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NATIONAL PARKS AND TOURISM DESTINATION
SUBA FOREST NATIONAL PARK
The oldest park in Ethiopia since 15th century. Immerse yourself in the beautiful and oldest Forest of Africa. Suba Forest is Africa’s oldest treasure hidden at about 55 km southwest of capital Addis Ababa.
History
Suba dry afro-montane Forest is today’s real remainder of the natural high forest that have once blanketed the central plateau of Ethiopia. The area lies within geographic location of 9089’ to 9000’ North Latitude and 38031’ to 38035’ East Longitude. The history of protection of the forest goes back as early as 15th century. Even though formally protected for more than 600 years and long history of visitor’s activities in the area, Suba forest was not officially declared a national park until today. The forest was designated as National Forest Priority Area during the Derg regime. At present the Forest is brought to be a national park by Oromia National Regional Government.
Unique features
Hidden just outside of the capital Addis Ababa, Suba Forest national park is the perfect getaway for hikers and nature lovers. The park’s distinctive biological & geo-morphological features worth special visitor’s destination in the vicinity of the capital. The impressive incredible giant towering trees such as juniper (Juniperus procera) and cordia (Cordia africana) covered by thick mosses, most of them said to be over 600 years old, the two giant endemic herbs –the Lobelia and Solanecio– on the way to the peak etc. are few to mention unique natural features of the forest. Of all the giant trees in this forest, the all-star of the park is Juniperus procera staggering over 50 m tall tree with up to 2m diameter at the breast height. The area is part of volcanic dome of Mount Wachecha covering an altitudinal range from 2200 – 3385 m.a.s.l. The Mogle peak (3302 masl) is an astonishing viewpoint to forest, and surrounding villages and farmlands. The highest peak (3385 m.a.s.l) called Dhamota/Dhamocha, a massive extinct volcano, is an inspirational magnificent place towering over Addis Ababa and the surrounding areas. The southern base of the mountain offer inspiring view to the Bacho plain.
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SUBA FOREST NP
Let’s as explore the oldest, tallest and biggest trees in Ethiopia. Suba Forest National park is an ideal place for domestic and foreign visitors interested in incredible natural features, pristine nature, birds, mammals, adventure, breathtaking in quit area, nature learning, and outdoor recreation. The forest makes you just escape from noisy city to the so quite perfect natural area.
Flora
Suba Forest is a national park is known for its characteristics trees. The area’s immense natural vegetation various from high forest to alpine vegetation, the associated biodiversity, an extraordinary scenery, and pleasant temperature makes Suba Forest the unique place and ideal destination for nature visitors, environmental and ecological learners. Even though the main attraction of Suba Forest is remarkable indigenous vegetation preserved scenic and ecological values, this is not the only thing which makes Suba Forest worth a visit. More than 160 plant species has been recorded at the site whereas Juniperus procera, Podocarpus falcatus, Olea europaea comprises the main vegetation zone while at higher altitude Erica arborea, Rosa abyssinica, the endemic Jasminum stans,two giant herbs; Lobelia gibberoa and Solanecio gigas, and helichrysum odoratissimum with mountain grassland dominate the upper slopes. Some of the trees found in the forest that are worthy of special note are; Myrsine Africana, Mytenus spp., Scolopia thieolia, Allophylus abyssinica, Euphorbia, ampliphylla. Giant trees are not standing single for itself, whilst provided habitat for a variety of plant and animal life forms. Varieties of understory woody species, herbs and grass form aesthetic quality of the forest that offers pleasure of experiencing indigenous floras.
Fauna
Suba Forest provided rich habitat for some 32 larger mammals including the most known animals such as; Menelik’s Bushbuck, Leopard, Colobus Gureza, Caracal, Serval Cat, Grey Duiker, Common Warthog etc, and interesting birds of endemic which can only be found here, and near endemic species. It is a place of interest for bird lovers. A total of 186 bird species has been recorded at the site, four of which are Ethiopian endemic; Abyssinian Catbird, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Black headed Siskin, Yellow-fronted Parrot, eight near-endemic as Black-headed Forest Oriole, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Banded Barbet, Black-winged Lovebird, Thick-billed Raven, Wattled Ibis, White-backed Black Tit, and White-collared Pigeon, and many more are Afrotropcal highlands biome species among which 27 species are categorized under IBA criteria A3 (biome-restricted species) by Global IBA criteria. Of interest among the avifauna is Abyssinian Catbird – one of the finest singer of all the birds of Africa- is an icon of the birds from the area. Among the insects; more than 50 species of butterflies recorded in the forest.
