Western Ethiopia is the least-travelled part of the country. Administratively, it contains the regions of Gambela, with its eponymous capital and national park, sparsely populated and poor Benishangul-Gumaz (dead link: December 2020), with poor roads and infrastructure, and the western zones of Oromia.
Historically, this region encompassed the provinces of Welega, Illubabor and Kaffa.
This is one of the least-developed parts of Ethiopia, especially outside of Oromia.
The people of Benishangul-Gumuz are, nominally at least, evenly divided between Muslims and Christians and seem to rub along quite happily. There has been an influx of mining companies and NGO personnel which has meant the urban population has tripled to more than 100,000 in the 2010s.
Aba Segud Airport (IATA: JIM)
In Benishangul-Gumuz, apart from bamboo thickets and the dusty exhibits in the brand-spanking-new-and-falling-apart-already regional museum in Assosa, there's not a lot to see.
Accommodation in Western Ethiopia can be quite basic compared to more popular areas of the country. There are some reasonable hotels in Nekemte for a stop over.
Malaria prophylaxis and anti-rabies vaccinations are essential, especially in Benishangul-Gumuz.