In the vicinity of Sululta, the Sululta Plain changes character over the course of the year: during the rainy season, larger open water bodies form; in the dry months, the marshy plain turns back into grazing land. The broad, flat valley is almost completely surrounded by mountains. The season is therefore an important key to understanding the landscape.
Plain, Water and Birdlife
Small rivers from the Sululta Plain feed the Muger, which flows northwest into the Abbay, the Blue Nile. Seasonal water bodies and a watercourse continuing downstream are therefore both part of the plain’s landscape.
The Sululta Plain is an important feeding area for Cyanochen cyanopterus; between 35 and 850 individuals of this species have been recorded there. As the plain dries out, particularly between October and January, up to 120 Vanellus melanocephalus have been recorded. This second observation is explicitly tied to a particular season and the condition of the plain.
Common bird species on the plain include Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, Yellow-billed Duck and Abyssinian Longclaw. The Portuguese Bridge, on the escarpment of the Jemma Valley, is also located near Sululta. Species found there include White-winged Cliff Chat, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier and Erckel’s Francolin. Wetland and seasonal water bodies are the main features of the plain; at the Portuguese Bridge, the escarpment of the Jemma Valley defines the natural landscape described.
The Sululta Wetland is also an important environmental education area for upper-secondary students and teachers. This educational role complements the landscape and ornithological importance of the surrounding area.
Tour and Running Routes
A one-day tour with ground transportation visits the Sululta Plains, the Portuguese Bridge Escarpment and Debrelibanos Forest. The three destinations are part of the same tour; the description specifies a duration of one day and ground transportation.
A report published in 2022 describes easy and longer running options on the Sululta Plateau, with loop routes of 3 km and 5 km. The two distances provide a concise comparison of the loop lengths described; the report dates the description to 2022.
Oromia on a Broader Scale
The wider travel destination of Oromia opens up a view of further landscapes. The Bale-Arsi massif includes volcanic peaks and ridges, escarpments, broad valleys, glacial lakes, lush forests, deep gorges and numerous waterfalls. In Bale Mountains National Park, the protected area above 3,000 m above sea level encompasses Africa’s largest area of afro-alpine habitat, with glacial lakes, wetlands and marshes. On the southern slopes of the Bale Mountains, the terrain descends to Harenna Forest, which has patches of cloud forest. Harenna Forest is Ethiopia’s second-largest humid tropical forest.
Dirre Sheik Hussein is also within the wider travel destination of Oromia. Groups of buildings, monumental tombs and courtyards represent early medieval Islamic architecture there. Another natural attraction is the caves of Holqa Sof Omar, which can be explored on foot. You will need flashlights or other lighting, as well as a map with landmarks of the underground cave system, for the long, dark route. Check current access conditions locally.
Discover more destinations: Dukem, K'ore, Laftu, Shashamane, Boke Tiko, Ziway, Adama, Meki.
For the wider travel overview: Oromia.
