Later, we slowly drove on perfect tarmac through the Sheikh Mountains, a part of the Golis Mountains that form the rugged northern edge of the Somali plateau and run parallel to the Gulf of Aden. The mountains have a significant range in elevation, with the highest peak in Somaliland, Mount Shimbiris, being in this region at 2,416 m. They are known for their cooler climate, greener landscapes, and the town of Sheikh, which sits on a plateau at about 1430 meters above sea level. The landscape becomes greener as you ascend from the arid lowlands around Berbera. Historically, it was a favourite retreat for the British from the heat of the lowlands.
