Abourma Rock Art Site is tucked away in the northern part of Djibouti, on the gigantic Makarrassou in Tadjoura.
The Abourma Rock Art Site has rock engravings artwork from a prehistoric era.
The rock carvings stretch 3 km on a basaltic rock massif 1500 m, with a variety of social stratification, organization of a pastoral life that has vanished, and behaviors.
The images on the rock represent various messages: man/ nature interaction, social environment, cohabitation of man and animals, and war.
The nearest airport is the Tadjoura Airport.
My favorite things to do in Abourma Rock Art
Superb Hike
Tourists who want to capture a time machine that goes back to the prehistoric past come to Abourma Rock Art Site.
There are a lot of things to do on your way to this site.
The numerous changing landscapes consist of small gorges, rocky hills that are undulating, huge chaotic boulders, and barren ridges.
It takes 3½ hours to get to the rock.
Abourma Rock Art Site Penchant of Archaeology
The prehistoric past is boldly displayed in this rock.
People coming here are stunned by the leftover of the past in drawing and carving on the rock.
Abourma Rock Art Site
The drawings or craving on the rocks tells of the life of the agro-pastoral who once lived in this area.
The use of lasso when hunting aurochs and giraffes were clearly shown on the rock including a number of activities.
The artwork is rich with the incredible depiction of animals that tourists may no longer see around the site like the antelopes, kudus, cows, onyxes, ostriches, and giraffes including humans.
Abourma Rock Art Site Natural and Cultural resources
Gypsum, salt, limestone and perlite, gold, clay, petroleum, marble, geothermal and clay are some of the natural resources.
The cultural resources are the same with the country’s heritage.
Presence of UNESCO/World heritage sites
The site has been submitted to be named a UNESCO site because of the rock engravings that fully represent the prehistoric human societies and primordial art manifestations.
The prehistoric man’s story was told on these rocks, which is believed to be the work of parietal art from 38,000 BC.
The life experienced from the Upper Paleolithic and the occupation of the people in that era is on the drawings.
Some of the drawings are still in good condition, especially the walls that have kept its integrity.
The government believes that making this place a World Heritage Site can help in its preservation and conservation
Abourma Rock Art Site Transportation
Tourists start this hike from the small Afar settlement in Giba Gabiley.
The distance from here is about 22 km north of Randa.
A 4Wheel Drive Vehicle is needed to get to this settlement.
From Giba Gibiley, it would take eight hours to get to the site and also another eight hours.
It is only a local guide from Randa, who had worked with the French archaeologists who can take tourists to this place.
Tadjoura Airport (TDJ)
The international airport occupies 10 square kilometers and started its operation in 1948.
Air Djibouti provides domestic flights that would lead to Tajoura from here.
Abourma Rock Art Site Local food
The diverse cuisine of the people can be seen in a way that the meals are provided.
The cuisine has been blended with the Yemeni, traditional Somali, and Afar delicacies alongside continental dishes like the French culinary staples.
The Yemeni dish mandi and Fah-fah or the spicy boiled beef soup can be eaten in most eateries.
Tadjoura that is close does not have good shopping facilities.
Tourists coming to the country do the shopping in Djibouti City before touring the country.
There are good shopping places in the capital like the Ryad Market, where food items, vegetables, fruit, gifts, clothes and lots more can be bought.
Abourma Rock Art Site License Requirement
There are tours to bring you to Abourma Rock Art Site.
However, if you are going to drive in the country, your age should be between 16 and 21 years.
Extra fee is charged when younger drivers come for their license because they are considered a risk on the road.
Driving is done on the right-hand side of the road.
Mileage limit: The mileage limit applies to the distance that is covered every day.
Most of the roads are in poor condition, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended.
