Things to do & places to visit in Oromiya Region, Ethiopia

Oromiya Region #6 destination in Ethiopia 2023. The average rating score is 4.58 based on 587 traveler reviews, of 32 attractions. Timezone: Africa/Addis_Ababa, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 1:00.

Top things to do (34)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Bale Mountains (184 reviews)
- 6 Incredible days in Bale Mountains with Armaye and his team
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains

My daughter and I returned a few days ago from an amazing 6 days trek in South Eastern Ethiopia organized through Bale Mountains Eco Trekking. Armaye is an excellent guide, very friendly, humorous and keen to meet everyone's expectations. His knowledge of the Bale Mountains is indisputable and he is keen to pass it on. Above all his great kindness, always attentive and responsive to our wishes. In addition, he is surrounded by a team of outstanding cooks and camp assistants. They can organize all the logistics of the trip including cook + kitchen staff + equipment carriers from camp to camp. The food was great, always excellent tea and coffee. Bale Mountains is a beautiful place, very varied landscapes far from the hustle and bustle of the cities, and we had the chance to see many birds and wildlife, it was a unique and great experience. We were super happy to spot the Ethiopian Wolves and that was the highlight of our trip. All this couldn’t have been possible without the help of our guide and his team. We ended the trek with a ride to Rira where we were able to admire the flora, very different from the other parts of the park as well as monkeys, precisely the bale monkeys. Then we returned to Dinsho. Wonderful memories. Thank you for everything! See more..
5.0 Bale Mountains Tours (31 reviews)
- Amazing trek in Bale Mountains
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

5 days trekking in the Bale Mountains really great with Ahmed, our guide and his team! Discovery of many landscapes and animals (Abyssinian wolf that we could see 9 times during the trek !!; Nyala, animal which also amazed me, and many other animals and birds). Ahmed was very caring with us, adapts to our walking pace and made us take regular breaks. Ahmed shared with us his passion for flora and fauna, it was a real pleasure to learn with him. We ate very well, with copious amounts. Well done to the cooker, Ali! The same for the night, we slept very well. Also, the whole team (guide, cooker, horsemans and horses too, haha) were very kind and full of joy. Lovely people! We can only recommend Bale Mountains Tours for their professionalism as well as their affordable price. It will be with pleasure that we go back to the mountains with Ahmed and his team. Thank you for everything and for this incredible and unique experience! Lucie See more..
5.0 Bale Mountains Eco Trekking Tours (28 reviews)
- Great experience in Bael Mountains - 4 days/3 nights
Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Photography Tours

I strongly recommend Bale Mountiains Eco Trekking tours. I had 4 days trekking (with the drive in Sanetti plateau on the last day) , it was supposed to be organized for group of 4 people but in the end I was the only participant. Still everything went according to the original plan without any changes. The contact with Armaye is really great comparing to other trekking comapnies, he was responding immediately to all my e-mails/phone calls. Organization of trekking was perfect, my guide Awel has excellent knowledge about flora and fauna of the national park, we managed to spot in total 5 ethiopian wolves (which was not so obvious in that period). Food prepared by the cook was very good, I really enjoyed the company of all the guys sitting next to the fireplace in the evenings. I would choose Amaye's company again next time! See more..
5.0 Bale Mountains Eco Tours Ethiopia (19 reviews)
- A service Like no other! Ayuba Ahmed is a great mountain guide!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Wow.... wow..... Bale mountains is a piece of Heaven shaped and crafted by the Maker Himself. Ayuba Ahmed is indeed a passionate and knowledgeable mountain guide. He organized our tours perfectly. Thank you very much for the wonderful service you gave us! Me and my team of 8 clients came back home with a bag full of unforgettable moments! Thank you very much for everything! Hopefully I will comeback to Bale soon and would love to do the trip again with you my dear friend. I highly recommend Ayuba and the service of the company with 100% guarantee that you will get a great experience! See more..
5.0 Bale mountains Brilliant Tours (7 reviews)
- Best tour ever!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 6:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Coffee & Tea Tours • Private Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Climbing Tours • Gear Rentals • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Running Tours • Horseback Riding Tours • Day Trips

