LANGUAGES 
1. OROMIA: THE GIFTED LAND OF CULTURE AND NATURE
Across the very heart of Ethiopia, Oromia Regional State is blessed with an abundance of cultural and natural resource of high tourist 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. Its scenery, natural beauty and terrain is ascribable to mountain massifs terrains, peaks river gorges, natural moist tropical forests, magnificent waterfalls and various lakes.
The majestic natural beauty and wonders of the land, the range of fauna and flora, the wild animals, the multifarious cultural colors and the history of the Oromo people, their wisdom, tolerance and hospitality that made Oromia breathtakingly beautiful. Moreover, one of the world’s biggest and marvelous caves - Sof Umar,one of the biggest and wonderful alpine park of Africa - Bale Mountains National Park, the paradise of birds and of their watchers-the Rift valley lakes region, one of the spots of the cradle of mankind, Malka Qunture several, churches, of monasteries, holy shrine, mosques, palaces of cultural ceremonies like the famous democratic Gada System of the Oromo people make Oromia one of the most preferred tourist destinations in Ethiopia.
OROMIA THE LAND OF INDEGENEOS AFRICAN DEMOCRACY
Gada system is a system of generation classes that succeed each other every eight years in assuming political, military, judicial, legislative and ritual responsibilities. Each one of the ten active generation classes beyond the three grades has its own internal leadership (adula hayyus) and its own assembly (ya’a). but the leaders of the class becomes the leader of the nation as a whole when their class comes to power in the middle of the life course a stage of life called “Gada” among the Borana, and “Luba” among the central Oromo.. (Asmerom Legesse).
“Ga” represents seera (low),” Da “represents waaqa ‘God’. Hence Gada was derived from the law of Waaqa’ low of God’ of the ancient Cushitic known as Osiris. (Tsegaye CGebre Medin).
Another scholar deceibe gada as an ancient Oromo term, which stands for era.
Gada is a complex system which embodied the socio-political, religious and economic system and it is also administrative system in which the principles of democracy were implemented in the territories where the Oromo inhabited.
Political Structure
In the political structure the members were divided into five parties. These were Birmajjii, Horata, Duuloo, Michillee and roobalee. This parties have also different names Halchisa, Bahara, Kilolee, Biifolee and Melbaa. The former were father’s parties while the later were sons gada parties.
According to the structure of Gada system the legislative power f the nation belongs to the central caffee (pan-Oromo) or the Gumii. The general assembly at caffee revise old laws and introduce new legislation by the Gada council every eight years.
Ø The same party take power at once and give power every eight years. National assembly or the pan Oromo parliament used to act as a state administration and the local caffee conducted federal type of governance system.
Power Division of Gada system
Politically the system functions based on gada grade and age-set. Every eight years gada classes members were initiated to the next gad grade and succeed one another. At each gada state members have specific rights to enjoy and obligation to perform.
v The Luba /Gada Class/ - members of certain gada party that exercised power for eight years,
v The Qaalluu Institution /religious institution/ important in the check and balance of power. They guide gada initiation ceremonies, hand over power and other gada ritual practices (give blessing and recognitions for leadership).
Gada Officials
1) Abbaa Bokkuu- - (Father of Bokku),
2) Qaalluu - (Religious Leader),
3) Abbaa Biyaa (qoroo) - Land owner,
4) Abbaa Gadaa - Father of an ointment,
5) Abbaa Sa’aa - Father of Economic aspect,
6) Abbaa Seeraa - Attorney,
7) Abbaa Murtii - Jury,
8) Abbaa Maatii - Leader for community,
9) Abbaa Alangaa - Lawyer,
10) Saglee - Assembly of nine clans,
11) Shane - The symbol /assembly/ of five gada grade.
Gada Stages Based on age and their Rights and Obligations.
Gada Grade Years Right and Obligations
1. Gaammee (ittimakoo) 0-8 Playing (singing) training for fighter,
2. Dabballee 8-16 Dancing (Singing Cultural Songs),
3. Kuusaa (Follee) 16-24 Training and Fighting,
4. Raaba (Qondala) 24-32 Giving military service,
5. Doorii 32-40 Training for administration and philosophy,
6. Luba (Gadaa) 40-48 Giving societal service.
v After 48 years the ex-Gada officials (the Yubab) primary role is to give advice on the proper implementation of Gada laws,
v According to the social and political organization of gada system, any male Oromo individual passed through the age sets, and their rights and obligations in the age sets were known as Gada Qaraa (Active and inactive age set).
