![A little over an hour from Hargeisa, turn off National Highway 1 to visit Somaliland's greatest archeological site, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565123.24PyO8GN.SomalilandDec130179.jpg) A little over an hour from Hargeisa, turn off National Highway 1 to visit Somaliland's greatest archeological site, Laas Geel |
![Interesting rocks along the 5 km dirt road leading to the rock art site at Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565124.9Xu8iu7y.SomalilandDec130181.jpg) Interesting rocks along the 5 km dirt road leading to the rock art site at Laas Geel |
![Our guide told us this pile of rocks was the remains of an ancient tomb](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565125.46Aorqmh.SomalilandDec130184.jpg) Our guide told us this pile of rocks was the remains of an ancient tomb |
![Nomadic herders live in simple shelters in the countryside](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565126.h9liskIM.SomalilandDec130189.jpg) Nomadic herders live in simple shelters in the countryside |
![The frame of a traditional Somali hut awaiting its patchwork quilt cover](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565127.A1LmmC5Z.SomalilandDec130192.jpg) The frame of a traditional Somali hut awaiting its patchwork quilt cover |
![Detail of the frame of a traditional Somali hut](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565128.zPzt1gxg.SomalilandDec130193.jpg) Detail of the frame of a traditional Somali hut |
![Simple staple food of the Somali nomads](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565129.DVAjP1ag.SomalilandDec130194.jpg) Simple staple food of the Somali nomads |
![Somali woman in front of her small hut](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565130.U5Q2rLCs.SomalilandDec130197.jpg) Somali woman in front of her small hut |
![Somali woman, shy but friendly](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565131.yI5gMCVQ.SomalilandDec130198.jpg) Somali woman, shy but friendly |
![Frame of a traditional Somali hut awaiting its cover](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565132.aS8z8aIH.SomalilandDec130199.jpg) Frame of a traditional Somali hut awaiting its cover |
![Our SPUs keep an eye on things as we visit the nomads](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565133.hb1Q3CKg.SomalilandDec130200.jpg) Our SPUs keep an eye on things as we visit the nomads |
![Somali nomad dwellings along the road to Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565134.D2P6nEvY.SomalilandDec130201.jpg) Somali nomad dwellings along the road to Laas Geel |
![Karen with one of the SPUs](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565135.oexhPupO.SomalilandDec130202.jpg) Karen with one of the SPUs |
![Somali girl near Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565136.lQIMRsVq.SomalilandDec130203.jpg) Somali girl near Laas Geel |
![Somali girl in blue](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565137.o106x5j7.SomalilandDec130204.jpg) Somali girl in blue |
![Somali girl and her brother sporting a red New York shirt](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565138.8akxPYhr.SomalilandDec130205.jpg) Somali girl and her brother sporting a red New York shirt |
![Nomad camp along the track to Laas Geel, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565139.DdOCAaew.SomalilandDec130206.jpg) Nomad camp along the track to Laas Geel, Somaliland |
![Nomadic neighbors](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565140.DZQpu4ZT.SomalilandDec130207.jpg) Nomadic neighbors |
![Another hut of Somali nomads near Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565141.JpjJnrqV.SomalilandDec130208.jpg) Another hut of Somali nomads near Laas Geel |
![Laas Geel police check point...closed Friday](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565142.GfnL8VIY.SomalilandDec130209.jpg) Laas Geel police check point...closed Friday |
![No one home at the Laas Geel police checkpoint](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565143.BwhzI1dx.SomalilandDec130211.jpg) No one home at the Laas Geel police checkpoint |
![Distinctive koppie at Laas Geel, but not the site of the prehistoric rock paintings](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565144.J4CCwCqL.SomalilandDec130212.jpg) Distinctive koppie at Laas Geel, but not the site of the prehistoric rock paintings |
