Background

Asa Koma: Echoes of Neolithic Life

Unearth Neolithic secrets at Asa Koma, Djibouti, revealing early pastoral life and cultural connections in the Horn of Africa near Lake Abbe.

Explore Asa Koma, an archaeological site in Djibouti's Dikhil region, revealing insights into Neolithic pastoral life dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. Discover ancient pottery, evidence of early herding practices, and the importance of fishing in this unique cultural landscape near Lake Abbe.

A brief summary to Asa Koma

  • 336F+2G5, دخيل, DJ

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
  • Engage a local guide in Dikhil for a richer understanding of the site's history and significance.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited facilities nearby.
  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as the site is located on a hillside.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Djibouti City, take a shared taxi or minibus to Dikhil for approximately 750 DJF. Upon arrival in Dikhil, negotiate a fare with a local taxi driver for the final leg to Asa Koma, roughly 5km away. Expect to pay around 500-1000 DJF for a round trip, depending on your bargaining skills. Confirm that the driver knows the exact location of the archaeological site.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Dikhil and prefer to walk, Asa Koma is approximately a 20-30 minute walk from the central area of the town. Head southeast towards the coordinates 11.0600194, 42.0738517 and follow any local paths that lead to the site. Ask locals for directions if needed.

Unlock the Best of Asa Koma

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Asa Koma

Asa Koma, meaning "Red Hill" in the local language, is an archaeological site that provides a 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, this site offers valuable insights into the lives of early pastoral communities and their interactions with the environment. Discovered in the early 1980s, Asa Koma has been the subject of extensive archaeological research. Excavations have revealed evidence of human occupation dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. The site's significance lies in its well-preserved artifacts, particularly its distinctive pottery characterized by punctate and incision geometric designs, bearing a striking 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. Faunal remains at Asa Koma confirm the importance of fishing in Neolithic settlements close to Lake Abbe, with catfish and tilapia being the dominant species. The site also provides some of the earliest evidence of bovine husbandry and caprine herding practices in the region, with bones of long-horned humpless cattle discovered, suggesting that domesticated cattle were present around 3,500 years ago. Beyond its archaeological significance, Asa Koma is situated in a landscape of dramatic volcanic formations and vast plains. Ongoing studies of the site's artifacts and remains promise to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the development of early pastoral societies, their cultural connections, and their adaptation to a changing environment.

Popular Experiences near Asa Koma

Popular Hotels near Asa Koma

Select Currency