Gacan Libaax

[Fyr]

Gacan Libaax

I gazed at the green trees sporadically laid on barren hills and realized that the desert presents a serene and comforting beauty. Orange and yellow flowers stood gracefully amidst the rocks, confident, proud and still.

 

Our engines roared through the desert dusty tracks; suddenly a pack of baboons ran wildly, surprised and disturbed. Gazelles walked slowly, peering through the bush seemingly curious about these giant vehicles intruding their space. Nomad boys in their teens wave, their camels, black headed sheep and white goats in tow.

 

It was a long journey to Gacan Libaax, the legendary meeting point of lions coming from as far as Ethiopia. After four hours of travel the company of 14 people, 4 vehicles and 5 police escorts were all relieved to make that final stop, we've arrived.

 

 

Lunch under the tree.

 

After a hefty Somali lunch of goat meat, rice and pasta, we proceeded to explore what this place has to offer.

 

British ruins:

 

 

 

 

Caves:

[Fyr]

 

Walk in the woods:

 

 

 

The view:

 

 

 

A good climb for rock climbing enthusiasts.

 

The Night Sky

 

[Fyr]

Lions and Stories

Gacan (hands) Libaax (Lion) is aptly translated as Lion’s paws is the legendary meeting spot of lions, hyenas, cheetahs as a far from Ethiopia. Gazelles still roam the fields of Gacan libaax, people say cheetah’s still walk around, but rarely seen. One particular animal, playful and fast is what the Somalis call digdig, it’s a tiny deer looking creature that could dash like a road runner! All the residents that welcomed us in the village warned us of hyenas, they said that there’s a hyena quarter where the caves are located. We didn't dare to explore.

 

The evening was cold, luckily not so dark, because the moon was friendly enough to shed light that night. It was so peaceful, no phones, no internet, no TV and radio, just the crisp wind and the hymn of birds. You need light, there's the moon. You need to get warm, you can always make fire. Simple and basic.

 

 

We gathered around the fire, sipping tea and coffee as we listened to stories. Stories about Warabe la hadal, someone who could communicate with hyenas. Hyenas are said to be very clever that they can tell the future.They could talk to them and tell you your future. The civil war in Burao is said to be predicted by hyena's as one warabe la hadal told one of his friends about the hyena's message. True? magara nayo (I don't know).

 

Apparently, Gacan Libaax is not only famous among lions, it was also a critical spot to rebel fighters during Siad Barre's time. It is said to be the camp site of the country's liberation fighters, the Somali National Movement (SNM) before they launched their attack to Mandeera prison and they released all the political prisoners. Local residents said there's a secret road all the way to Berbera that will only take you 1 hour to reach the coastal town. Again, we didn't dare to discover.

 

There are still a lot in store in gacan libaax, places to explore, people to meet and stories to be told. Well, maybe some other time, there's always a next time.

 

 

Posted by Yvette Lopez

[Suldaanka]

^^Very Nice

 

Dalka in dhuxul laga wada dhigtay ayaan u hayste. There are still some forests left.

 

Is Ga'an Libah located in Sahil region?

[Sky]

That is beautiful. We need to raise funds to protect places like Gacan Libaax from loggers, poachers, settlers etc.

 

We could never compete with our Kenyan neighbour, but Somalis should seriously consider the possibilites of eco-tourism.

[Suldaanka]

^ true say, it is sad this place was once a place where lions meet and now? none

 

Yvette has posted some new pictures

 

 

[A goat being skinned]

 

[Fellow development worker Justin with our guide Ahmed]

 

[Viewing spot the residents created for visitors. ]

 

[Nursery of Candlelight's Reforestation Project]

 

[still part of the nursery, the hanging empty cans are used to ward off hyenas.]

 

[The neatly arranged dried twigs mark the village entrance, yes its the gate]

 

[http://www.insidesomaliland.blogtales.com/archives/ICD-women.jpg]

[With my female colleagues from ICD ]

[Suldaanka]

[iCD Country Representative Dr. Adan and development worker Dr. Abdirashid exploring the cave. ]

 

[With fellow development workers from Zimbabwe Justin and Gram. ]

 

 

[Yes, we're required to have escorts even in the woods. You'll never know when a snake or a hyena will pass by.]

 

 

One of our drivers once said he wants to become a Special Protection Unit officer, even if the pay is lower than what he currently gets. "Its the power!" he said. Somehow, the uniform, gun, the vehilce with the SPU sign, the title and the recognition of being a SPU give a feeling of superiority. Hmmmm, men and power, always is a very interesting subject.