Arsi Zone is dominated by highland plateau which cover 78% of its 23060 square kilometers area, Mountain chains of Kaka, Chilalo, Arbagugu and Aluto are among the major peaks. Arsi high lands extend from the heights of Arsi massifs in the south east to the escarpment edge of the Rift Valley depression in the north west. The Arsi plateau are favored with relatively high rainfall, water catchments, cool weather, as well as fertile soil to which Arsi’s intensive agricultural cultivations are attributed.
The mountains are covered by natural vegetation that shelter the precious mammals and birds. The scenic beauty and others made the Plateau the significant tourist destination that could be used for trekking, sightseeing, and safari hunting. Having controlled hunting areas, Arsi is contributing a big share in wildlife resource utilization in Oromia.
Five of the Oromia’s designated controlled hunting areas are in Arsi. These are Arbagugu, Kaka, Galama-Boro luku, Munessa-Kuke and Aluto. Some of the major game animals here are Mountain Nyala, Klipspringer and Menilik’s Bushbuck. Asela, the capital of Arsi Zone, is 175 kilometers far from Addis Ababa (all asphalt road). Access from Asalla to the hunting blocks however, require four wheel drive cars on dry weather road and/or horseback ridings.
Tourist activities
- Wildlife watching
- Bird watching
- Landscape trails like trekking and hiking
