Goba is a small town in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. It is located in the south central part of the country approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. It was the former capital of Bale Province which was abolished with the adoption of the 1995 constitution.
Goba is famous for its market of honey, exquisite basketry, and cotton shawls. The nearest airport is at the neighboring city of Robe with daily domestic flights to Addis Ababa.
The Bale Mountains National Park, which is a big tourist attraction, is only 10 kilometers from the city. It is a park of high altitude broken occasionally with spectacular volcanic peaks and alpine lakes that adorns the whole area. The water from the lakes creates magnificent streams that descend into rocky gorges on its way down. At various some times of the year, the mountains blossom with colorful flowers that decorate the whole mountains. This flowering season is admired and waited for by various visitors around the world.
It is also an unsurpassed destination for those who aim for horse riding and mountain trekking, and the rare chance to view Ethiopia’s endemic animals. The Mountain Nyala and the Semien Fox abound in the mountains together with endemic birds such as the thick-billed raven, blue-winged goose, and the wattled ibis.
Visit Goba for an entirely different vacation experience. Commune with nature or just relax in their rich culture or endow yourself in majestic items from their marketplace. Whatever you plan to do, Goba city is a destination you should visit.