Nature
The rock of Hakaba
A massive rock rising from the middle of town, visible from far across the plains.
Bur Hakaba – history, culture and places to visit | Warar
Cities of Somalia Bay · South West State
Bur Hakaba
Buur Hakaba · Bur Acaba · BurhakabaA Bay region town named after the great rock that rises in its centre, on the main Mogadishu–Baidoa road about 60 km southeast of Baidoa.
AdministrationSouth West State
RegionBay
Population212,346Estimate: 2026 humanitarian planning figure for Buur Hakaba District (OCHA/UNFPA). Not a census count., 2026
Location2.783°, 44.083°
Places to visit1
Overview
Bur Hakaba (Buurhakaba) is the centre of Buurhakaba District in the Bay region. It takes its name from the huge rock that rises in the middle of town; buur is Somali for hill or mountain. The town lies on the main Mogadishu–Baidoa road, about 60 km southeast of Baidoa.
What makes it unique
- 01Named after the great rock at its centre
- 02On the Mogadishu–Baidoa road
- 03Italian-era name: Bur Acaba
Places to visit
History
The rock of Hakaba has long been a landmark on the plains of Bay; a photograph from 1928 shows it towering over the townspeople. Italian-era maps spelled the name Bur Acaba.
Culture
As elsewhere in Bay, Maay is widely spoken, and life revolves around farming and livestock.
Economy
Rain-fed farming, livestock and trade along the Mogadishu–Baidoa road are the main sources of income.