Absolutely exceptional place! After visited 37 countries, if you are a nature lover this is a must. You drive through the clouds because the mountains are located at so high. We was lucky enough to catch the Ethiopian worth which is an endangered species and one of the rarest animals on off! Abdi is a tremendous guy with a heart of gold an will do everything in his power to make sure you enjoy every moment of your time in bale. Add this place to your bucket list and be sure to book with this Gem of a guy. Thanks again for the experience of a lifetime ❤️ See more..
5.0 Bale Trek Ethiopia Tours (6 reviews)
- Great experience with Mohamed
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Bale trek Ethiopia tours (BTET) is a well-organized and experienced tour company in Ethiopia ( at the bale mountain national park and nearby destination) with a highly experienced team of bale trek Ethiopia tours who are dedicated to providing the best possible service to their customers. BTET offers packages to all-natural sites in the country. The product offering including cultural tours, adventure tours, trekking tours, wildlife safari, birding, photographers and filming, etc. See more..
5.0 Trek Ethiopia (6 reviews)
- Tour with Armaye Ethiopia Tours
Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Six of us had a 3 day tour of Bale Mt. Nat'l Park and a day at Sofomer cave with Armaye that was well planned and executed. Camped one night in Adelay where we were served an amazingly great supper, a special camp fire and honey wine topped our evening. Armaye made certain we had many sitings of the Simien red fox, the Mountain nyala, Menilek's bushbuck, Beisa oryx,etc. on our hikes. He also identified all the trees, plants and birds; his attentiveness to all our questions was impressive. Thank you, Armaye, for an amazing 4 days! See more..
5.0 Bale Everlasting Tours (5 reviews)
- Terrific Guide in a Fascinating Country
Nature & Wildlife Tours

Awel was our guide for over 2 weeks in Ethiopia. His genuine enthusiasm and passion for his country and its amazing wildlife is contagious, but he also did a wonderful job guiding us through the many diverse cultural elements of our trip. Having grown up in Bale in a family steeped in conservation, Ethiopia’s wild heritage is where he feels most at home. Awel is an excellent guide to anything wild – he knows where to find endangered Ethiopian wolves, and took us to many beautiful and remote areas where we had wonderful sightings of birds and other wildlife, including yet another elusive species on my list - Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco. At the end of our trip, thanks to Awel, we had greatly increased our knowledge of this diverse and fascinating country, had many adventures, beautiful hikes, saw lots of birds and wildlife, and discovered just how generous and welcoming Ethiopians can be. See more..
5.0 Ethiopia Car Rent (2 reviews)
- Professional Car Rental Company
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Multi-day Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Private Tours • Bus Tours

Well equipped car rental company based in Ethiopia with excellent condition vehicles, experienced and ethical drivers. See more..
5.0 Bale Mountains National Park (1 review)
National Parks

Located 400km southeast of Addis Ababa, Bale Mountains National Park contains a spectacularly diverse landscape. The high altitude, afro-montane Sanetti Plateau rises to over 4,000m and includes the highest peak in the southern Ethiopia highlands. This undulating plateau is marked by numerous glacial lakes and swamps and surrounded by higher volcanic ridges and peaks. . . See more..
5.0 Bale mountains Brilliant Tours (7 reviews)
- Best tour ever!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 6:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Coffee & Tea Tours • Private Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Climbing Tours • Gear Rentals • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Running Tours • Horseback Riding Tours • Day Trips

Absolutely exceptional place! After visited 37 countries, if you are a nature lover this is a must. You drive through the clouds because the mountains are located at so high. We was lucky enough to catch the Ethiopian worth which is an endangered species and one of the rarest animals on off! Abdi is a tremendous guy with a heart of gold an will do everything in his power to make sure you enjoy every moment of your time in bale. Add this place to your bucket list and be sure to book with this Gem of a guy. Thanks again for the experience of a lifetime ❤️ See more..
4.5 Wenchi Crater Lake (56 reviews)
- amazing
Bodies of Water

I believe my images from this trip stood up much better than my frist trips to Ethiopia. My guide Yonas, who is alos a verey safe driver and all the local guides were very attentive and did a wonderful job in assisting me during my entire trip. To get inside the lake and to the church in Christmas morning with thousands of people already there was un-think of task. I strongly recommend Yonas and his crew if you are looking for a unique trip to this wonderful lake See more..
4.5 Portuguese Bridge (35 reviews)
- Geladas and a scenic gorge!
Spent 1-2 hours Bridges

