Gomo Gofa zone is found in the South Nations, Nationalities and People’s state. The zone is blessed with countless incredible tourist attractions. However, for want of promotion works, they are kept far from tourists’ knowledge.
According to the magazine which was published by Gamo Gofa zone in 2008, the zone boasts so many jewels on its natural tourist attractions including Lake Abaya, Lake Chamo, natural forest of Arba Minch, Nech Sar National Park, crocodile market, Maze National Park and hot springs of Bilbo.
Covering 1,160 Square Kilometers of land area, Lake Abaya is the second largest lake in Ethiopia following Lake Tana. It has a 60 km length. This rift valley lake is situated near Arba Minch town. The lake hosts crocodiles, hippocampus, birds and fishes. It as well exhibits several endemic animal and bird species. The lake’s strange reddish-brown colored water makes it very beautiful. The color is attributable to accumulated sediments.
Lake Chamo covers a 514 square km area of land. It has plentiful animal and bird species. The northern end of the lake lies in Nechsar National Park. This indicates that the lake is highly important for maintaining biodiversity. Animals such as crocodile, fish and others abound in the lake. Kulfo and other small rivers are tributaries of the lake. Beyond its fish production, it is serving as recreational lake using several boats.
Arba Minch natural forest is another tourist attraction of Gamo Gofa zone. It is one of the most astounding rift valley forests in Africa. It comprises about 32 trees and 23 shrub species. As its name indicates Arba Minch(Forty springs) is home of 40 water sources that could outflow from the inner part of the forest.
Regarding national parks, Gamo Gofa zone has Nechisar National Park. It is situated 2 km from the town of Arba Minch and it covers 514 square km land area. The park hosts a very peculiar animal, bird and reptile species. It has 91 different wild animals including zebra, antelope, lion, among others. As far as trees are concerned, the park has three types of tree species. These are rainforest, bush land and tropical land.
Maze National Park, which is found around Arba Minch town, is another mesmerizing park. It comprises Qucha, Dera malo and Zala districts. The park has 35 mammals, 305 birds and 67 plant species. The concrete asphalt road that leads to the park is conducive for transport as it is all seasons road. This paves a way for local and foreign tourists to access it.
Besides, Bilbo’s hot spring is another very breathtaking natural tourist attraction in Gamo Gofa zone. It is situated at Mibalazala district. The water gushes from the forest area. It creates an amazing beauty when it fills a bowl shaped reservoir. The water is scalding to be touched by hand. The natural hot spring is 145 km far away from the town of Arba Minch. The salty soil is sought-for by cattle herders.
The crocodile production site is the other allurement the long catalogue of the zone’s tourist attractions. It is situated at 10 km from Arba Minch. This sole crocodile production center in Ethiopia is furnished with modern facilities. Since its establishment, it has imported 8,000 crocodile leather to the global market. Currently, the center comprises 3012 crocodiles.
Generally, Gamo Gofa has abundant natural and cultural tourist attractions which have not yet been explored. Hence, government and private investors should be forthcoming in promoting and conserving the aforementioned natural wonders.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 17 Novebmer 2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