Recreational activities
Suba Forest national park is the unique destination offers various admirable recreational activities such as hiking, deep forest walk, opportunity to stay in natural pristine natural environment, and viewpoints from where visitors certainly enjoy tranquillity of forest and the spectacular scenery, birds watching, ecological study (plant life & wildlife), picnicking, sightseeing, photography, museum visit, challenging sports, mountain biking etc. Stunning scenic, breathtaking natural forest, valleys with singing streams, wonderful animal life, and waterfall, makes hiking in Suba Forest a popular recreational activity. There are network of scenic hiking trails with shorter and longer options.
The longest trail starts at the park headquarter (2200 masl) heading about 9km through forest and 5km through open landscape ascending up to Dhamocha peak (3385 masl). A trail lead to beautiful Meti Waterfall is 5km or 1hour walk through very pristine and pleasant site. Three campsites named Janhoy, Moru, and Melka, are situated at different distances to offer options of stop. The last two campsites are challenging hike. Daytrip to Suba Forest national park is among top recommended popular things to do for foreign tourists in Addis Ababa (those who have short time in Ethiopia).
Nature learning
Suba Forest is best and accessible place to connect youths and kids to nature, creating the conservation voters of the future. It offers best outdoor teaching-learning experience for Schools and residents in capital Addis Ababa where opportunities to experience nature are often few.
Other attractions
Suba Forest has special history with forestry development in the country. The first sawmill introduced in Ethiopia (established in 1908), and the first ever tree nursery in the country (established in 1957), can be visited here in Suba forest. Aesthetic appearance of Plantation forest and silvicultural treatment are among other attractions outside the natural forest. Suba Forest is smart place for ecological research, arts working, and social get-togethers. Trophies of missing animals are kept in the house situated in the forest at the place so called exhibition center.
Accommodations
Infrastructures and facilities in place for delivering tourism service include; suite room accommodation with 5 beds, (3 separate rooms with 5 beds, living room, kitchen, bathroom), two accommodation blocks each with two rooms, bathroom, toilet, dormitory; 4 rooms with 32 beds, and common shower room, dinning room, three wonderful campsites (Janhoy, Moru, and Melka campsites).
How to reach there
Suba Forest National park can be reached from Addis Ababa via the road to Jimma after 45 km drive with a turning point at Sebeta town towards north along 14 km gravel road. This road offers a good view on the way and takes to access reception center about 500m in the forest. One can take public transport to Sebata town, and use horse carriage after Sebata, this is a little bit challenging, and hence, visitors are advised to arrange their own means of transport.
Good to know
- Permits are needed from the reception at District office,
- Fees include; entrance, camping, accommodations,
- Information on fees are available at District office, or can be obtained via the above indicated addresses,
- Visitors interested in hiking, and or those need to stay days are advised to bring their own food, drinking water, hiking and camping equipments,
- All visitors are strongly advised to respect the park’s rules and regulations, to use legal entry point,
ARSI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Establishment
Arsi Mountains National Park was created in 2011 to protect notable Southeastern Ethiopian mountain blocks including Chilalo, Galema, Kaka & Honkolo, and lowland habitat of Dhera Dilfekar block, as the result of their exceptional conservation and tourism resources. Apart from Dhera Dilfekar block which is situated 125km south of Addis Ababa, the rest mountain blocks are found at about 200km south of Addis Ababa.
Conservation values and tourism attractions
Arsi Mountains are unique regions comprising a range of habitat, thriving fauna and flora, threatened species, and critical sources of water for the entire Arsi region and Rift valley lakes. The exceptional importance as one of the main Ethiopian mammal and birds diversity hotspots, its remarkable hydrological function, the great diversity of landscape with altitudes ranging from 2,700 to more than 4,000 masl, made the AM marvellous conservation and tourism site.
Mammals
Arsi Mountains are one of the most important hotspots of unique Ethiopian mammals diversity. Four endemics and threatened mammals species such as the endangered Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), the second largest population of critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis) next to Bale Mountains National Park, Minilk's Bush back (Traglaphus scriptus), and Starck’s hare (Lepus starcki), are of the seven unique recorded in the country. About 52 mammals including 13 rodent species including the extremely rare Mus imberbis and Dendromus nikolausiand, and 9 species of bats yet recorded in the park.
Birds
ArsiMountains National Park is rich in bird life. About 99 avian species recorded
in Dhera Dilfakar block of the park. The park is home to almost every highland
Ethiopian Birds. Rare & uncommon birds such as Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s rail, Abyssinian Longclow, Bale Parisoma, and
Golden Eagle are inhabited the afro-alpine region of the park.