![Stark beauty surrounds the Laas Geel site, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565145.hCfdrPI0.SomalilandDec130215.jpg) Stark beauty surrounds the Laas Geel site, Somaliland |
![Rocky massif of Laas Geel, the site of caves sheltering prehistoric rock art estimated to be at least 5000 years old](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565147.awNjUiIA.SomalilandDec130219.jpg) Rocky massif of Laas Geel, the site of caves sheltering prehistoric rock art estimated to be at least 5000 years old |
![Another group of foreign visitors gives scale to the size of the rocky hill at Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565146.gRYK0DQg.SomalilandDec130218.jpg) Another group of foreign visitors gives scale to the size of the rocky hill at Laas Geel |
![Laas Geel's art has been known to locals for centuries, but only in 2002 did the site come to the attention of archeaologists](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565148.hUKgGjPO.SomalilandDec130220.jpg) Laas Geel's art has been known to locals for centuries, but only in 2002 did the site come to the attention of archeaologists |
![Laas Geel is located at N9 46.7/E44 26.7 at an elevation of 3500 ft](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565149.qkLnKtyw.SomalilandDec130222.jpg) Laas Geel is located at N9 46.7/E44 26.7 at an elevation of 3500 ft |
![Laas Geel lies at the confluence of two wadis](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565150.soVKw55W.SomalilandDec130225.jpg) Laas Geel lies at the confluence of two wadis |
![Crossing the wadi to reach the Laas Geel visitor center](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565151.KhHaVv7J.SomalilandDec130226.jpg) Crossing the wadi to reach the Laas Geel visitor center |
![Information posters at the Laas Geel visitor center](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565152.s1IneLaZ.SomalilandDec130227.jpg) Information posters at the Laas Geel visitor center |
![Information poster of the site of Laas Geel and its 20 cave-like shelters](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565153.y4dsYOdm.SomalilandDec130228.jpg) Information poster of the site of Laas Geel and its 20 cave-like shelters |
![Description of Shelter 1 at Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565155.khXL3Bk3.SomalilandDec130230.jpg) Description of Shelter 1 at Laas Geel |
![Shelter 1 is decorated with 350 individual paintings](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565156.d0ov8IwY.SomalilandDec130231.jpg) Shelter 1 is decorated with 350 individual paintings |
![Description of the figures painted at Laas Geel, human and animal](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565157.VrmpgC3I.SomalilandDec130232.jpg) Description of the figures painted at Laas Geel, human and animal |
![Archeological test pits in Shelter 7 at Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565158.gyc1Ns1e.SomalilandDec130233.jpg) Archeological test pits in Shelter 7 at Laas Geel |
![Other prehistoric rock art sites in Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565159.JdAv53di.SomalilandDec130234.jpg) Other prehistoric rock art sites in Somaliland |
![Laas Geel is sometimes also written as Las Gaal](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565160.uVOOwQvT.SomalilandDec130236.jpg) Laas Geel is sometimes also written as Las Gaal |
![Laas Geel, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565161.bsYS9e4T.SomalilandDec130238.jpg) Laas Geel, Somaliland |
![Climbing the path leading up to the caves of Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565162.l0fWXGrq.SomalilandDec130239.jpg) Climbing the path leading up to the caves of Laas Geel |
![A hardy tree taking root in the rock](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565163.Xb88As4Y.SomalilandDec130241.jpg) A hardy tree taking root in the rock |
![Shelter One of Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565164.WpsZ2jhF.SomalilandDec130242.jpg) Shelter One of Laas Geel |
![Most of the paintings at Laas Geel represent cattle](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565165.XNAgKOBQ.SomalilandDec130243.jpg) Most of the paintings at Laas Geel represent cattle |
![Someday Laas Geel will surely be a World Heritage Site](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565166.2lgkNqQY.SomalilandDec130244.jpg) Someday Laas Geel will surely be a World Heritage Site |
![The local guide at Laas Geel provided some interpretation](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565167.LYnxSo2q.SomalilandDec130245.jpg) The local guide at Laas Geel provided some interpretation |
