Cave of Beasts (Wadi Sura II)
Egypt · Africa
Nearly 8,000 prehistoric figures providing an astonishing record of a 'Green Sahara' filled with lakes and wildlife.
Age
~8,450 yrs
Period
Neolithic (Gilf B phase)
Setting
Rock shelter
Art form
Paintings
Discovered
2002
Status
Open (Expedition Required)
The Cave of Beasts, located at the southwestern base of the Gilf Kebir plateau in the hyper-arid Libyan Desert, is a massive natural rock shelter containing nearly 8,000 engraved and painted figures. Painted during the African Humid Period when the Sahara was a lush savanna, it depicts vivid wildlife like ostriches and giraffes, along with thousands of human figures. The site is famous for its enigmatic 'headless beasts' that seem to interact with humans, and unique negative hand stencils—some of which were later identified as having been made using the hands of monitor lizards.
Gallery
Notable Features
- ◦ Nearly 8,000 painted and engraved figures
- ◦ Enigmatic 'headless beasts' and swimmers
- ◦ Record of the 'Green Sahara' period
Depicted Subjects
Headless BeastsSwimmersOstrichesGiraffesHand Stencils
Plan a Visit
AccessThis cave can be visited.
BookingAdvance booking required — places are limited
Sources & Further Reading
Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.
Photographs via Wikimedia Commons — image credits. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.