Flora
The park contains the second largest expanse of Afro-alpine habitat in Ethiopia, next to the Bale Mountains National Park. Four dominant vegetation types; Afro-alpine, Erica (heath dominated), dry evergreen Afromontane, and mixed plantation, made the park to be rich in flora. More than 190 plan species recorded in the park, including species endemic to Ethiopia such as; Micromeria imbricate, Clinopodium paradoxum, Festuca gilbertiana, Festuca macrophulla, and Vernonia rueppellii.
Hiking
Arsi Mountains lies at the heart of Ethiopia, nearest to the capital Addis Ababa, is the perfect place to enjoy hiking through extensive afro-alpine habitat mostly high
above 3800masl.
Borena National Park
Establishment
Borena National Park (BNP) was nominally established in 2013, located 570km in southern Ethiopia, in the hub of the Borena landscape to ensure the development and conservation of a unique biodiversity heritage in Borana territory. BNP contain distinct blocks including the formerly Yabello wildlife sanctuary and the new sites named Dida Hara, Dambala Dhibayyu, Dida Soda, Sarite and Megado-Gara-Gamado, together forming conservation area of 3,731 kilometer square.
Conservation & Tourism values
The entire Borena landscape is gently sloping area of Savanna bush land between the Ethiopian Plateau and neighboring lowlands.The area has been defined as “natural and/or modified ecosystems containing significant biodiversity values, ecological services and cultural values, voluntarily conserved by Borena Oromo communities over centuries.
Mammals
Most of the species are common elsewhere in arid and semi-arid East Africa. BNP signify International and National conservation aspects harbouring common, endemics, and globally threatened species. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species such as ‘Endangered’ Grevy’s zebra, Equus grevi, ‘Near Threatened’ Beisa oryx, Oryx beisa; Gerenuk, Litocranius walleri, ‘Vulnerable’ (lion, Panthera leo; cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus) lesser kudu, Tragelaphus imberbis and leopard, Panthera pardus), Burchell’s zebra, H. quagga; gazelle, Gazella spp.; Gunther’s dik-dik, Madoqua guntheri; in general more than 46 species of mammals are inhabit this protected area.
Birds
Borena National Park is an absolutely unique and spectacular birding destination. Being a home to 64% of the Somali-masai bird biome assemble, and habitat of endemic and vulnerable birds possess very localized and restricted distribution ranges, Borana National Park is an interesting ornithological in Ethiopia. The list of Ethiopian endemics includes Ethiopian Bush Crow, Zavattarionrnis stresemanni, and White-tailed Swallow, Hirundo megaensis listed by the IUCN, respectively as Endangered and Vulnerable, the Black-fronted Francolin, Pternistis (castaneicollis) atrifrons which is the most endangered galliform bird of Africa, found only in the land of the Borana. Other common birds include; Abyssinian hornbill, Bustards, Somali Courser, Donadsonssmith’s Nighjar, Black Flycatcher, White-cheeked Turaco, Tawny Wagtail, Bare-faced Go-Away-Bird. Harbouring more than 286 species, the avifauna resources represents an interesting mixture of birds in other part of Ethiopia and some strikingly unusual endemic components. As the result, justly sited to connect the most visited destinations in the Southern and South-eastern tourism routes of Ethiopia and Kenya, BNP represents the most loved bird watching areas in Ethiopia.
Reptiles
Common reptiles include a variety of non-venomous and venomous cobras (Naja spp), black mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps), puff adder (Bitis arietans), snakes, lizards ((Agama sp), and leopard tortoises (Geochelone spp).
Vegetation
Large section of natural vegetation in the Park has Acacia species, notably Acacia tortillas, Acacia drepanalium, Acacia brevispial, Acacia hirridaare observed to be common, while Banalities species and compiphora appreciable in densely distributed. The dry evergreen forests and patches of forests with Juniper procera are important vegetation in Magado Gara-Gamado block of the park.
Geomorphological attractions
The Booqee; volcanic craters found in Dida Soda, and Megado blocks of BNP are exceptional landform of the park. A legend tells that Booqee crater was found by an Ox a thousand years ago. After tasting the salt form the crater, the ox became physically different from all of the rest of the oxen in the herd. The shepherd noticed this and followed the ox to find Booqee crater. Borana herders have used Booqee crater’s salt for both animal and human consumption ever since. As the small pond at the center of the crater where the salt is extracted is fairly deep, the extraction process requires very experienced people who can dive under the water to dig up the muddy salt, a very difficult task. Trekking to/from the salt pond in the centre of the crater is another adventurous attraction in BNP.
