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Next to Gafarsa reservoir one can reach a small town of Managasha from where the dusty road forks to the left leading to Suba Forest that is located at about 45km from Addis Ababa in the Wechecha Mountain range. The forest is also accessible by vehicle from Sebeta town. The total area of natural forest alone is about 2500 hectars whose composition represents the natural high forests that once existed in highlands of Ethiopia. The forest vegetation varies from high forests to afro alpine vegetation within altitude range of about 2300m to above 3000m. The oldest trees of Juniperus Procera which is estimated to be over 200 years old and six other tree species are among high forests while Erica arborea and Helichrysum spp represent vegetation of above 3000m (high altitude). Subba as a tourist site boasts not only indigenous tree species but also a number of birds and mammal species including Menelik Bushback (endemic sub species) which took refuge in the forest enclave. The majestic beauty of Mogli peak and surrounding scenery would all together made the Subba Forest area an ideal place for nature lovers, such as hikers, trekkers and sight seers, forest explorers, scenery admirers, etc. |
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At Ginchi a gravel road of only 7 km branches out to the right hand side leading to Chilimo foreset which is one of natural patch forest in West Shewa. Occupying an area of 11000 hectars of land the forest is predominantly covered with natural tree species, such as podocarpus gracilio and juniper, some of which are estimated to be over 400 years. The nursury site run by Farm African project and a cottage currently in use for office of the project are situated on the open valley between slice of forest. The cottage was first built by the name of Queen (Itege) Menen as "guest house in forest resort" for the entertainment of royal family. The other amazing thing in the site is the huge mysterious tree, which during Italian occupation, used as the guardian outpost to observe the enemy from distance. The metal ladder that by time leant against the tree is at this time almost sunk into its body while the tree still stands unaffected. Chilimo Forest is an ideal site for forest exploring, scenery admiring, camping etc. |
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Other attractions around Jimma which catch the eyes of tourists are pitches of dense tropical jungles of different size where in many rivers and streams flow and different species of wildlife inhabiting the area. One of these forests Ballaté Géra, is located south east of Jimma with an area of 1048 sq.kms in which major rivers like Gojab Nuso, and Mettu flow. Another jungle, Babbiya Folla, is located in Qarsa, Limmu Kosa, Manna, and Tiro Afata districts of Jimma Zone with an area of 740 sq. kms. The forest is accessible via Jimma-Sarbo with 22 km asphalt and 3 km dry weather road. The Sigmo, Gabba, and Salem Wangas forests are also shared between Jimma and Ilu Abba Bora Zones. The former covers an area of 2000 sq.kms while the later stretched over 4000 sq. kms in which vicinity big rivers like Gabba, Sor, Birbir, and Wangas flow. Due to high annual rainfall, Jimma and Ilu Abbabora zones are rich in river falls and tropical forest vegetation which made them one of the most resourceful areas in Oromia in this regard. There are a number of water falls in Jimma area among which Saqa Water Fall is the most magnificent one. Jimma Zone also boasts the newly built Gilgile Gibe Dame that contribute to the area as tourist destination. In Jimma and Ilu Abba Bora forests a number of wild plants with varieties of tree species (including naturally grown wild coffee) accompanied with inhabiting wild animals and birds that appear to be of much interest to nature loving tourists abound around here. These and other dense virgin tropical forests not mentioned here also hosts wildlife and birds. Jimma is also known by handcrafts of wood work contributing to souvenir shopping tourism. |
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Among the important scenic areas Guji area is worth mentioned .One can observe the impressive physical landscape along the route to Negelle. The major scenic route starts from neighboring Sidama (zone) high lands and continues to Bore, Adola-Wadara districts where green vegetation and at some places dense forests with undergrowth offers flavorsome sensation. The major forest area includes Anfarara-Wadara, Bore-Uraga, Magada and other forest priority areas. Red termite anthills are unique physical sights in Borana lowlands With high altitude and temperate climate in the north, and low semi arid bush and savannah grass land in the south, has a remarkable physical features. Among the important attractions of the area (especially in Guji Zone) is the impressive physical landscape one can observe along the route to Negelle. Red termite anthills are unique physical sights in Borana lowlands. The wilderness of the Borena-Guji area and canopies of dense forest made it the real home of many mammals, birds and reptiles. The area thus claims more than 44 mammal and 274 bird species. Among the bird species the Abyssinian Bush Crow, the White tailed Swallow (in Yabello Sanctuary), and the Prince RusPoli’s Turaco (Arero forest) are the endemic birds to Ethiopia. Most of the mammals frequent acacia bush lands and savannah grass lands. |
