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Wondo Genet

Wondo Genet (also transliterated Wendo Genet) is a resort town in Ethiopia. Located southeast of Shashemene in the Sidama Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region, with a latitude and longitude of 7°1′N 38°35′E and an elevation of 1723 meters.
Wondo Genet is connected to Shashamene by way of Wendo Wosha, by an unimproved road; the last three kilometers from Wendo Wosha are in especially poor condition.[1]
Based on figures from the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia published in 2005, Wondo Genet has an estimated total population of 5,792 consisting of 2,857 men and 2,935 women.[2] The 1994 census reported this town had a total population of 3,197 of whom 1,582 were males and 1,615 were females. It is one of two settlements in Awasa woreda.
Wondo Genet is known for its hot springs and is surrounded by primary Ethiopian forests. It is home to an arboretum and a College of Forestry which was founded in 1977 with Swedish assistance.[3] Also located in this resort town is the Essential Oils Research Sub Center, where spices, aromatic and medicinal plants are conserved and their qualities researched.
The Swedish Philadelphia Church Mission opened a mission in this town in 1961, which included a medical clinic.[3]
The Wondo Genet hotel was established in 1964, on land used as recreation site for the royal family until 1975. Emperor Haile Selassie bequeathed its name, meaning "Wondo Paradise", in reference to the beautiful panorama with a rich endowment of forests, wildlife and abundant water. Title to the hotel was transferred to the then Hotels Corporation, and currently it is a subsidiary of the Wabe Shebelle Hotels Enterprise. The hotel facilities include 54.4 ha area of land and possesses 40 bed rooms, restaurant and a bar, as well as swimming pools and access to the hot springs.[1]

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Fest Ethiopia Travel & Tour Plc - 2010