Key Socio-Cultural aspects
The local communities in the area are Boranas. The Borana are pastoral sub-group of Oromo with a distinctive territory in the semi-arid lands of Southern Ethiopia and Northern Kenya. They have been historically maintained variety of resources in the territory with specific customary rules and practices, and eco-compatible use. Through combining modern protected area approach, BNP ultimately desired to be; top tourism asset, preservation of traditional and cultural values in the Gada System such as Arda Jila, regional pride and heritage ground outstandingly known for compatible association of cattle pastoralist & unique biodiversity.
Recreational activities
The Borena plateau of southern Ethiopia is a land of unique natural, cultural, historical, tourism attractions. The extraordinary birdlife of the area made the Borena National Park the outstanding avian tourism destination in Ethiopia. Uncommon geomorphological natural features like ‘Booqee/ElSod’ (volcanic crater lakes), traditional salt extraction process from crater lakes, and impressive engineering of deep hand-dug water wells (singing wells) dug possibly 500 years ago which is the Megalithic culture related to water resources development activities, and an exciting methods and process how Borena men lift water from deep source of the well (madda eelaa) to watering trough (naninga) at the mouth of the well, are among unique attractions tourists love to experience in Borena.
Accommodations
Hotels are available in Yabello town.
How to reach there
Borena National Park can be visited either 570km drive from Addis Ababa to Yabelo then to the Park or combined with the Omo Valley, South Ethiopia tour.
ERER MOUNTAIN
Mt. Erer is one of the magnificent mountains near Addis Ababa located just 44km to the east of the city. It is undulating Mountain stretches in four sides nearly to an equal extension outlining the same posture as it’s seen from all directions. The collapsed caldera in the middle of the five peaks, offers a striking view that promptly makes one fall in love with Nature.
Five peaks each greater than 2900masl are magestic summits offers an astonishing beautiful view to the Capital Addis Ababa showing nature around the city. A view point at a place called ‘Amora Gadel’ is must be visited for its exhilarating downward sighting to picturesque landscape of the mountain, and wider view to the south of the mountain. Soaring Raptor birds are another attraction at this view point. Hikers here can have an adventurous experience of the mountain while being surrounded by dense forest. Visitors increasing to this Mnt. every year to hike and enjoy the incredible mountain view.
Mount Erer and its vicinity harbors over 110 bird species. The assemblage include three of the Ethiopia’s endemic birds namely Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galinierri), Yellow-fronted Parrot (Poicephalus flavifrons) and Black-headed Siskin (Serinus nigriceps). In addition, near endemic species like Thick-billed Raven, Wattled Ibis, Slaty Flycatcher etc. are common. Due to its close vicinity to Bishoftu city, surrounded by a number of lakes, all with vast diversity of birds, Mount Erer could be additional package for bird watchers. A portion of the mountain, locally known as Amora Gedel, is a known breeding site for one of the critically endangered Rüppell’s Volture (Gyps rueppelli). Besides, it is an excellent rewarding place for watching the rare and graceful Lammergeier or Breaded Vultu
The mountain harbors some 11 species of mammals. Klipspringer is the most noticeable one and the symbol of the forest. Others, inter alia, include the endemic Menelik’s Bushbuck, Common Bushbuck, Black-backed Jackal, Common Warthog, Spotted Hyena, Honey Badger, Caracal etc. are some of the well-recognized wild animals found in small numbers at different spots of the forest.
Juniperus procera and Olea africana are the most dominant trees of the vegetation cover while Erica arborea, Dodonaea angustifolia, Rosa abyssinica, Carisa edulis, etc. comprise the bush and shrub land.
Located at about 44 km to the east of the capital, Addis Ababa, Mount Erer (traditionally known as Yerer) can be reached from two directions. These are, either from the old Addis Ababa- Bishoftu road with a turning junction in between Gelan and Dukem town, taking north along a 16 km track road, or from Bishoftu City driving a distance of 17 km towards north.
GAMBO FOREST
Gambo forest is a beautiful dry Afromontane forest filled with inspiring attractions to visitors. This forest is situated along the eastern escarpment of central Rift valley, about 255km from Addis Ababa and 20km from Negele Arsi. The forest extends from 38045’ to 38056’ E longitude and from 7013’ to 7035’ N latitude, elevation range from 2100 to 2700m asl. Inspiring attractions visitors love to explore in Gambo forest includes opportunity to stay in pristine natural environemt, an impressive Lephis waterfall, 5km beautiful hiking trail with breathtaking views, birds and wildlife species, stunning landscape, and beautiful camping grounds in the forest.
