Ecotourism Potential Assessment of Dhera Dilfekar Block, Arsi Mountains National Park, Eastern Central Rift valley of Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia holds substantial ecotourism potentials that have to be promoted for economic development. This study was done with the objective of assessing ecotourism potentials of Dhera dilfekar block for ecotourism development. Dhera dilfekar block is one of the four blocks of Arsi Mountains National Park. Seven (7) major tourist attraction sites were identified namely; Dire kiltu hyena valley, Dire kiltu lesser kudu site, Dire kiltu greater kudu site , Fachiso greater kudu site , Gara dima hyena valley(1), Awash bishola dhagaa taa’aa valley and Gara dima hyena valley(2) .Additionally, the park can offer the visitor an opportunity to see lowland game species, a variety of bird species, Acacia dominated plant species with spectacular landscape, historical and Cultural sites which make the parks unique features to attract eco tourists. The block is the nearest to Addis Ababa (Finfinne) from any other Parks of our country and is found on the main asphalt road which goes to Bale Zone via Adama-Asella. Dhera dilfekar block is found in the lowland that situated in altitudinal elevation ranges from 1300 masl to 1835 masl. This makes the block to be visited all over the year for both domestic and international tourists since there is no mud to travel by vehicle and on foot. The proximity to Sodere resort hotel also brings additional opportunity to be visited by both domestic and foreign tourists. It can be concluded that the area is endowed with high Ecotourism potentials. It can also be good potential for bird watching tourism that can integrate economic gain with biodiversity conservation. Hence, urgent conservation measures and further detail research is recommended to promote this Ecotourism potentials. Key words :Ecotourism, Arsi Mountains, Potential, Dhera dilfekar, Attraction DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/55-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2021