January 14, 2005
Free falls
If anyone out there still thinks that Ethiopia is a land of dried up deserts and starving children, take a close look at this photo. It shows one of hundreds of jaw-droppingly beautiful sites that one day will be the centrepiece of a highly lucrative eco-tourism industry.
This is Ajora Falls, one of a pair of waterfalls which plummet hundreds of feet into a green, fertile valley in Ethiopia's Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR). The local authorities have re-planted trees, set up a small camping ground and built a path to the bottom of the valley. They are basically waiting for an entrepreneur to turn up and build a Kenya-style tourist lodge on the site.
For the time being anyone can camp on the site and enjoy a little slice of Ethiopian paradise free of charge. (This photo was taken two days ago at the peak of the dry season. The falls more than double in size after a bit of rain - say from September to December.)
Posted by aheavens at January 14, 2005 6:11 AM
Comments
It's a similar story in the Simien mountains national park - the free provision for campers (showers, huts etc.) is excellent...I think when word gets out that this will be one of the great treks in the world.
Posted by: Duncan at January 14, 2005 3:15 PM
I agree. The Simiens and the Bale mountains are next on my list. Last night I was talking to a tour operator here who said he was interested in developing Ajora Falls. Anyone wanting to camp for free really will have to move quickly.
Posted by: Andrew at January 15, 2005 4:27 AM
Here's more on the falls from Waltainfo
The Ajora falls are 162 kms (99 miles) from Awassa, 142 kms (87 miles) from Shashemene, The twin falls of the Soke and Ajacho rivers are located between Kambata-Alaba and Tambaro (KAT) and Semen Omo Zones and locally known as Ajora Falls. The Longer of the two falls, Soke, plunges into 500 meters deep gorge and the Ajacho fall drops over a sheer chasm of 400 meters ( 1312ft ) deep gorge. The falls join at the floor of the gorge to form Soke river which is a tributary to the Omo.
http://www.waltainfo.com/Regional_States/SNNPR/Ajora_Falls.htm
Posted by: Andrew at January 31, 2005 9:48 AM
Having lived for several years just a few miles from these falls, and never, until last week, having heard of them I am dumbfounded! What is the nearest town to them, and how does one get to them? Via the Jimma road, I'm guessing. Obviously, there must be a road leading to them now! What a view!! lap
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Posted by: online slots at September 24, 2005 10:06 PM
Yes, it would be great to camp there. I camped out for 21 days in Kenya when it was possible to do so with no tourist guide. Just followed "The Rough Guide To Kenya."
Ethiopia was a tourist destination at one time. It could be again if there is peace.
I'd like to set up a business there but there is always fear of turmoil in the back of my mind.
Posted by: Rahel at November 2, 2005 6:10 PM
seeing is beliving ethiopia is the most beutifull country in the world
Posted by: dag at June 6, 2006 1:33 PM
What has usually been heard of Ethiopia in abroad is compeletly different from what Ethiopia actually is. As some foreigners, who made a tour to Ethiopia, have witnessed in their words of appreciation and surprise, Ethiopia is full of gifted varieties of, not only beautiful sites, but also of uniquely different cultural traditions. when it comes to the this specific site of Ajora Fall, this is also one of the wonderful tourist attarctions in Ethiopia. As to the nearest town to this water fall, it has to be noted that there is a significantly important town called 'Hadero', which is the capital of the newly established district by the name ' Hadero and Tunto Surrounding'. This town is known for its supply of coffee and ginger, which are the main cash crops of the area. Therfore, I could see a bright future of Ajora Fall as well as Hadero town. Thank you for offering this opportunity to contribute my say.
Posted by: Asfaw at September 20, 2007 4:29 PM