Goba Airport is a regional airport serving the town of Goba in the Bale Zone of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. This airport acts as a key transportation hub for the area, facilitating air travel for passengers and cargo, connecting the region with other parts of Ethiopia and beyond. Despite its relatively small size, Goba Airport plays a vital role in supporting local businesses, residents, and the economy of the surrounding region, particularly due to its proximity to Bale Mountains National Park, a popular tourist destination.
- Airport Code: Goba (GOB)
- Time zone: GMT 3
- Operator: Ethiopian Airports Enterprise
- Flight distribution by weekday: Monday (12.50%), Tuesday (0.00%), Wednesday (25.00%), Thursday (0.00%), Friday (25.00%), Saturday (12.50%), Sunday (25.00%)
- other spellings: Robe Goba, Гоба, ጎባ
Location:
Goba Airport is located near the town of Goba in the southeastern part of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia. The airport’s coordinates are approximately 7.1167° N latitude and 39.9833° E longitude.
Weather by Month:
Below is a table illustrating the average highest and lowest temperatures in Goba by month:
| Month | Highest Temperature (°C) | Lowest Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21 | 6 |
| February | 22 | 7 |
| March | 23 | 8 |
| April | 23 | 9 |
| May | 23 | 9 |
| June | 22 | 9 |
| July | 21 | 9 |
| August | 21 | 9 |
| September | 22 | 9 |
| October | 22 | 8 |
| November | 22 | 7 |
| December | 21 | 6 |
Nearby Cities
1. Robe
Overview:
Robe is the closest town to Goba Airport and serves as the administrative center of the Bale Zone. It is a growing urban center with a strong agricultural base.
Population:
Approximately 35,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, trade, and services.
- Education: Robe is home to several primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges.
- Healthcare: Robe General Hospital and multiple health centers provide medical services.
- Tourism: Gateway to the Bale Mountains National Park, attracting tourists for trekking and wildlife viewing.
2. Goba
Overview:
Goba is located just a few kilometers from Robe and is often considered its twin town. It is known for its pleasant climate and serves as a base for exploring the Bale Mountains.
Population:
Around 30,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, with a focus on wheat and barley production.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools, along with technical and vocational training centers.
- Healthcare: Goba Referral Hospital serves the town and surrounding areas.
- Tourism: Proximity to the Bale Mountains National Park makes it a key location for eco-tourism.
3. Dinsho
Overview:
Dinsho is a small town located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Goba. It is the headquarters of the Bale Mountains National Park.
Population:
Around 5,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Primarily agriculture and tourism.
- Education: Local schools serving the town and surrounding rural areas.
- Healthcare: Dinsho Health Center provides basic medical services.
- Tourism: Starting point for many trekking routes into the Bale Mountains National Park.
4. Shashamane
Overview:
Shashamane is situated about 250 kilometers west of Goba. It is a major commercial and transportation hub in the Oromia Region.
Population:
Approximately 150,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, trade, and transport.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools, and higher education institutions.
- Healthcare: Shashamane Referral Hospital and numerous clinics.
- Cultural Diversity: Known for its Rastafarian community and diverse ethnic groups.
5. Adaba
Overview:
Adaba is located around 100 kilometers northwest of Goba. It is an agricultural town in the Bale Zone.
Population:
Approximately 20,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, especially the production of cereals and pulses.
- Education: Local primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Adaba Health Center and local clinics provide healthcare services.
6. Dodola
Overview:
Dodola is located about 150 kilometers northwest of Goba. It is known for its scenic landscapes and is a popular destination for trekking and eco-tourism.
Population:
Around 25,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture and tourism.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Dodola Hospital and health centers serve the local population.
- Tourism: Starting point for the Dodola-Bale Mountains trekking route.
7. Asella
Overview:
Asella is situated approximately 200 kilometers northwest of Goba. It is a major town in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region.
Population:
Around 80,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, trade, and industry.
- Education: Asella University and various primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Asella Hospital and several health centers.
- Sports: Known for producing top Ethiopian athletes, particularly long-distance runners.
8. Awassa (Hawassa)
Overview:
Awassa, also known as Hawassa, is located about 300 kilometers west of Goba. It is the capital of the Sidama Region and a major economic hub in southern Ethiopia.
Population:
Approximately 350,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, industry, trade, and tourism.
- Education: Hawassa University and numerous primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Hawassa Referral Hospital and various clinics.
- Tourism: Attractions include Lake Hawassa, fish markets, and recreational areas.
9. Bekoji
Overview:
Bekoji is located around 170 kilometers northwest of Goba. It is known for its high-altitude training centers and is a famous town for Ethiopian long-distance runners.
Population:
Approximately 20,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture and sports training.
- Education: Local primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Bekoji Health Center and local clinics.
- Sports: Birthplace of numerous world-renowned Ethiopian athletes.
10. Kofele
Overview:
Kofele is situated about 120 kilometers northwest of Goba. It is an important agricultural town in the Oromia Region.
Population:
Around 30,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, particularly wheat and barley production.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Kofele Health Center and clinics provide medical services.