Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Metu
POP 28,782 / ELEV 1600M
Spreading over the slope of a small hill 115km west of Bedele is Metu, the capital of the
old Ilubador province. For travellers, Metu acts as the primary gateway to the western
lowlands, as well as a springboard for trips south through some of the west's most wild
and beautiful scenery to Tepi and Mizan Tefari. If you're going to choose between getting
stuck for the night in Bedele or here then don't hesitate to choose Metu. It's not great but
it's a lot better than Bedele!
Sights
Sor River Waterfalls
A worthwhile excursion from Metu is to the Sor River Waterfalls, one of the most beauti-
ful falls in Ethiopia. It lies close to the village of
Bechu
, 13km southeast of Metu. The last
15 minutes of the one-hour walk (5km) from Bechu takes you through dense forest teem-
ing with birds and monkeys. If it has been raining the mud will be deep enough to suck
the shoes off your feet. At the falls, Sor River suddenly drops 20m over the lip of a wide
chasm into a fern-lined amphitheatre. You can take a dip in the pool below.
A daily minibus leaves Metu for Bechu (Birr10, one hour) around 7am. It returns as
soon as it's full, which means you may have to walk back to Metu or battle a night of fleas
in Bechu. To find the falls, enlist the help of a Bechu villager (tip expected) or ask one of
the children who invariably tag along. With a 4WD you could make the return trip from
Metu in less than four hours.
WATERFALL
Sleeping & Eating
Hoteela Antanah $
( 0474-411002; d Birr100-120)
Only 50m from the bus station, this is the town's best
place to rest weary heads. Its
faranji
-priced upstairs options are large and bright. The
downstairs Birr100 rooms are still clean but lack the finer touches (like light bulbs and
toilet seats).
HOTEL
Sena Hotel $
HOTEL
