Plizio Visual Lab

Dhambalin Rock Art

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Dhambalin is an exceptional archaeological site in the Sahil region of Somaliland, world-renowned for its extraordinary Neolithic rock art. Discovered in 2007, these artworks are located within a sandstone rock shelter and are estimated to date back 3,000 to 5,000 years. What makes the depictions at Dhambalin unique is the remarkable detail of the animal figures, particularly sheep shown wearing distinctive collars, which suggests an early history of domestication. The paintings also feature dogs, cattle, and wild animals such as antelopes and giraffes, often rendered in spirited shades of red, white, and yellow. These findings have significantly altered our understanding of prehistoric lifestyles and environmental conditions in the Horn of Africa. The presence of dogs in hunting scenes indicates a complex human-animal relationship stretching far into the past. Today, Dhambalin is recognized as one of the most important rock art sites in Africa, standing alongside the famous Laas Geel complex as a pillar of regional heritage.

Location: Somalia
Nearby: El Afweyn (34 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	23	26	28	30	32	32	32	31	27	25	23
Rain mm	4	4	12	43	22	11	5	14	14	28	13	9

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The rock paintings of Dhambalin are an archaeological site in a remote location. Access is difficult and requires a permit or the accompaniment of a guide. The site is not developed for tourism.

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Typical hours

As it is a remote site, there are no fixed opening hours. Visits must be organized in advance. The best travel time is the dry season from November to February.

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Photography

Photography of the rock paintings is allowed, but care must be taken not to damage the sensitive images. Flash should be avoided. A telephoto lens can be helpful for capturing details from a distance.

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Time needed

Allow a full day for travel and viewing the paintings. The site itself can be explored in about an hour. The surroundings are scenically appealing.

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Combine with

The region around Dhambalin is rich in archaeological finds. Nearby there are other rock art sites. A visit can be combined with a safari in the area.

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Getting there

The site is located off roads and is only accessible with a four-wheel drive vehicle and a local guide. The nearest city is Berbera, from where tours can be organized.

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Insider tip

Travel with an experienced guide to find the site. Bring enough water and provisions as there are no supply facilities. Protect yourself from the sun and insects.

Geography

Coordinates

10.33330, 46.33330

Facts

Dhambalin was discovered as recently as 2007 by an international research team.
The rock art is estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old.
It is the first site in the Horn of Africa to depict sheep wearing decorative collars.
The prehistoric artists used natural pigments in vibrant red, white, and yellow shades.
Representations include domesticated dogs and non-humped cattle species.
The site is sheltered within a sandstone formation near the city of Berbera.