Make a spectacular journey to this land of richest history; majestic natural and cultural beauties of highest splendor and make an unforgettable discovery of life time!
2. THE CENTRAL TOUR ROUTE
Description of the Route
The central Oromian tourist circuit is an area covering a distance of 200km radius form Addis Ababa. This area best suits domestic weekend tourists and excursion is it residing in Addis. The area’s location a midst the country makes it also a place to visit enrovte to major destinations in the country. This tourist circuit is also ideal for foreigners who have only one or two days to spend in Ethiopia.
The central Oromia tourist circuit is divided in to four tourist lines following the roads radiating from the capital Addis. The following are tourist liens in the central tourist circuit.
Ø The Addis – Awash park line,
Ø The Mojo – Shashemene Line,
Ø The Addis – Ambo – Woliso – Addis line,
Ø The Addis – Bluenile Gorge line.
Tourists can pick one of these lines and make a brief tour of one to two days long as needed.
Bishoftu (D/Zeit) town, about 47 kilometers South of Addis Ababa on main asphalt road, is an easily accessible popular recreation and resort town for overnight visitors and weekend excursionists throughout the year. Bishoftu's tourist offer is characterized by a cluster of volcanic crater lakes and popular spiritual sites that made around the town. Because of its low altitude (up to 1850 masl), Bishoftu area has warm climate.
The followings are the major resort lakes for tourists who come to the town for leisure and recreation purposes.
Lake Hora Arsadé, the oldest known lake resort in the town is only 2 kilometers drive from the center of the town. Situated in a deep basin, Hora Harsade lake has the maximum depth of 37 meters and its major attractions include:
· The water of the Lake is reputed for water sports and scenic beauty;
· Fish species inhabiting in the lake such as telapia gives opportunities for fishing;
· Watching the bird species inhabiting in the area like cormorants, Hammer crops, Ducks, Geese and Herons;
· Cultural experience including the popular Irrecha (thanks giving ceremony) site on the eastern shore of the Lake, where the Oromo traditional spiritual festival conducted mainly once a year towards the end of September. This offers the opportunity to experience the colorful ceremony of the festival upon which the local Oromo and people from else where come together at this site under a big tree known as Oda (Ficus Sycamore) and pray to God for the good will and well being of their cattle and family, in the following year. The former Ras Hotel which is at this time under private company ‘MEDROC’ is supposed to reconstructed to finest resort hotel level that elaborates attraction magnitude of the area.
Lake Bushoftu having a maximum depth of 85 meters and it is probably the deepest of the surrounding lakes. The attractive feature of the lake is its scenic beauty. The beautiful surrounding rocky steep also invites for sightseeing and nature admiring. Bushoftu Afaf Hotel and Dream Land Resort are the ideal sites to enjoy the scenery.
Lake Babbogayya and Lake Kurriftu:
Lake Babbogayya is nearly of the same size but much deeper than Hora. It is at North East of Hora Lake along a rough dusty road. The presence of fishes like telapia, makes the possibility of fishing high and water birds like ducks and geese are common. Surrounded by greenish vegetation on its ridge Babbogayya Lake is especially endowed with breathtaking beauty.
Lake Kurriftu, north east of Hora, is smaller than Babbogayya in size but has pure water.
Lake Kilole and Lake Magarisa:
Kilolé lake is 12 kilometress hard drive north east of the town. It is the farthest of the lakes in the area. Birds like water fowls, African fish eagles, Cormorants, Egyptian geese, ducks, plovers etc. are easily observed here.
Lake Magarisa, meaning, “Green Lake”, is about 9 kilometres south west of the town just behind the Air Force base. The lake looks green because of its algae formation. It is more dramatic when viewed against the backdrop of the surrounding hills. Though scenic and beautiful, it is quite lake with no activity around.
Mt. Chuqqala (Ziquala) and its Monastery:
The Chuqqala, located at a distance of 27 kilometress South West of Bishoftu town is the highest peak in the central Rift Valley area reaching as high as 2989 above sea level. This elevation made it a watch tower of the central Rift Valley region with cold climate on the top. It is covered with a thick high land forest wherein the beautiful Colobus Monkeys and various bird species inhabit.
