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Tourist Attractions in Gursum and Babile, in East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State
Gursum, located in the East Hararghe Zone of Oromia, is home to a diverse array of captivating tourist attractions. Here are some of the key sites to explore:
1. Kundudo Wild Horses Reserve
Location: Gursum District, East Hararghe Zone
Distance: – 618 km from Addis Ababa, 97 km from Harar, and 22 km from Funyan Bira (district capital)
Highlights:
-Unique Wildlife: Home to the critically endangered Kundudo Feral Horses, the last wild horse population in East Africa.
-Scenic Landscapes: Features a flat-topped mountain with lush grasslands, offering panoramic views and ideal conditions for hiking and photography.
-Historical Significance: The local belief ties these horses to the Ahmad Grany War (1528-1560), suggesting they are remnants from that era.
Activities:
– Hiking and paragliding on the mountain’s rocky slopes.
– Exploring nearby villages: Madarro, Goba, Harashi, Dayfaras, and Biyyo Nagaya.
2. Oromo Cave (“The Gursum Pearl”)
Location: Gursum District, East Hararghe Zone
Distance: 614 km from Addis Ababa, 88 km from Harar, 13 km from Funyan Bira town
Highlights:
-Geological Features: Known for its unique rock formations and plant-like structures.
-Biological Diversity: The cave hosts water-born animals like pigmented freshwater crabs.
-Exploration Experience: Offers an adventurous caving experience with its single-direction streamway extending for about 1.5 km.
Activities:
– Caving and geological exploration.
– Wildlife observation within the cave.
3. Goda Roorrisoo Rock Painting
Location: Ibsa PA, Gursum District
Distance: 5 km from Funyan Bira
Highlights:
-Ancient Art: Houses over 250 ancient paintings and stone inscriptions, believed to be prehistoric.
-Cultural Insight: Provides a glimpse into the lives of ancient peoples and their artistic expressions.
Activities:
– Guided tours to learn about prehistoric art.
– Photography of the ancient paintings and natural rock formation of surroundings.
4. Sheek Adam Goobaa Shrine and Mosque
Location: Gursum District
Distance: 18 km from Funyan Bira
Highlights:
-Historical and Religious Significance: Estimated to be around 750 years old, showcasing the early Muslim civilization in the area.
-Unique Architecture: Features minarets with windows designed to monitor enemy movements.
-Cultural Celebrations: Site for annual Mowlud Celebrations and various religious practices.
Activities:
– Religious tours and cultural celebrations.
– Exploring the architectural design and historical significance.
5. Ow Kaba Ancient Mosque
Location: Oda Oromia PA, Gursum District
Distance: 10 km from Funyan Bira
Highlights:
-Historic Architecture: Estimated to be around 850 years old, reflecting early Muslim architectural prowess.
-Cultural Importance: Provides insight into the religious and cultural history of the region.
Activities:
– Visiting and studying ancient Muslim architecture.
– Learning about the early history of Islam in the area.
6. Gaara Geeddii Stone Piles
Location: Ibsa PA, Gursum District
Distance: 5 km from Funyan Bira
Highlights:
-Natural Beauty: These are sedimentary rock formations that are both naturally stunning and geologically significant.
-Photogenic Scenery: The unique stone piles offer beautiful views and make for excellent photo opportunities.
Activities:
– Hiking and exploring the rock formations.
– Photography and geological studies.
7. Dhagaa Kitaabaa Stone Inscription
Location: Buna PA, Gursum District
Distance: 8 km from Funyan Bira
Highlights:
-Historical Artifact: Features Arabic inscriptions that are beautifully calligraphed, known locally as the “Stone Book.”
-Cultural Heritage: Believed to be around 1200 years old, according to local traditions.
Activities:
– Historical tours to understand ancient inscriptions.
– Viewing and photographing the stone and its inscriptions.
Nearby Attractions in Babile
Babile Elephant Sanctuary
Location: 35 km from Harar
Highlights:
-Wildlife Diversity: Home to the endemic Lodinta Africana Oreleansi elephant sub-species and other wildlife such as black-maned lions, kudu, and wild asses.
-Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary’s semi-arid landscape and woodland provide breathtaking views.
-The Valley of Marvel: Dakata Valley is endowed with unique rock formations where you can observe the unique Babile Stone and other unbelievable rock columns and stone piles
Activities
– Wildlife safaris to view elephants and other animals.
– Exploring the Dakata Rock Valley for its natural beauty and geological features.
Gursum and Babile districts and their surrounding areas offer a wealth of natural, historical, and cultural attractions that provide a rich and varied experience for visitors. From exploring ancient caves and prehistoric rock paintings to witnessing the unique wild horses of Kundudo and the breathtaking beauty of Babile Elephant Sanctuary, this region is a must-visit for any traveler to Ethiopia.
