The Bulbula Plain slopes steadily from north to south; the Bulbula River flows through a narrow gorge between Lakes Ziway and Abiyata. Both landforms lie in the wider regional surroundings of Bulbulla and have distinct characteristics.

Plain and river in the wider area

The Bulbula Plain lies at an elevation of about 1,640 to 1,580 metres. Its steady gradient runs from north to south. This gives the plain a flat character with a distinct direction; it should not be understood as a perfectly horizontal surface. This makes its landscape character easy to grasp in the regional context.

The Bulbula is about 30 kilometres long. In the wider regional area, it flows through a narrow gorge in a flat plain between Lakes Ziway and Abiyata; the gorge reaches a depth of up to 50 metres. The lakes provide geographical reference points for the river's course.

The measurements complement each other: around 30 kilometres gives the river's course its regional length, while up to 50 metres describes the depth of the gorge. The plain, by contrast, takes shape through its north-to-south slope and elevation range of about 1,640 to 1,580 metres. This helps place the river, gorge and plain as distinct features of the regional landscape.

Oromia: more nature and culture topics

The landscape of the Bale-Arsi massif in Oromia includes volcanic peaks and ridges, steep slopes, broad valleys, glacial lakes, lush forests, deep gorges and numerous waterfalls. Above 3,000 m (9,843 ft) above sea level, Bale Mountains National Park contains Africa's largest area of afroalpine habitat, with numerous glacial lakes, wetlands and marshlands. The southern slopes of the Bale Mountains descend to Harenna Forest; parts of it comprise cloud forest, and it is Ethiopia's second-largest moist tropical forest.

Mountain nyalas and Bale monkeys are endemic to the Bale-Arsi massif; it is also home to the most significant remaining population of the Ethiopian wolf. November to April is the dry season in Bale Mountains National Park. During this period, clear skies and good wildlife-viewing conditions provide seasonal guidance; conditions may vary from year to year.

Visitors to Bale Mountains National Park must register on arrival. Check the current visitor procedures before travelling. Overnight accommodation in the national park includes shared lodges and designated campsites inside the park, as well as basic guesthouses in Dinsho. Since availability may change, check the arrangements before travelling.

The caves of Holqa Sof Omar can also be explored on foot. For the long, dark route, visitors need flashlights or other lighting, as well as a map with reference points for the underground cave system. Check current access conditions locally. In Oromia, Dirre Sheik Hussein represents early medieval Islamic architecture, with groups of buildings, monumental tombs and courtyards.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Adulala, Debre Zeyit.

Return to the main travel overview: East Shewa.