The mountain is accessible to the top for mountain climbers on foot or by 4 wheel drive through a nine kilometres long winding road. The mountain provides the following considerable attractions:
· Excellent panoramic view of the surrounding area;
· Church of Abbo, an old monastery of over 500 years old, which has a repository of old manuscripts of religious significance written on well prepared goat hides (known as ‘birana’;
· Annual Abbo festival on 14th of November, giving the best opportunity to see religious as well as Oromo traditional ceremony held by pilgrims;
· Traditional dance and the folk culture on the eventful ceremony;
· The clear and supposedly holy water of the crater lake on its top, and diverse vegetation that cover (about 197 hectares) of a natural forest around the crater lake and others.
Mt. Yarar and its Monuments:
Mt. Yarar, found 12 kilometress north of Bishoftu is best known for the church of Trinity located on its south western slope. Its annual celebration occasion is a suitable time to discover the folk culture. The forest covering the mountain and the natural beauty of the mountain itself also offer of a pleasurable hiking opportunity to the energetic. The peculiar attraction offer of the mountain also involve the pleasant atmosphere of the high altitude forest habitat which is good for camping and for trekking on foot or on horse back.
Other Attractions:
In Bushoftu area, other places of interest to visitors include the Africa Art Gallery established by famous artist Captain Lemma Guya and Deshet Herbal Medicine and Cultural Centre. African art Galery is one of the main tourist attractions in the town drowing attention of many visitors from the capital city and from abroad. Deshet Herbal Medicine and Museum of Cultural collection established by Hakim Abebech is another site of special interest. The mini-museum contains variety of ethnological and cultural collections that specially dedicated to Oromo and Walaita artifacts. Bushoftu also boasts a modern swimming pool and acampaning recreations of Air Force Club. Oda Nabe near Dukem is another important cultural center. The Jara ceremony of Tulama Oromo takes place at Oda Nabe once in every 8 years.
Adama, 99 kilometress south east of Addis Ababa, is situated on the juncture of the highway leading to the port of Djibouti and the road to extensive crop growing Zones of Arsi and Bale. Adama is the fast growing industrial town serving for business and conference purposes. Due to business and attractions in the area, Adama town is becoming one of the main destinations in Oromia that frequented by both domestic and foreign visitors.
The town boasts eight star level (standard) hotels and many other tourist recommended hotels that suit the interest of vacationers and casual visitors. The newly built Aba Gada building (hall) is equipped with five well suited and high quality meeting halls. The halls symbolize the five chains in the popular Oromo Gada System. The Aba Gada halls will highly contribute to the town to grow as a center of conference tourism.
Soderé Spa Resort:
Being 27 kilometress from Adama, the Sodere Spa Resort is the most developed and popular spa resort center in Ethiopia/ Oromia. Situated at the foot of the greenish hills near the Bank of Awash River, the Spa Resort owes much its attraction to hot spring, the Awash River and reverine vegetation in the area. Its main offers include:
· Tourist standard Resort hotel providing accommodation and dining services, hot baths in the rooms or in open air (Abadir), fishing and enjoying the warm climate and the beautiful scenery of surrounding vegetation inhabited by monkeys.
Bokku Steam:
situated on the slope of a gorgeous land, Bokku geothermal steam is some 7 kilometress' drive from Adama. Its tourist offer includes:
· The high temperature steam gushing out through narrow outlets from the walls of the rocky mountain where by patients take steam bath in the compartments of a low standard room for curative effects with rheumatism, cold, asthma and other complications.
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· An opportunity for bird watching and its surrounding scenic land formation with its vegetation and others. It is accessible (from Adama) by car on a gravel road. Its service, however, need to be transformed to high standard multifaceted tourist services.
Garagadi Hot Spring Site is about 12 kilometress south west of Adama near the town and the sugar cane estate of Wanji. It is situated at a distance of five kilometer from Wanji on a plain between a hill to the south and Awash River to the north east.
Garagadi is a place where thermal springs gush out at many different points covering all over the area with floods. It is not uncommon to see the local people and others bathing in this natural basin and in streams of hot springs for healing of physical ailments. Gargadi hot spring site is one of the important tourism development potential for spa resort that serve therapeutic and recreational purposes.
Sight seeing include view of the nearby Awash River and inhabiting crocodiles and other aquatic life.
Dhéra Dilfaqar Proposed Park
is south of Adama on the way to Asalla. Having an area of 25 square.kilometres. the park hosts about 23 mammals and more than 100 bird species. The major mammals include greater Kudu, lesser Kudu, klipspringer, Caracal, Striped Hyena, silver backed Jakal, Grey duiker and others. The animals can be observed in the morning and evening.
