The built up area of Holeta town is 3,586 ha and it has compact shape. Its altitude is 2214–2498 m above sea level; major or dominant soil is red basaltic or reddish brown soil. It has mean annual temperature of 22.2º and mean annual rainfall of 1037mm. The prevailing wind direction is mainly from north to south. The principal manmade constraints are existence of illegal settlements, agriculture research, dairy farm, and military academy which occupied very large areas.