Oromia Region

Ethiopia's largest region, surrounding the capital, with natural scenery that includes the Bale Mountains, Rift Valley lakes and crater lakes.

Oromia Region is Ethiopia's largest regional state, surrounding the capital, Addis Ababa. Its terrain spans highlands, mountains and the Great Rift Valley, and it is the main homeland of the Oromo people and an important coffee-growing area. The main sights include Bale Mountains National Park (home to the Ethiopian wolf), the Sof Omar Caves, Rift Valley lakes such as Lake Langano and Lake Abijatta-Shalla, and the crater lakes of Bishoftu. The dry season (roughly October–March) is the best time to visit. Most routes set out by road from Addis Ababa, and the security situation in some areas should be checked in advance.

Destinations

• Bale Mountains National Park
• Addis Ababa
• Harar
• Hawassa
• Arba Minch

Itineraries

• Addis, Omo Valley & Harar Fly-in Route – Connect the capital, Omo tribes, and the ancient eastern city by air, bypassing the north and long overland drives
• Harar Jugol & Dire Dawa – Fly to Dire Dawa, transfer to Harar, wander the alleys of the walled city of Jugol, and watch the hyena feeding at night
• Addis Ababa & Bishoftu Crater Lakes – See the Lucy fossil, Entoto Mountain, and Merkato, followed by a half-day trip to the Bishoftu crater lakes