THE LAKES’ REGION OF OROMIA
The road to the Rift Valley lakes region turns to south right at Mojo, 73 kilometress from Addis Ababa. Crossing over Awash River at the upper edge of the artificial Qoqa lake and passing through many towns and villages the road emerges at Ziway town where the Lake Ziway (Dambal) first comes to view. This hot weathered popular destination is an ideal place of fishing, boating, bird watching, water transportation for island and monasteries touring.
Lake Dambal (Ziway)
is 160 kilometress far from Addis Ababa. Having an area of 434 square.kilometress, it is the largest of the middle Rift Valley cluster of lakes. It is the shallowest lake as well with about 4m depths at many parts of its area.
The shores of the lake are marshy, shaded by sycamores and reeds that provide a feeding ground for aquatic birds. Some of the water birds, which frequent the lake, are cormorants, darts, herons, great white Pelicans and marabu storks and others. At the northern part of the lake there is a wide bay with marshy coasts and swamp vegetation. The lake is doted by several islands of which Tullu Guddo, with its historical monastery of Debre-Tsiyon Mariam and Zayé ethnic group is the main and the popular one. Tullu Guddo is accessible by boat both from eastern shore and western shore (Zuway town). Apart form aquatic birds the lake harbours a large quantity of fish and amphibians namely hippo and others. Zuway town is the closest lake side town that offers tourist recommended accommodations and national dishes.
Lake Langano (Resort Area)
is about 218 kilometress from Addis Ababa at Bekele Molla Hotel. The lake Langano lies in an irregular shaped basin with a perimeter of 62 kilometres, an area of 305 square.kilometress and a depth of 30 meters in some parts. Langano lake water is a soft brown in color and yet pure enough for swimming which of course made it an ideal spot for water sports. It is relatively the most developed and popular resort of all the lakes in Ethiopia with accommodation services. Visitors can camp, water ski, sail and swim or bask in the blazing sun on the sandy beaches of the lake. The western side of the lake is covered with a thin acacia tree while the eastern shore is partially covered by pristine dense forest patches.
Bekele Molla and Wabe Shebele
Hotels are the oldest popular resort sites offering lake side hotel and other recreation facilities, like boating services. Settled in the tranquil enclave of pristine forest of eastern shore of Langano, Bishangari Lodge and Weney Lodges are pioneers of eco-tourism facilities in Ethiopia.
Taking the fantastic view site in northern tip of the lake, Abule Basuma Resort Hotel is also providing tourist services. Langano is such a big potential for tourism development that many investors nowadays are being attracted towards it.
Abijata-Shala Lakes National Park:
At about 215 kilometress from Addis Ababa, visitors will arrive at Abijata-Shala National Park main gate or “Lakes Park” which was once reputed as one of the bird watchers ground in Africa. It was 887 square.kilometress in area out of which 482 square.kilometress is covered by water of Lake Abijata and Shala. This park used to have about 31 species of mammals such as Spotted Hyena, Golden and Black Backed Jakals, Olive Baboon, Grant’s Gazelle, etc., and 367 species of birds. But currently due to devastated ecology and extreme decrease of Abijata Lake water, one can see only less concentration of flamingoes.
Before, myriad of local and exotic birds that come from Europe and different parts of the world used to congregate here in at Lake Abijata. July to September being the peak season of congregation (and best time to watch birds) in the year. Hundreds of thousands of Flamingoes and Great White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, King Fishers, the tall Marabou Stork, Cormorants and Darters, etc. used to roam here in Lake Abijata and in the side-by lake Shala. There were also vast colonies of sacred Ibis, Queela, Stilt, Snope Black Heron, Avocet, Egyptian Geeze, Eglets, Plovers, etc. It is quite unlikely how ever, to see most of the birds mentioned above while some species are seen in small number (seasonally), due to the same reason stated earlier.
Located at 215 kilometres from Addis Ababa the small enclosure of Ostrich farm hosts a group of ostriches with some Grant’s Gazelles. At the park’s head quarter one can easily observe (watch) a flock of male and female ostriches and some gazelles. Lake Shala, which is separated to the south from lake Abijata by a strip of land has a delightful view for its deep blue color with excellent reflections of the magnificent western hills. At the north eastern shore of the lake Shala, one can be impressed by a tumbling cascade of hot springs and smoke of vapor that rush out down to the bay. This is typical investment potential for spa resort development and some investors are being attracted by this intact nature.