![Animal and human figures in Shelter 1, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565168.HQvVxten.SomalilandDec130246.jpg) Animal and human figures in Shelter 1, Laas Geel |
![Hunter with a bow and arrow](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565169.ad3w7KoY.SomalilandDec130247.jpg) Hunter with a bow and arrow |
![Laas Geel rock art](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565170.yMH5tAP2.SomalilandDec130248.jpg) Laas Geel rock art |
![Karen with the Somali guides, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565171.dNcz9Hsr.SomalilandDec130249.jpg) Karen with the Somali guides, Laas Geel |
![Human and animal figures, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565172.HdM9si8i.SomalilandDec130250.jpg) Human and animal figures, Laas Geel |
![Some of the paintings have rather vivid colors](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565173.rIa2TWMx.SomalilandDec130251.jpg) Some of the paintings have rather vivid colors |
![Goat? Dog?](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565174.XdlRfpx0.SomalilandDec130252.jpg) Goat? Dog? |
![The majority of the paintings at Laas Geel depict cattle](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565175.DZKcqPrH.SomalilandDec130253.jpg) The majority of the paintings at Laas Geel depict cattle |
![The rock shelter, not quite a cave, has some rather interesting indentations, perhaps man-made?](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565176.S3H7KW7Y.SomalilandDec130254.jpg) The rock shelter, not quite a cave, has some rather interesting indentations, perhaps man-made? |
![Laas Geel prehistoric rock art, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565177.a3ZiZt9q.SomalilandDec130255.jpg) Laas Geel prehistoric rock art, Somaliland |
![Man and beast, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565178.spEuVS7L.SomalilandDec130256.jpg) Man and beast, Laas Geel |
![Laas Geel dates to the Neolithic era](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565179.sprFAR5R.SomalilandDec130257.jpg) Laas Geel dates to the Neolithic era |
![Rock art, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565180.31Edt7ZW.SomalilandDec130258.jpg) Rock art, Laas Geel |
![It is believed that Laas Geel had a better climate in prehistoric times to support herds of cattle](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565181.HQmxHWEx.SomalilandDec130259.jpg) It is believed that Laas Geel had a better climate in prehistoric times to support herds of cattle |
![View from Laas Geel across the the neighboring koppie](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565182.n2V0l3BU.SomalilandDec130260.jpg) View from Laas Geel across the the neighboring koppie |
![Millennia ago, when the paintings were created, this was probably a flowing river rather than a mostly dry wadi](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565183.mxGY8t2u.SomalilandDec130261.jpg) Millennia ago, when the paintings were created, this was probably a flowing river rather than a mostly dry wadi |
![Rather than being full-fledged caves, Laas Geel is more just indentations that provide shelter](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565184.MEBBNvuv.SomalilandDec130262.jpg) Rather than being full-fledged caves, Laas Geel is more just indentations that provide shelter |
![View looking towards the confluence of the wadis that gave Laas Geel its name, where the camels are watered](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565185.f65dPicr.SomalilandDec130265.jpg) View looking towards the confluence of the wadis that gave Laas Geel its name, "where the camels are watered" |
![Were the necks of the prehistoric Somalis really decorated with colorful rings?](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/153871639.n4neiL50.SomalilandDec130267.jpg) Were the necks of the prehistoric Somalis really decorated with colorful rings? |
![One of the 20 or so rock shelters at Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565187.rn7hhvGv.SomalilandDec130268.jpg) One of the 20 or so rock shelters at Laas Geel |
![Most of the best preserved paintings are on the roofs of the caves/shelters](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565188.EFcOOWT9.SomalilandDec130269.jpg) Most of the best preserved paintings are on the roofs of the caves/shelters |
![Man and cow, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565189.Soiz8iuK.SomalilandDec130270.jpg) Man and cow, Laas Geel |
