Asa Koma, Dikhil Travel Guide

Explore Asa Koma, Djibouti: Uncover Neolithic secrets at this archaeological site, revealing early pastoral life in the Horn of Africa.

Asa Koma, or 'Red Hill', is an important archaeological site in Djibouti's Dikhil region, dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. Discoveries here have provided insights into early pastoral communities in the Horn of Africa, including their pottery, tools, and livestock.

A brief summary to Asa Koma

336F+2G5, دخيل, DJ

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Asa Koma.

Visit during the cooler months (December to February) for a more comfortable experience.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Lake Abbe for stunning landscapes.
Hire a local guide in Dikhil for insights into the site's history and the region's culture.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore Asa Koma on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Asa Koma, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Dikhil, take a local bus or taxi towards the general direction of Lake Abbe. Asa Koma is located on the Gobaad Plain, approximately 30 km from the lake. Inquire locally for the most up-to-date schedules and availability. Expect to pay around 500-1000 DJF for a taxi or bus fare from Dikhil to the vicinity of Asa Koma.
Walking

From the main road, it's likely necessary to walk the final distance to the site. The terrain is desert-like, so wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for a hike of several kilometers. There are no entrance fees to access the site.

Discover more about Asa Koma

Asa Koma, meaning "Red Hill" in the local language, is an archaeological site that offers a unique window into the Neolithic period in the Horn of Africa. Located in the Dikhil Region of Djibouti, near the border with Ethiopia and close to Lake Abbe, the site provides valuable insights into the lives of early pastoral communities and their interactions with the environment.Excavations at Asa Koma have revealed evidence of human occupation dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. The site is particularly known for its well-preserved artifacts, including distinctive pottery characterized by punctate and incision geometric designs. These ceramics bear a resemblance to those of the Sabir culture phase 1 from Ma'layba in Southern Arabia, suggesting potential cultural connections and exchange between the two regions during this period.In addition to pottery, archaeologists have discovered lithic industry, grinding material, bone tools, and ancient graves at Asa Koma. The site has also yielded bones of long-horned humpless cattle, indicating that domesticated cattle were present in the region around 3,500 years ago. The faunal remains confirm the importance of fishing and bovine husbandry in Neolithic settlements close to Lake Abbe. Asa Koma, rising 40 meters above the surrounding Gobaad Plain and covering 100,000 square meters, is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit. It is a place where the echoes of the past resonate, inviting visitors to connect with the ancient roots of Djibouti and the broader story of human civilization in East Africa.