Tee gorge and the wildlife are the real attraction here. The bridge is small and overwhelmed by the gorge immediately adjacent. Great place for Geladas the impressive endemic Ethiopian monkeys. Very tame and photogenic. A coffee or light meal at the restaurant allows for some time to watch the birds of prey including Lammergeirs, Egyptian Vultures, Verraux's Eagles, Ruppell's Vultures and several other raptor species. Well worth it for photographers, See more..
4.5 Debre Libanos (34 reviews)
- One of the best experience!
Spent 2-3 hours Religious Sites

I'm a tour guide in addis ababa Ethiopia cam too visit debre libanos monsters and addis ababa the beautiful market Mercato and the city See more..
4.5 Lake Shala (9 reviews)
- I camped on the shore of Lake Shala many many years ago
Bodies of Water

This is not a recent visit but the message I am sending is timeless. Lake Shala in Ethiopia's Rift Valley is a fantastic tourist destination. When I used to visit as a boy in the late 50's early 60's it was fairly safe. We just used to load up our Volkswagen with camping kit and drive off. The water was warm I think it was sourced from a volcanic mineral spring. the bird life especially flamingo was fantastic. If you are feeling adventurous give it a try. See more..
4.5 Lake Shala (9 reviews)
- I camped on the shore of Lake Shala many many years ago
Bodies of Water

This is not a recent visit but the message I am sending is timeless. Lake Shala in Ethiopia's Rift Valley is a fantastic tourist destination. When I used to visit as a boy in the late 50's early 60's it was fairly safe. We just used to load up our Volkswagen with camping kit and drive off. The water was warm I think it was sourced from a volcanic mineral spring. the bird life especially flamingo was fantastic. If you are feeling adventurous give it a try. See more..
4.0 Lake Ziway (71 reviews)
- Explore great birdlife with a day tour to LAke Ziway
Bodies of Water

Lake Ziway, 160 km south of Addis Ababa, is the nearest Rift Valley LAke of Ethiopia to Addis Ababa. Lake Ziway can be visited in a day tour from Addis Ababa. The lake has a number of lowland water birds and it is possible to see the birds nesting island and see few hippos around. See more..
4.0 Aba Jifar Palace (15 reviews)
- Aba Jifar - the great Oromo leader
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Old and rich historical area. Sadly, there are no guides to take you out and explain, no captions to explain. See more..
4.0 Chebera Churchura National Park (12 reviews)
- Chebera Churchura National Park, high potential in tranquility !
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM National Parks

The universe must be kept as it was created for the next generation.Unfortunately human interfare in all natural beauties . Chebera Churchura is away from such mess.Your breathe is fresh,your brain is peaceful , your hope revives here. The jungle , the animals,and authentic culture, warm welcoming, the waterfal,evergreen vegetation are landmarks there. From Addis, reach there either via Jimma(350km asphalted road+130 paved road) or via Wolita Sodo(510 km asphalted +140 km gravelled road). See more..
4.0 Kuriftu Water Park (10 reviews)
- Ethiopia's own Sun City
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks

Perfect for a family holiday. Accommodation is unique and upto international stanards. Walking around the resort you see many picturesque scenes and lakes. Well appointed rooms and modern amenities available. Will surely be back again. See more..
4.0 Sof Omar Cave (10 reviews)
- "Combination of natural attraction and dry country birding"
Caverns & Caves

The Webb river cuts through the limestone rocks, leaving behind natural caves, the river meanders through .... the birdlife is prolific, as I ticked-off a lifer (new bird species) - the Somali Tit! Sadly, there are no guides; no accommodation; no eatery, and the caretakers are rip-off; no specific fees; no receipts issued. See more..
4.0 Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary (6 reviews)
- Wildlife is around, but very shy
Nature & Wildlife Areas

If you are patient and have good eyes there are quite a large number of birds around. However, mammals (hares) were very shy. See more..
4.0 Senkele Swayne's Hartebeest Sanctuary (5 reviews)
- The wild in 10KMS off road
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

This is one of the best places to spot abundantly the endemic Swayne's Hartebeest a few kms off-asphalt road drive. Not shy, and the grassland has conformable views See more..
4.0 The Wenchi Eco-Tourism Association- Day Tours (5 reviews)
- Camping in Wenchi national park
Eco Tours

