The former capital of the Wolega region, it lies about 200km west of Ambo or 330 km west of Addis Abeba. It is one of the most agriculturally productive areas of Ethiopia and has a considerable mineral wealth.

Wolega Museum It is a major attraction in town, which displays a vast collection of Oromo artifacts, such as leatherwear, basketworks, woodcarvings, and musical instruments, as well as the first bible translated into the local Oromo language dialect. In the historic section, the museum contains several old firearms of the ancient local Oromo people and government heads including spears, gold painted shields, swords and utensils like silver spoons and forks, and many others.

From Nekemt you can cross to Bahir Dar using a 4×4 or you can also travel to Assosa the capital of the Benishangul region where the GERD (Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam) is being built.