (linked to the Somali name “Dhagax Maroodi,” often interpreted as elephant rock), and mention bovine imagery connected to the site’s rock art.
Why it’s important
Even if you’re not an archaeologist, Dhagah Maroodi is worth visiting because it represents something rare in the Horn of Africa travel experience: a quiet, human-scale heritage site that connects modern pastoral and farming life with an ancient visual tradition.
Rock art in Somaliland is globally significant—sites like Laas Geel are internationally known, and Somaliland is referenced as home to many rock-art locations, including Dhagah Maroodi among others.
Best Time to Visit Gabiley & Dhagah Maroodi
Somaliland travel comfort is strongly tied to seasons:
- Cooler months (often late autumn through early spring) are typically easier for day trips, walking markets, and spending time outdoors.
- After seasonal rains, Gabiley’s greener landscape can be at its best—fields more active, produce more abundant, and countryside more photogenic.
For rock-art visits, aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday light and heat, and to get better visibility on engraved surfaces.
Top Things to Do in Gabiley
1) Visit local markets for fresh produce and daily life
Gabiley’s market energy reflects its identity as an agricultural hub. Expect piles of seasonal vegetables and fruits, grains, and plenty of everyday items that show how regional supply chains work. This is one of the best “real Somaliland” experiences you can do without a long journey.
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2) Explore the countryside: farms, fields, and village routes
If you want photos and stories that feel different from the usual “desert and camels” narrative, Gabiley is perfect. A short drive outside town can reveal:
- Cultivated fields
- Traditional water use and small-scale irrigation in places
- Village scenes tied to planting and harvest cycles
It’s also a strong area for responsible tourism: you’re not “consuming culture,” you’re observing and supporting local economies.
3) Combine Gabiley with a heritage day trip
Gabiley pairs naturally with cultural sites—especially those reachable as half-day or full-day excursions. Dhagah Maroodi fits perfectly as a heritage add-on that makes your Gabiley trip more than a market stop.
Things to Do at Dhagah Maroodi: How to Experience It Properly
1) Go with a local guide who understands the site
This is not a fenced museum with signs and guards. A guide helps you:
- Find the correct rock surface
- Understand what you’re looking at (bovines, human figure references)
- Avoid accidental damage (touching, rubbing, chalking—please don’t)
2) Bring the right gear
- Water, hat, sunscreen
- Closed shoes for rocky ground
- A camera with a zoom lens or a phone with good stabilization
- A small flashlight can help reveal shallow engravings in shadow (use gently, no contact)
3) Respect the heritage
Rock art sites are non-renewable. Don’t scratch, wet, trace, or “enhance” engravings for photos. Responsible travel protects Somaliland’s heritage for future generations and supports the case for preservation.
Gabiley + Dhagah Maroodi: Suggested Itinerary (1–2 Days)
Option A: 1-Day Trip from Hargeisa (Most Popular)
Morning
- Drive from Hargeisa to Gabiley
- Market visit + short town exploration
Midday
- Lunch locally (simple, authentic eateries)
Afternoon
- Excursion to Dhagah Maroodi
- Return before sunset
Option B: 2-Day Slow Travel (Better Experience)
Day 1
- Gabiley market + countryside farm routes + sunset photography
Day 2
- Dhagah Maroodi visit in the morning light
- Optional add-on: another nearby cultural stop depending on your route and permits
Practical Travel Tips for Gabiley (Somaliland)
Getting there
Gabiley is commonly visited as a road trip from Hargeisa. Its position west of the capital makes it one of the easier regional excursions for travelers based in Hargeisa.
Transport
A standard vehicle may work for town and main road access, but for rural detours and rock-art sites, a reliable 4×4 is often the safer choice depending on road conditions.
What to wear
Dress modestly (especially in markets and villages). Light long sleeves and breathable fabrics help with sun and dust.
Photography etiquette
Always ask before photographing people—especially women, elders, and children. In Somaliland, respect and permission matter.
Culture, People, and Everyday Life
Travelers often come to Somaliland expecting “big ticket” attractions only—yet Gabiley offers something equally valuable: a window into how Somaliland eats, trades, farms, and lives. Markets show the rhythm of daily life. Farms show resilience and local knowledge. And heritage sites like Dhagah Maroodi remind us that this landscape has been home to human creativity for thousands of years.
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Book Gabiley & Dhagah Maroodi Tours
If you want travelers to explore Gabiley and Dhagah Maroodi smoothly—with the right transport, local guidance, and heritage-sensitive planning—offer it as a curated experience.
Gabiley day tours, cultural excursions, and Somaliland rock-art experiences can be arranged via AfricaMilestone.com, a booking platform owned by Visit Horn Africa—ideal for custom itineraries, private travel, and trusted local support across the Horn of Africa.
FAQs: Gabiley & Dhagah Maroodi
Is Gabiley worth visiting?
Yes—especially if you want something beyond the standard route. Gabiley offers authentic markets, green countryside, and access to unique cultural sites. It’s widely known for agriculture and is often described as Somaliland’s breadbasket.
What is special about Dhagah Maroodi?
Dhagah Maroodi is known for engraved rock art, including bovine figures and a reported human figure, and it’s noted as unusual because similar bovine rock art in the region is often painted rather than engraved.
Is Dhagah Maroodi the same as “Elephant Rock”?
Many tourism and social posts refer to Dhagax Maroodi as “Elephant Rock,” using it as an English-friendly nickname. The archaeology references focus on its rock art and classification as a petroglyph site.
How far is Gabiley from Hargeisa?
Gabiley is west of Hargeisa and is commonly visited as a road trip from the capital.
Final Thoughts: Gabiley’s Living Landscape + Dhagah Maroodi’s Ancient Memory
Gabiley is Somaliland’s green heart—productive, grounded, and full of everyday life that travelers rarely document properly. Dhagah Maroodi adds depth: a heritage site that quietly reminds us Somaliland’s story doesn’t start with modern borders or recent history—it stretches back through pastoral worlds and ancient artistic expression.
