Borena Zone, Administrative zone in southern Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Borena Zone is an administrative area in southern Oromia that spans vast territory and borders Kenya, neighboring regions, and several woredas. The landscape includes plateaus, semi-arid lowlands, and scattered settlements with farmland and pastoral areas mixed throughout.
The zone was established as an administrative area and underwent major restructuring in 2003 when portions were separated to form a new administrative division. Further boundary changes followed, reshaping the smaller administrative units into their current configuration.
The people here speak Oromo as their main language and follow Protestant Christianity alongside traditional beliefs that shape community gatherings and celebrations. These faith practices influence how settlements are organized and how people mark important occasions throughout the year.
The region is most accessible from December to February when roads are driest and temperatures are mild, making travel easier across the area. Plan to stay near main towns since services and accommodations are limited throughout the wider zone.
Traditional deep water cisterns called Ellas serve as vital water sources in the drier lowlands where surface water is scarce. These ancient storage structures show how people have adapted to living in this dry landscape for generations.
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