Tours on foot, horse, motorbike, and car, offer the perfect opportunity to discover this little-known site. The forest can be visited on day trip from Addis Ababa, Langano area, Sheshemene, and Hawasa.
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Services
Building rental service
The Enterprise provides building rental service on Finfinnee Head quarter, Shshemane City and Jimma city buildings.
Sport hunting and Eco-tourism services
It is an activity mainly carried out by foreign tourists; in which they are involved in killing old male mammals in search of trophy. OFWE provides this service in its 11 controlled and 4 open hunting areas. Eco-tourisms service is a kind of service provide for local and foreign tourists which are entertaining in watching wildlife, Birds, Forests and land scape.
Participatory forest management
The natural forests have been misused and dwindled in the remote past to as less as 3.56%. Affecting factors among others: expansion of agricultural land, grazing and browsing, firewood – highly linked with the livelihoods of rural communities and population pressure. The forests were subject to indiscriminate utilization for many years without applying either of significant conventional or community-based forest management. Thus, there always remains a lingering question as to what sort of management guarantees sustainability to save the remnant forests of the country in general and that of Oromia in particular. PFM has emerged within this dilemma in the management of Ethiopian forests –in an attempt to respond to cultural and ecological properties of forests, extent of livelihoods dependence on forests, trends of forest loss and external pressures, environmental values such as watershed head protection. PFM can take different forms of partnerships: – Normally it is an approach aiming at achieving balance between conservation needs (conserve biodiversity and forest entity) and community needs (improve household livelihoods).
PFM approaches were initiated by NGOs, promoted and developed in collaboration with government institutions and the community over the past 20+ years. Pioneer examples in this respect include: I. The Integrated Forest Management Project of Adaba‐Dodola (IFMP) – started in 1995 on the 65,558 ha of forest land by local stakeholders in cooperation with the then GTZ – notable achievement: the WAJIB approach (Afan Oromo for “forest dwellers` association”) – organized forest dweller associations of local inhabitants got exclusive rights to use forest and took the responsibility of protecting and rehabilitating the forest and alternative measures introduced (ecotourism project): wood based and non-wood based income generating activities which was intended to encompass both the members as well as non-members of the WAJIB in the community.
PFM is expanded rapidly, now close to or over 1.8 M ha (71%) of forest land under JFM arrangement managed by 752 PFM cooperatives formed by development partners and OFWE. PFM now becomes from being purely NGO activity to engagement of government Forest and wildlife enterprise (OFWE), from natural forest orientation to rehabilitation and plantation forests as well.
In order to enhance the contribution of forest resources to the livelihoods of the PFM CBOs, OFWE has introduced benefit sharing arrangements in its PFM projects, to fairly distribute benefits derived from different forest products and services including carbon trade benefits. Benefit sharing is generally implemented based on the roles and responsibilities assumed by the parties engaged in forest management. That is, the benefits received depend on the tasks, roles and responsibilities of the actors, in the implementation of activities defined in the JFM plan. Sustainable utilization of NTFPs is exclusively managed by the CBOs whereas timber and payment for carbon stock is shared between the OFWE and CBOs based on agreed benefit sharing arrangement.
- PFM resulted in successful forest conservation and development (improved forest genetic resources and biodiversity- increased seedlings and saplings) and reduced deforestation & degradation
- PFM improves community awareness level, helps local forest managing institutions and promoted regulated resource use.
- Sustainable financing of forest PFM CBOs (forest carbon, NTFPs, tourism, trophy hunting and from essential oil helps to generate income for example –64CBOs located in West Arsi and Bale zones have generated 314,532,525 Birr from forest carbon trade.
- Communities as forest managers: proofed community’s stewardship as managers; Hence PFM is one of the viable forest management strategies that can be used
- PFM is highly promoted and facilitated the establishment of many nursery sites, and transferred skills and knowledge of forest management, tree planting, rigorous related operations of forest management to the local communities.
- PFM is a best way for organizing and making local communities and community-based local institutions accountable for forest resource management through legalization system.
A call for partnership
The forest area managed currently under PFM in OFWE concession represents 71% and still we have to go a long way to manage the remaining natural forests under PFM. This calls for development partners to come forward to work in partnership with Oromia Forest and wildlife to improve the contribution of forest resource to community’s livelihoods and the GDP of the country in general.