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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.