The other fascinating part of the lake is the Gike Site. It is situated on the lofty land at the south western shore of lake Shala. This is the best site for bird watching and camping. It is accessible by a sturdy car through Aware and Senbete towns found south of Shashamane. Lake Shala is also the ideal lake for water transportation to make touring around the tiny islands and for connecting its western and eastern shore.
South west of lake Shala, there is also a small alkaline crater lake known as lake Chittu. This small lake, more than any other lake, is the best site of bird watching, especially the flamingoes. Chittu is accessible by four wheel drive via Sambaté town.
Gafarsa Dam
is set in the valley laid between sloppy hills 22 kilometres west of Addis Ababa. It is one of the main water supply sources for the capital. The major attractions of the dam are numerous colorful aquatic birds which appeal to bird loving visitors.
Menagesha Subba National Forest:
Past Gafarsa reservoir one can reach a small town of Managasha from where the dusty road forks to the left leading to Managasha-Suba Forest that located at about 45kilometres 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 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.
Addis Alem /Ejere/ Church and Museum:
Fifty five kilo meters from Addis Ababa on the same way to Ambo is a small town of Addis Alem known for its prominent church Debre Tsiyon Mariam. This specially decorated church was originally built as palace of Emperor Minelik II before Addis Alem was abanded as "impossible capital". Influenced by Indian, Pakistan and Iranian architecture, the design and decoration of the church building is unique. The other main attraction in the church compound is the museum with historical antiquities of royal families and religious manuscripts.
Chilimo Gaji Forest:
At Ginchi a gravel road of only 7 kilometres branches out to the right hand side leading to Chilimo foreset one of natural patch forest in West Shewa. Occupying an area of 11000 hectars of land the forest is predominantly covered with natural trees species, such as podocarpus gracilio and juniper trees some of which 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.
Lake Dandi:
Back to Ginchi another road of 50kilometres forkes to the left, hand side from Ginchi leading to Boda a rural village. And then few kilometres (less than 5kilometres) walk would take one to Dandi Lake. Being one of the Oromia's highland lakes, Lake Dandi is lying in the basin encircled by semi flat and barren uplands. Lacking green vegetation its beauty relied on white colored water with shape of number 8. The scenery can be enhanced if the area is covered with green vegetation by reforestation.
Ambo: Carrying on along the main road past Ginchi, Ambo is reached after about half an hour drive. Ambo, the capital of West Shewa Zone is situated 125kilometres west of Addis Ababa. The area is especially famed by its sparkling mineral water "Ambo Wuha". The mineral water of Ambo which gained reputation throughout Ethiopia, is processed and bottled here.
Hot Spring baths, the Olympic size swimming pool and various hotel facilities and recreation run by the former 2 Ethiopia Hotel made the Ambo area site of hydrotherapy and recreation that appeal to extended leisure time and weekend visitors.
Being a standard hotel with higher quality, Abebech Metaferia Hotel is ready with comfortable accommodation, conference hall and international cousin to serve visitors seeking where to stay. Vicinity of Ambo is also endowed with natural magnificence. Hulluqa, Guder and Teltelle waterfalls are among remarkable sites worth visiting especially during rainy seasons. Integrated into scenic land formation of the valley, Teltelle farm is an ideal spot for sightseeing and relaxing.
Wanchi Crater Lake: Wanchi is the picturesque lake situated about 32kilometres south west of Ambo on the road to Waliso nearly half way between the two towns. 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. In addition to these, when you see the village on peninsula, the small island with monastery, the houses and gardens on the lake side it seems that crater not to be touched by modern world.
The crater lake is endowed with forest of more than 15 major tree species and many other alpine type vegetation, many aquatic and terrestrial bird species and some mammals, of which calobus monkey frequently seen. In the hot spring valley, one can observe natural offers like hot and cold mineral springs (being used by local people for cure of illness): the waterfall gushing out just from the foot of the hill and many other eye-catching scene.
Wanchi Crater Lake is an ideal site, and has a good appeal to such tourist activities and recreations like hiking, boating/canoeing, horse back riding, sailing, paragliding, relaxing, forest exploring, spa bathing and many other eco-tourism oriented activities. Some of these activities are already made operational by Wanchi eco tourism society that composed of local community associations and private investor.
