Trekking the Highlands of Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s Highlands, often referred to as “the roof of Africa”, are located in the north-east of the continent. The coffee plant originated in this mountainous terrain, which rears up to more than 4,000 metres above sea level. Vast wood- and grasslands dominate the landscape below 1,500 m. Here the Ethiopian wolf, the walia ibex, gelada baboon, hyena, leopard and caracal roam freely. You want to make sure you have travel insurance as well, you can compare travel medical plans here.
If you have a hankering for real adventure, trekking in the Ethiopian Highlands, more specifically in the Semien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site of outstanding natural beauty and rich agricultural heritage, will be just the thing for you.
Lalibela
Using the ancient town of Lalibea as a base, join an eco-trekking tour that will take you to the Abune Yosef plateau, the natural habitat of the world’s only grass-eating monkey, the Gelada Baboon, and the rare Ethiopian wolf.
Stroll through Lalibela’s narrow, winding streets and marvel at rock-hewn churches and early medieval mud-hut architecture – stay in an authentic hut with a local family or live in your own lodge for greater privacy. The very adventurous can sleep in tents. Be sure to pack an extra warm sleeping bag! At this altitude, nights are very cold.
Things to do for free
There are plenty of things to do for free, such as exploring Lalibela’s weekly market, a colourful, noisy and aromatic occasion where local farmers sell their produce and animals and catch up with gossip.
Stop off at a tiny street cafe to enjoy a taste of genuine Buna, as the locals call a cup of coffee, naturally prepared in a traditional coffee ceremony.
In the early morning hours, hike to the summit of Big Zigit, rising up 4,080 metres above sea level, or head out to two local mountain monasteries, about half a day’s trek away. Big Zigit is home to around 80 highly endangered Ethiopian wolves and more than 80 bird species. Catch a glimpse of rather shy hyenas and leopards, if you’re very, very lucky. Your direct travel insurance may not cover inquisitive Gelada Baboons raiding your tent, but under the keen eye of experienced guides, you should come to no harm.
On days when you don’t fancy trekking, watch local farmers make yogurt or cheese, or bake Injera, Ethiopia’s traditional bread. Or join a shepherd on his daily round. Before nodding off at the end of a long day, look up into the sky: the Milky Way is clearly visible in this dark sky region. Make a wish if you see a shooting star.
Bahir Dar and Lake Tana
If your tour uses Addis Ababa as a base, fly out to Bahir Dar, which lies at 1,830 metres above sea level. Trek to the Blue Nile Falls, one of Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls, and the source of the Blue Nile River. It plunges more than 45 metres down into a sheer chasm, creating waterfalls at the height of the monsoon period that stretch more than 400 metres across. Visit Lake Tana’s small island monasteries, the oldest of which date back to the 14th century. The lake is the country’s largest, covering 3,673 square km.