![Cave-like rock shelter, Laas Geel, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565190.QQ0wBIcp.SomalilandDec130271.jpg) Cave-like rock shelter, Laas Geel, Somaliland |
![Niches carved out of the stone, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565191.M6GOzGGB.SomalilandDec130272.jpg) Niches carved out of the stone, Laas Geel |
![Rock art, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565192.IrN5FQl0.SomalilandDec130274.jpg) Rock art, Laas Geel |
![Painted cows, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565193.7jsNXrFJ.SomalilandDec130275.jpg) Painted cows, Laas Geel |
![The local site guide taking a break as we explore Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565194.CgQYZNi3.SomalilandDec130276.jpg) The local site guide taking a break as we explore Laas Geel |
![Laas Geel neolithic rock art site, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565195.IrjuPLcb.SomalilandDec130277.jpg) Laas Geel neolithic rock art site, Somaliland |
![Even here, our SPUs accompany us](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565196.kagExbJX.SomalilandDec130278.jpg) Even here, our SPUs accompany us |
![View through the opening of one of the deeper caves at Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565197.KHEw3DIC.SomalilandDec130279.jpg) View through the opening of one of the deeper caves at Laas Geel |
![Access to some of the shelters requires a little scrambling](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565198.BXISR4yY.SomalilandDec130282.jpg) Access to some of the shelters requires a little scrambling |
![Even without the world class archeological site, Laas Geel is a place of scenic beauty](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565199.KTdeLRka.SomalilandDec130285.jpg) Even without the world class archeological site, Laas Geel is a place of scenic beauty |
![A small lizard, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565200.70DB0QoQ.SomalilandDec130287.jpg) A small lizard, Laas Geel |
![Cactus, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565201.j6lMydB6.SomalilandDec130290.jpg) Cactus, Laas Geel |
![Climbing among the rocks of Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565202.UrjRFOyN.SomalilandDec130291.jpg) Climbing among the rocks of Laas Geel |
![Panoramic view of Laas Geel and the wadis](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/93/329493/2/154565439.pVrSMvtF.jpg) Panoramic view of Laas Geel and the wadis |
![This shelter took a bit of a scramble to reach](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565203.cy2SOfim.SomalilandDec130296.jpg) This shelter took a bit of a scramble to reach |
![Giraffe, probably long since vanished from Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565204.m1nG6s1c.SomalilandDec130297.jpg) Giraffe, probably long since vanished from Somaliland |
![Laas Geel, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565205.zZAelHcF.SomalilandDec130298.jpg) Laas Geel, Somaliland |
![One of our security escorts](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565206.4d7NG8AH.SomalilandDec130300.jpg) One of our security escorts |
![Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565207.jPrJEmYL.SomalilandDec130301.jpg) Laas Geel |
![Thorny bush, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565208.v7PKRCEd.SomalilandDec130303.jpg) Thorny bush, Laas Geel |
![Cave opening, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565209.SeC2m3N1.SomalilandDec130304.jpg) Cave opening, Laas Geel |
![Will, our host, with Karen and Trygve](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565210.iXjL2RKF.SomalilandDec130305.jpg) Will, our host, with Karen and Trygve |
![That says profile photo all over it](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565212.6GYfAFV6.SomalilandDec130308.jpg) That says profile photo all over it |
![Looking down from the top of Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565213.omSVpuFl.SomalilandDec130310.jpg) Looking down from the top of Laas Geel |
![Panoramic view of Laas Geel, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/93/329493/2/154565440.0gPum6DA.jpg) Panoramic view of Laas Geel, Somaliland |
![Baboon poo, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565214.PEh8TqSm.SomalilandDec130316.jpg) Baboon poo, Laas Geel |
![Will and the SPUs](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565215.iscnOL4R.SomalilandDec130328.jpg) Will and the SPUs |
