Ga’an Libah Mountain in Somaliland

Ga’an Libah in Somaliland Mountain is an awe-inspiring natural wonder located in Somaliland that attracts tourists and locals with its exceptional landscape and picturesque views. The mountain is situated in the Sanaag region of Somaliland and is recognized for its unique rock formations that have been molded by wind and water over time. Besides, the mountain houses a diverse range of wildlife such as reptiles, mammals, and birds.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Ga’an Libah Mountain. There are several trails that offer a mesmerizing view of the surrounding scenery, and hikers can explore the diverse flora and fauna along the way. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy camping and picnicking in several spots ideal for spending the night under the stars, given the mountain’s tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

To get to Ga’an Libah Mountain, there are two primary routes, both of which require a five-hour drive from Hargeisa or Berbera. No public transportation is available to the reserve, and it is strongly advised to have a 4×4, especially during or after rain, as the road may be rough in some areas. The two routes converge at Go’oda Weyn village, where visitors are required to check-in at the police station before continuing. After that, it is a 15km climb to the Ga’an Libah entrance gate, and the old forestry camp serves as the reserve headquarters.

The only accommodation available for tourists is a basic hut at the reserve headquarters that now serves as a community guesthouse and charges US$15 per person inclusive of a mattress and possibly bedding. The community guesthouse is affiliated with an NGO called GALTEDO, and for further details, visitors can visit their Facebook page.

Ga’an Libah Mountain was once home to large herds of elephants and lions, which are why it bears its name. Although there are no elephants or lions left now, the mountain still supports dense populations of wildlife such as greater and lesser kudu, Speke’s gazelle, dik-dik, gerenuk, Beira, klipspringer, and desert warthog. Furthermore, the cliffs are inhabited by baboons and predators such as leopards, caracals, spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, and bat-eared foxes.

Ga’an Libah is a well-known destination for birdwatchers because it is the closest forest patch to Hargeisa. Somali thrush, Archer’s buzzard, and Somali starling are some of the bird species that can be found here, as well as African scops owl, Alpine swift, Nyanza Swift, Hemprich’s hornbill, white-bellied go-away bird, greater honeyguide, white-rumped babbler, brown-rumped seedeater, Ethiopian boubou, and various bee-eaters, barbets, woodpeckers, and warblers.

Even if visitors are not interested in wildlife, they can still enjoy the clifftop viewpoint, located about 1km from the headquarters, that provides stunning panoramic views of the arid plains below. Additionally, there are several limestone hills attractions such as a network of caves decorated with prehistoric rock art and pre-Islamic stelae.