It possible to camp in Wenchi. At the entrance of the park, just need to explain what you want to do, and they will explain you where you can put your tent. Do not forget to take warm clothes and sleeping bag, the nights are really cold! (around 5°C) A guide is mandatory (1800 birrs for 2 days) as per the park regulation, but the guide we had was not speaking good English, nor was able to explain a lot about the place. See more..
4.0 Yerer Mountain (4 reviews)
- Yari Tour and Travel agency on its very first trip to Bishoftu (Debrezeit), including family members and staff.
Spent More than 3 hours Mountains

Please come and visit one of the Mountain near to Addis ababa! Really we appreciate for the group of people who comes to hiking in the Mount! See more..
4.0 Tulu Gudo (2 reviews)
- A site for History, Culture and Nature
Spent More than 3 hours Islands
Tulu Gudo(Debre Tsion Monastery) is one of the five islands on Lake Ziway, home of the Zay Community. Age old relics, hiking to the peak, and seeing the ruins of the monastery (where the Ark of Covenant was hide for 42 years during the Queen Gudit destruction of churches in Northern Ethiopia in the 9th century). Handcraft is an added attraction on the island See more..
3.5 El Sod (15 reviews)
- Extraction of Black Salt
Geologic Formations

Trekking to the lake and uphill was wanderful. You can see people extracting salt (it was black when we were there) See more..
3.5 El Sod Crater (7 reviews)
- Ridiculous rip off
Spent More than 3 hours Geologic Formations

To visit the site, you need to pay an entrance fee for the park in Yabello (100 birr per person) and take a guide from Yabello (further 300 birr). El Sod is not in the park, but it does not stop the guide association from getting into tourists' pockets. When we arrived to the village, we were encircled by a couple of people from El Sod who aggressively demanded we additionally pay 100 birr per person, take a local guide (another 300 birr) and pay for the car (100 birr). Needless to say, neither of the guides spoke communicative English. This was a highly unpleasant and unnerving experience that spoiled our trip. Unless you want to pay through the nose and be a part of a fight, I would not recommend going to El Sod, especially considering that it is a long journey from Konso and it includes spending the night in the ridiculously overpeiced Yabello Motel. Even though the crater is beautiful, the place is spoiled by the greed of the locals. This country has a long way to go to be welcoming to tourists. See more..
2.5 Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary (2 reviews)
- Trashed by local protestors
Nature & Wildlife Areas

We arrived at this sanctuary en route from Arba Minch to Awassa hoping to see Swayne's Hartebeeste, for which the Senkele reserve has been established. Our driver warned that things had been tense between the reserve authorities and local people. But as we approached the entrance, it was clear that things had gone horribly wrong. About 10-15 buildings - admin, staff accommodation etc - had been burnt down. Only the walls and charred rafters remained. From a distance it looked as if plastic bags had been discarded all around the buildings. Closer inspection revealed that in fact the rubbish was all paper- admin files, receipts, all manner of records - ripped out of folders and books and thrown away. To enter the reserve you have to hire a ranger. There were staff sitting around, but all looked shell-shocked at the devastation and none were willing to accompany us. Our driver said the only thing to do was leave. The Lonely Planet gives this reserve a good write-up. I would say that before it was trashed it would have been worth a visit but now anyone thinking of going there should take care to get an up-to-date sitrep. I hope I'm wrong, but it looked like it'd be a long time before the damage was repaired and visitors able to visit again. See more..
2.5 Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary (2 reviews)
- Trashed by local protestors
Nature & Wildlife Areas

We arrived at this sanctuary en route from Arba Minch to Awassa hoping to see Swayne's Hartebeeste, for which the Senkele reserve has been established. Our driver warned that things had been tense between the reserve authorities and local people. But as we approached the entrance, it was clear that things had gone horribly wrong. About 10-15 buildings - admin, staff accommodation etc - had been burnt down. Only the walls and charred rafters remained. From a distance it looked as if plastic bags had been discarded all around the buildings. Closer inspection revealed that in fact the rubbish was all paper- admin files, receipts, all manner of records - ripped out of folders and books and thrown away. To enter the reserve you have to hire a ranger. There were staff sitting around, but all looked shell-shocked at the devastation and none were willing to accompany us. Our driver said the only thing to do was leave. The Lonely Planet gives this reserve a good write-up. I would say that before it was trashed it would have been worth a visit but now anyone thinking of going there should take care to get an up-to-date sitrep. I hope I'm wrong, but it looked like it'd be a long time before the damage was repaired and visitors able to visit again. See more..