![Will and an SPU](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565216.Klq5uL6M.SomalilandDec130329.jpg) Will and an SPU |
![SPU at Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565217.d0yOOQVG.SomalilandDec130330.jpg) SPU at Laas Geel |
![Laas Geel has around 20 painted caves and shelters](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565219.vyd4rysV.SomalilandDec130332.jpg) Laas Geel has around 20 painted caves and shelters |
![Laas Geel makes Somaliland a worth goal for the well traveled individual](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565220.HkUJctG0.SomalilandDec130333.jpg) Laas Geel makes Somaliland a worth goal for the well traveled individual |
![Another of the 20 or so rock shelters at Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565221.t9lGKDz7.SomalilandDec130335.jpg) Another of the 20 or so rock shelters at Laas Geel |
![Rock art painting of a decorated cow, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565222.I8yXrqHQ.SomalilandDec130339.jpg) Rock art painting of a decorated cow, Laas Geel |
![Decorated cow, Laas Gel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565226.uOu0bze2.SomalilandDec130343.jpg) Decorated cow, Laas Gel |
![Cattle mating, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565223.1ofEsk2o.SomalilandDec130340.jpg) Cattle mating, Laas Geel |
![A pair of goats, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565225.9DV5gsS9.SomalilandDec130342.jpg) A pair of goats, Laas Geel |
![Painted cattle, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565227.M5Lcy4zW.SomalilandDec130344.jpg) Painted cattle, Laas Geel |
![Painted cattle, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565228.gLgh6O7r.SomalilandDec130345.jpg) Painted cattle, Laas Geel |
![A striking scene, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565229.0mwQYaVL.SomalilandDec130347.jpg) A striking scene, Laas Geel |
![Prominent rock, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565230.8zeWphuG.SomalilandDec130348.jpg) Prominent rock, Laas Geel |
![Scenic Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565231.qTHGGJ3I.SomalilandDec130349.jpg) Scenic Laas Geel |
![Scenic Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565232.gTeklacj.SomalilandDec130350.jpg) Scenic Laas Geel |
![Visitors to the ancient rock art site of Laas Geel, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565233.dSekztpO.SomalilandDec130351.jpg) Visitors to the ancient rock art site of Laas Geel, Somaliland |
![Neolithic rock art, Laas Geel, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565234.3uoOIKz8.SomalilandDec130353.jpg) Neolithic rock art, Laas Geel, Somaliland |
![Laas Geel rock art](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565235.e51mzGTu.SomalilandDec130354.jpg) Laas Geel rock art |
![Prehistoric rock art, Laas Geel, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565236.4NhNjSyu.SomalilandDec130355.jpg) Prehistoric rock art, Laas Geel, Somaliland |
![Human figure, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565237.5wvYSiFZ.SomalilandDec130356.jpg) Human figure, Laas Geel |
![Cattle, the most important thing to a pastoralist, even in Africa today](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565238.M9gSoIt1.SomalilandDec130357.jpg) Cattle, the most important thing to a pastoralist, even in Africa today |
![Rock art, Laas Geel, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565239.fFKvT47I.SomalilandDec130358.jpg) Rock art, Laas Geel, Somaliland |
![The paintings at Laas Geel are at least 5000 years old, perhaps as old as 11,000 years](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565240.NohaLOsu.SomalilandDec130359.jpg) The paintings at Laas Geel are at least 5000 years old, perhaps as old as 11,000 years |
![Was this the neolithic equivalent of today's graffiti?](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565241.nZgpQlZ8.SomalilandDec130360.jpg) Was this the neolithic equivalent of today's graffiti? |
![We were told that this was the temporary tomb of a soldier killed at Laas Geel during the Somali civil war](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565242.uQWHbSdf.SomalilandDec130361.jpg) We were told that this was the temporary tomb of a soldier killed at Laas Geel during the Somali civil war |
![Rock shelter, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565243.vLS4JSC5.SomalilandDec130363.jpg) Rock shelter, Laas Geel |
