Straddling across the very heart of Ethiopia, Oromia Regional State is blessed with an abundance of cultural and natural assets of high touristic value. It is a land of astonishing natural beauty offering all sort of landscapes scenery ranging from semi desert steppe to afro-alpine highlands soaring as high as 4377m (at Tullu Dimtu, BMNP). Its scenery and natural beauty is ascribable to mountain massifs terrains, peaks, river gorges, natural moist tropical forests, magnificent water falls and various water bodies, etc. The followings are major scenery sites with at least significant touristic appeal.
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Mt. Yarar, found 12 kms north of Bishoftu.. The forest covering outskirt of the mountain and it's natural beauty offer a pleasurable hiking opportunity to the energetic. The peculiar attraction offer of the mountain also involves the pleasant atmosphere of the high altitude forest habitat which is good for camping and for trekking on foot or on horse back |
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Arsi Zone is dominated by highland plateaux which cover 78% of its 23060 sq.kms area. Mountain chains of Kaka, Chilalo, Arbagugu and Aluto are among the major peaks. Arsi high lands extend from the heights of Arsi massifs in the southeast to the escarpment edge of the Rift Valley depression in the northwest. The scenic beauty and others made the plateaux the significant tourist destination that could be used for trekking, sightseeing, and safari hunting. The route from Adaba to Dinsho (West Arsi) through the scenery is spectacular, with a large view of mountains, gorges, valley and the jagged outcrops (like Sebsibe Washa) with in the mountains. On the way one can enjoy also the dramatic view of valleys and plains to the north where even Malka Wakana Dam can be seen from distance. |
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Carrying from Shashamane to Bale, the road crosses the Wabe River Gorge, which borders the former Arsi and Bale. This is the point at which one catches the first sight of Wabe River (one of the tributary of Wabe Shablae River). Wabe Shebele, being the longest river in South Eastern Ethiopia claims its source to Arsi – Bale Mountains. The best site of visiting the gorge however, is near Gasara town (60km from Robe) and Sheik Husen area. Here a visitor can have a magnificent view of the gorge that exhibits many beautiful natural domes and many other attractive features. |
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As one approaches to the town of Dodola, the first sight of Bale Mountain chain comes to view. Overlooking the low lying towns of Adaba and Dodola, this mountain chain can be mentioned as a good example to reason out that trekking is one of the main purposes for visiting Bale Mountains. Trekking in the hills jungle above Adaba and Dodola is probably the best organized Community Based Eco-Tourism in Ethiopia. It is inexpensive and an excellent target for trekkers and hikers. |
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Wanchi is the picturesque lake situated about 32km southwest of Ambo town on the road to Waliso townnearly half way between the two. Coming from Ambo or from Waliso to Wanchi Crater Lake the gravel road ascends mountain slopes almost to the rim of the crater where the height reaches 3386m at a peak. Here green oasis, (when compared to surrounding area) comes to view. Touristic appeal of the crater mainly stemed from its fantastic beauty. Standing on the rim of the crater you will be watching unique shaped and crystal clear water lying in deep basin and circular slops covered with greenery alpine vegetation that largely contributed for its dramatic scenery. |
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Fantallé Mountain, (on the route to Hararge) which rises majestically over the surrounding low land with its fascinating feature of volcanic origin, and depression on the top of the mountain that form a rugged surface with clouds of volcanic steam rising here and there. |
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Standing the Asabot height is only 20 kms from Asabot town. It is famed both by its scenic beauty and the monasteries set on the top of the mountain as one of the monastic enclaves of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Viewing the scenic beauty of the mountain, walking (climbing), horse riding and cultural visits are the ideal activities for interested groups. |
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Touristically, west and east Harargé zones are famed by their un paralleled scenic landscape. The scenery begins at Chiro, the capital of West Harargé zone, and is magnified by the fantastically situated mountains like Jallo Mukhtar, Qunni Mukhtar and others that encircle Chiro (Asebe Teferi) town. This scenic beauty extends to East Hararge whereby attractive massifs and peaks are observed throughout the route to Dangago ridge. Located in Gursum District few kms away from Funyan Bira town, there is a mountain known as Qundudo (also nicknamed as “W” mountain because of its shape). Qundudo is famed for its majestic view and wild horses that inhabit its flattened top. |
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The monastery of Debre Libanos is found at 107 kms north of Addis Ababa on the way to Gojjam. Debre Libanos is one of the Ethiopia’s most reputed Orthodox monastic enclaves. The thick forest in the monastery area, wonderful scenic view of Zegawodem and Dabus river gorges, the water fall beneath the bridge and deep cliffs will dignify the area as significant tourist attraction. This is the ideal site for scenery admirers and paragliding leisure takers. |
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The Blue Nile river locally known as Abbay in Amharic and Abbayya in Oromio has formed the natural boundary between what is now called North Shawa Zone of Oromiya and East Gojjam Zone of Amhara Regional States. Having about the same distance from Gohatsiyon town to the bridge and from bridge to Degen town, Blue Nile gorge possess a wonderful natural scenery which is usually admired by travelers along the historic route. |