Waliso: Situated at about 116 kilometres south west of Addis Ababa, Waliso boasts natural hot spring that serve recreational and curative purposes. The compound of Negash Lodge (former Ethiopia Hotel) in Waliso is especially the ideal place where recreational facilities integrated into natural resources. The lodge thus offers neatly and beautifully built swimming pool, spa bath houses, lodging services, cultural cottages and natural forests harboring gureza, monkey and birds of various type.
Awash Malka Qunture: Situated 50kilometres south west of Addis Ababa on Butajira road is a small town of Awash Malka Qunture, which is famed by its paleontological site. As you cross the bridge at south end of the town, you come to the eye-catching view of Awash River water fall striking the basalt at the base of deep gorge and the smoke of its spray.
After crossing the river, there situated a fenced enclosure kept for excavation and collection of prehistory physical remains. The main excavation in the site include: fossilized animal bones, Stone Age pebble tools of ancient men (estimated at about 2 million years back) which are exhibited in mini museums in the enclosure.
Adadi Mariam Church: It is an old cavernous church located at 23kilometres from Awash Malka Qunture (including 13kilometres right detour) or 73kilometres from Addis Ababa on the same route. The church is famed for its unique earth and rock hewn in underground cavern. It lies in the ground with steps descending to the main entrances. The church has ten (10) gates and 14 small windows to let the sun light in.
Being also site of religious pilgrimage it is a good attraction for domestic and foreign visitors interested in historical worders and religion. There are also five newly discovered caves nearby Adadi Mariam at a distance of ten to twelve kilometers. Not far away from Adadi Mariam Church is a small town of Tiyya found in Gurge Zone in Regional State of Southern Ethiopian People. Here one can see 36 ancient stellae or obelisks, thirty one of which are decorated with carvings. And the tollest of them is 3.7m.
NORTH SHAWA AREAS
Mugar Valley and Darba Water Fall: At 40kilometres on the Addis-Gojjam highway there situated is a small town known as Chancho. At Chancho, an all weather road detours to left and extend for 15kilometres up to the tip of Mugar Valley escarpment where Mugar cement factory is located. The valley is formed at a merging point of two big gorges creating a site of fantastic natural scenery. Darba water fall, is (one of the longest water fall in Africa) at the rim of valley just at walking distance from the Cement Factory.
Being seasonal waterfall, Darba could be observed best during the peak months of river volume, July through October. Mugar Valley and the waterfall offer visitors quite fascinating view.
Monastery of Debre Libanos: The monastery of Debre Libanos is found at 107 kilometers north of Addis Ababa on the way to Gojam. Debre Libanos is one of the Ethiopia’s most reputed Orthodox monastic enclaves. It is founded by Abune Tekle Haimanot as early as 1260. The enclave of monastery consists of villages of nuns and monks, the original monastery (cave) and the modern church with beautiful architecture. Interior paintings and historical antiquities in min-museum of the church add to attraction of the monastery.
The Portuguese Bridge: Built in 16th century by the Portuguese bridge is another historical monument of tourist significance. The bridge construction, as legend says, was consisted of stone, sand and egg yolk as a binding agent. The thick forest and wonderful view of Zega-Wodam and Jama rivers gorges, the water fall beneath the bridge and deep cliffs of the area could also contribute to scenic beauty of the site.
goha tsiyon mariyam AND WASHA MICHAEL churchES
The historic Goha Tsiyon Mariyam Church was founded first in 1864 and rebuilt in 20th century is situated on southern edge of Abbay (Blue Nile) Gorge in Goha Tsiyon town. This church is known for its historic manuscript written on carefully prepared goat hides with locally prepared black and red ink. It also bears attractive architectural design with 14 pairs of unnailed wooden doors made of 4 m. high and 7cm. thick and 28 un nailed windows made of self contained wood.
Equally historical in the area is the cavernous Washa Michael church which is located on the slope of Abbay gorge at a walking distance from Goha Tsiyon town. This church is believed to be founded prior to Goha Tsiyon Mariyam.
Blue Nile Gorge: The descent into the wonderful view of Abbay (Blue Nile) gorge begins from Goha Tsiyon town. The long winding descent to the famous Blue Nile River is accomplished in about 30 minutes drive at good speed. The river formed natural boundary between what is now called North Shawa Zone of Oromia and East Gojjam Zone of Amhara Regional States. The ascent from the bridge to Dejen town in Gojjam takes about the same time as the descent from Goha Tsiyon. Blue Nile gorge is a wonderful natural scenery which is usually admired by travelers along the historic route.