![View of the stark landscape surrounding Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565244.bDFj79Oe.SomalilandDec130364.jpg) View of the stark landscape surrounding Laas Geel |
![Scenic Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565245.UBdNXH5e.SomalilandDec130365.jpg) Scenic Laas Geel |
![I found that pinnacle striking](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565246.oQoA3hAB.SomalilandDec130366.jpg) I found that pinnacle striking |
![Amazingly, the guide caught this baby gazelle by hand](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565247.zXGMB1m9.SomalilandDec130368.jpg) Amazingly, the guide caught this baby gazelle by hand |
![Baby gazelle that had been hiding a bush at Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565248.IlREPQhq.SomalilandDec130371.jpg) Baby gazelle that had been hiding a bush at Laas Geel |
![Very unhappy baby gazelle](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565249.INTMAzUy.SomalilandDec130372.jpg) Very unhappy baby gazelle |
![Run!](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565250.jQLMIa8Y.SomalilandDec130373.jpg) Run! |
![Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565251.T314MWsd.SomalilandDec130376.jpg) Laas Geel |
![Pile of rocks at the base of Laas Geel, probably an ancient tomb](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565252.gD5trVzA.SomalilandDec130381.jpg) Pile of rocks at the base of Laas Geel, probably an ancient tomb |
![Laas Geel, well worth a visit](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565253.jpJBXSzJ.SomalilandDec130383.jpg) Laas Geel, well worth a visit |
![Wadi crossing by the visitor center, Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565254.0mrZYJzd.SomalilandDec130385.jpg) Wadi crossing by the visitor center, Laas Geel |
![Hut of the police checkpoint at Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565255.GW4zmnyp.SomalilandDec130390.jpg) Hut of the police checkpoint at Laas Geel |
![Rather than backtrack to National Highway 1, we set out across a rough track to meet the highway further north](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565256.NllQ3RNZ.SomalilandDec130394.jpg) Rather than backtrack to National Highway 1, we set out across a rough track to meet the highway further north |
![Land Cruisers are almost a requirement in Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565257.Gb3VRgFJ.SomalilandDec130395.jpg) Land Cruisers are almost a requirement in Somaliland |
![Camel grazing near Laas Geel, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565259.EYOkpBK5.SomalilandDec130404.jpg) Camel grazing near Laas Geel, Somaliland |
![You'd think I've seen enough camels living in the Middle East](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565260.AlTkFNZo.SomalilandDec130405.jpg) You'd think I've seen enough camels living in the Middle East |
![Somaliland Camels](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565261.n3ZKWNDU.SomalilandDec130406.jpg) Somaliland Camels |
![I'm no expert of camel beauty, but I found the camels in Somaliland to look very robust and healthy](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565263.d1UtEPog.SomalilandDec130408.jpg) I'm no expert of camel beauty, but I found the camels in Somaliland to look very robust and healthy |
![Somaliland Camel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565264.1efzZLYj.SomalilandDec130409.jpg) Somaliland Camel |
![Our SPUs were very helpful](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565265.rIQuKKDL.SomalilandDec130411.jpg) Our SPUs were very helpful |
![SPU posing with a camel near Laas Geel, Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565266.hF92V1zX.SomalilandDec130415.jpg) SPU posing with a camel near Laas Geel, Somaliland |
![Wildlife near Laas Geel ... looks like gerenuk (Litocranius walleri)](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565267.awXPUHp5.SomalilandDec130416.jpg) Wildlife near Laas Geel ... looks like gerenuk (Litocranius walleri) |
![While not overly abundant, wildlife is present in Somaliland](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565268.GrgkdQWF.SomalilandDec130417.jpg) While not overly abundant, wildlife is present in Somaliland |
![Double termite mound near Laas Geel](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565269.qIbjIFuE.SomalilandDec130421.jpg) Double termite mound near Laas Geel |
![...make that a triple...](https://a4.pbase.com/o9/93/329493/1/154565270.tGDwjR4S.SomalilandDec130422.jpg) ...make that a triple... |