WATER & HOT SPRINGS

WATERFALLS

The hilly rugged landscape of Kafa ensures that its rivers tumble down mountainsides into majestic waterfalls. During and right after the rainy seasons the waterfalls are especially grand as the recent precipitation gushes downstream. The waterfalls create colourful rainbows and sends voice echoes booming through the surrounding valley. There are at least fourteen waterfalls in the Kafa Biosphere Reserve to visit including those at Barta, Shaki, Shimi, Mankira, and Woshi.

 

 

HOT SPRINGS

Volcanic activity in the Ethiopian Highlands has formed many hot springs in Kafa. Hot springs, which form from geo-thermally heated water, offer an excellent place to relax. Ethiopians believe the hot springs act as a cure for many ailments. Locals also regard some of the hot springs as holy sites and use them for bathing and recreation. Recommended hot springs to visit are located in Goa, Dadiban and Kesho.

 

RAFTING

Rafting trips present a great way to enjoy the surrounding region. In September and October, after the heavy rains, the rivers are high enough to produce whitewater rapids but tame enough that one can still enjoy the wildlife and villages along the river. It is advised to travel with a tour agency because they can ensure proper equipment, planning, and support. The tour agencies in Addis Ababa regularly run rafting trips from one to three weeks in length.

The Omo River, just outside the southeastern perimeter of the Reserve, flows from the Shewan Highlands in central Ethiopia into Lake Turkana which straddles the Kenya-Ethiopia border. This river falls around 6,000 meters over its course, which makes it relatively fast flowing and a popular location for rafting.

 

 

CAVES

Interesting caves have also formed throughout Kafa Biosphere Reserve as underground streams slowly erode the soft limestone and weather the rocks. The caves are located in dense forests, and near springs and rivers. The people of the ancient Kafa Kingdom set up their defense structures nearby caves to add to their protection from invading enemies. In more recent history, locals have used caves, such as Wolla Shoba Cave, as shelters during the Italian occupation and as religious sites. Some caves have only re-cently been discovered, suggesting that more undiscovered caves exist. Caves in the Biosphere Reserve are located at Hawulti, Abagipo, Boirita, Gurguto, Yeshay, Gachinga, Dosha, Tuga, Elelo, and Tage Keto.

 

NATURAL BRIDGES

Several natural bridges have developed in Kafa, which form above ground when water and wind erode rocks. Rock arches are interesting sites as many are walled by towering cliffs. Besides their own beauty, these natural bridges offer excellent panoramic views of the surrounding area. One natural bridge is located at Guguto and is locally named Gurgutto, which means God’s Bridge.