Explore the rich cultural, historical, and natural beauty of Gursum and Babile in the East Hararghe Zone of Oromia Regional State. This detailed itinerary covers key tourist attractions, providing a balanced mix of adventure, exploration, and cultural immersion.
Included and Excluded
- Meal As Per Hotel Plan And Drinks Free Too.
- Return Airport And Round Trip Transfers.
- Accommodation On Twin Sharing Basis.
- The Above Rates Are On Per Day Disposal Basi
- Enjoy Brussels Day Tours. Overnight Brussels
- AC Will Not Be Functional On Hills Or Slopes.
- Any Other Service Not Mentioned
- Additional Entry Fees Other Than Specified
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise Not Included For Basic
Itinerary
-8:30 AM: Have breakfast in Dire Dawa and drive to Gursum enjoying spectacular scenic drive from Dire Dawa to Gursum -11:00 AM: Check-in at hotel in Funyan Bira, the district capital of Gursum, and have lunch at 12:00 noon Afternoon: Kundudo Wild Horses Reserve -01:00 PM: Depart for the Kundudo Wild Horses Reserve. -02:30 PM: Explore the reserve, observing the critically endangered Kundudo Feral Horses. -Until 04:00 PM, enjoy panoramic view of the neighboring areas and engage in activities such as hiking and paragliding on the mountain's rocky slopes. -from 4:00-5:30 PM: Visit nearby villages (Madarro, Goba) to experience local culture and traditions -6:00 PM: Return to Funyan Bira. -7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine.
- Admire Big Ben, Buckingham Palace And St Paul’s Cathedral
- Chance To Spot Prominent Landmarks Of The City
Oromo Cave Exploration -7:00 AM: Breakfast at your hotel -8:00 AM: Travel to Oromo Cave. -9:00 AM: Begin your caving adventure, exploring the unique rock formations and the single-direction steamway. -11:00 AM: Observe water-born animals like freshwater crabs and other incredible internal features of the cave 11:30 AM: Return to Funyan Bira for lunch and relaxation Goda Roorrisoo Rock Painting -1:30 PM: Visit the Goda Roorrisoo Rock Painting site.Take a guided tour to see ancient paintings and stone inscriptions, offering a glimpse into prehistoric art and culture. -02:00 PM continue appreciating breathtaking rock piles in the area. -Until 03:00 PM, explore the stunning sedimentary rock formations, which is a perfect site for photography and geological studies. - 03:00 PM depart for Ow Kaba Ancient Mosque. Learn about early Muslim architecture and the cultural history of the region -05:30: return to Funyan Bira for dinner and relaxation
-08:00 AM: Travel to Sheek Adam Goobaa Shrine and Mosque. Explore the historical and religious significance of the site and its unique architecture. Adventurous exploration of nearby Goda Ajaawaa Cave is also possible for lovers of caving. -At midday, return to your hotel for the lunch break and relax. -02:00 PM: Visit ‘’Stone Book’’ in Bunna Peasant Association along with the ancient mosque in the area. View the ancient Arabic inscriptions written on the "Stone Book." Locally known as Dhagaa Kitaabaa. -03:30 PM: Return to Funyan Bira to explore the bustling local market and interact with local people about their culture and economic activities. -05:00 PM: Visit the artifacts collection center in Funyan Bira - 06:oo PM: Return to Funyan Bira for dinner and an overnight stay.
Morning: The Valley of Marvels -7:00 AM: After breakfast at your hotel, travel to the Valley of Marvels, Dakata Valley. -9:00 AM: Explore Dakata Rock Valley, known for its unique rock formations and the iconic Babile Stone. Engage in photography and admire the geological features. 10:00PM: Depart for Awshariif ancient historical mosque and explore Islamic architecture and civilization in the past. -12:00 PM: Lunch break at your hotel -1:00 PM: Visit local communities to learn about their traditions and daily life. -3:00 PM: Participate in a cultural exchange by visiting Babile Market including camel and cattle market which is the biggest one in East Hararghe Zone. -6:00 PM: Return to your hotel for dinner and relaxation.
-7:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. -8:00 AM: Check out from your hotel and prepare for departure. -8:00 AM: Drive to Dire Dawa. -11:00 AM: Arrive in Dire Dawa and explore key attractions like the Dire Dawa Railway Station and Kafira Market. -1:00PM: Have lunch at Dire Dawa Ras Hotel At 2:30 PM: Transfer to Dire Dawa International Airport for your flight home, concluding your enriching journey through Gursum and Babile. You will have a lovely farewell ceremony and reflection on your entire stay with Haraghe Tours and Travel. This itinerary offers a rich and diverse experience of the unique attractions in Gursum and Babile, blending natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural encounters for an unforgettable trip.
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