Plizio Visual Lab
Asella
ℹ️Practical info — Asella
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the local athletics stadium early in the morning to observe some of the world's best long-distance runners training.
- The city is situated at over 2400 meters altitude, so evenings can get quite chilly, bring a warm jacket.
- The main local market is most lively on Sundays; arrive early in the morning for the best photo opportunities.
- Minibuses (Bajajs) are the main mode of transport within the town; always negotiate the fare before getting in.
🍽 Food
Try this classic Ethiopian dish in the traditional restaurants along the main road.
A spicy chickpea stew served in almost every small local eatery.
Find a local 'Tej bet' (honey wine house) to taste this sweet traditional drink.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Buy fresh Ethiopian coffee directly from the main market.
Find hand-woven Ethiopian cotton shawls at the textile stalls.
Take a hike on the outskirts of the city for great views and tranquility.
The dirt roads just outside the center offer a relaxing escape from the bustle.
Water temperature…
Asella is the administrative capital of the Arsi Zone in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia, located at the base of Mount Chilalo in the central highlands. The city is globally famous as the 'cradle of long-distance runners,' being the birthplace of legendary Olympic champions such as Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele. Its elevation of approximately 2,430 meters provides the excellent high-altitude environment for athletic training, attracting runners from across the nation. Economically, Asella sits at the heart of Ethiopia's most productive cereal-growing region, with wheat and barley production being the mainstays, earning the Arsi Zone the title of 'Ethiopia's breadbasket.' The city is home to Arsi University and serves as a major commercial center for agricultural machinery and produce. The temperate highland climate and fertile soils have fostered a robust rural-urban economy. Its proximity to Mount Chilalo has opportunities for exploring Afro-alpine ecosystems and supports the region's diverse biodiversity.
- Location: Ethiopia
- Nearby: Lake Ziway (32 km)
- Population: ~139.500 (2023)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 10 | 19 | 48 | 82 | 92 | 106 | 196 | 194 | 120 | 43 | 22 | 12 |
Geography
Facts
- The city's elevation is approximately 2,430 meters (7,970 feet).
- Asella is the birthplace of Haile Gebrselassie, winner of two Olympic gold medals.
- It is located about 175 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa.
- Arsi University, a leading higher education institution, is based here.
- The nearby Mount Chilalo is an extinct volcano rising to 4,036 meters.
- Asella was historically a major station for the Italian administration in the 1930s.
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Sights in the town Asella (1)
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