Located in the heartlands of the Oromia Region, about 400 km southeast of Addis Ababa, the Bale Mountains National Park spans over 2,000 square kilometers. It encompasses Ethiopia’s second-highest peak and features an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, wildlife, forests, grasslands, and plant species, earning it the title “One Park – Many Worlds.” The park stands as one of the country’s strongest tourism attractions.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation of current and former leadership, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew arrived in the Bale Zone to review the Dinsho Lodge, which is currently under construction, and its surrounding environment as well as the Gaysay Grasslands.
#PMOEthiopia
Day one in the Bale Zone has shown us the powerful nexus between natural wonders and development progress. The Bale Mountains National Park, with its remarkable diversity, continues to be one of the cornerstones of our tourism pillar. This potential will soon be strengthened by the completion of the Dinsho Lodge, located at the heart of the park. While nearby, the Sof Omer Luxury Lodge, now nearing completion, is designed to advance Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan by positioning tourism as a key driver of economic growth. The lodge will elevate visitors’ experiences at the Sof Omer Cave, offering premium accommodation and leisure facilities and is complemented by the Sof Omer Cave Development Project.
In the realm of road infrastructure, the Robe–Goro–Sof Omer–Ginir Junction Road Upgrading Project plays a vital role in linking the highly productive agricultural zones of East Bale and Bale with central Ethiopia. This connection not only improves accessibility and economic integration but also facilitates travel between major attractions such as the Sof Omer Cave and Bale Mountains National Park. Built to high standards with dual asphalt concrete layers, the project covers 29 kilometers of urban and rural roads and includes five bridges ranging from 12 to 140 meters in length.
We concluded the day with a review of the Weib River Flood Control Project, which aims to regulate water flow inside the Sof Omer Cave, ensuring year-round accessibility and safeguarding the cave’s ecosystem. Together, these initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to sustainable development.
1) The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, headquartered in Rome, Italy, has once again granted recognition to Ethiopia. Addis Ababa, October 15, 2025 (ENA).
21. Witness Timket, Ethiopian Epiphany – UNESCO Intangible Heritage! Splash into joyous processions, baptisms, and hymns by sacred waters. Feel the spiritual energy of this ancient festival! #Timket#TravelEthiopia
20. Dive into Fichee-Chambalaalla, the Sidama New Year Festival – a UNESCO gem! Witness colorful dances, rituals, and community joy in Ethiopia's south. Ring in renewal with ancient traditions! #FicheeChambalaalla#TravelEthiopia