The temperate climate, the grand mountain scenery, and the tradition of generous hospitality of the people, with which Ethiopia is blessed, make the Ethiopian highlands superb trekking sites.
Trekking in Ethiopia does not require any necessary skill, although it is obviously best if one is physically fit. Terrains are steep for only short periods, in which case it is necessary to walk than to ride. Much of the time, the trekking involves walking, even at altitudes as high as 4000 meters (13120 feet).
The principal well-established areas for trekking are the Simien, the Bale mountains national parks, the Adaba-Dodola Integrated Forest Management and the Meqet community trekking sites. More recent, lesser known, trekking areas, some only recently reconnoitered, are in the remote south-west highlands east and west of the Omo Valley, where strong and colorful cultures complement the appeal of scenery, flora and fauna.
The Simien is arguably the most beautiful mountain range in Africa. Vast and unique, the highland plateau is capped by a dramatic skyline of jagged volcanic plugs and split by deep gorges and gullies. The views across this landscape are breathtaking: the striking towers and formations having been described as ‘the chess pieces of the Gods’. Our trek takes us to both the highland and rural lowland areas, with an ascent of Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia at 4543m, and the fourth highest in Africa. A haven to many endemic species of wildlife and flora, including the Gelada Baboon and Walia Ibex, the Simien National Park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Bale has a less inhabited, richer mosaic of high-altitude plateau, heather moorlands, and dense juniper forest, with an easily seen population of mountain nyala and simien fox, and some fabulous birds, many of them endemic. For dedicated climbers, Bale offers Tullu Deemtu at 4377 meter (14553 feet) and Mount Batu at 4207 meters (13799 feet), although these are just the highest “bumps” in the already very high Sanetti Plateau.
The Adaba-Dodola trekking is one of the gate ways to the Bale Mountains National park trekking and one of Ethiopia’s main attractions in the southeast of the country. The lush mountain forests, pristine streams, accommodating guides, welcoming hosts and authentic customs of the Bale Mountains create a unique and unmissable side to Ethiopia.
Moreover, trekking in the Adaba-Dodola is not only nature tourism. What you find is a living example of sustainable tourism, run by local communities and local people. The hotel also provides accommodation services.
Wonchi is a highland area (malaria free), situated in Oromia Regional state in South West Shewa Zone, 155 km west of Addis Ababa. Wonchi Crater Lake is located on the mountain range between the town of Ambo and Woliso.This beautiful lake is situated at altitude of about 3000m above sea level.
The area is famed for its beautiful mountainous landscape, used partly as farmland and partly covered by natural forest. Wonchi contains hot springs, waterfalls and breathtaking valleys and scenery. In the island, an old monastery named Cherkos is found. Wonchi is a real paradise for trekkers.
Trek to Meqet in the Basalt Mountains around Lalibela, stay in local communities. See their ancient world, their churches and their way of life. Walk through the age-old agrarian landscape of the Ethiopian Highlands following escarpments with birds of prey soaring in the thermals and Gelada baboon scrambling up and down the cliff face. Local shepherd boys keep an eye on their flocks, while their fathers plough the fields, and their sisters collect water in clay pots.
N.B. The best time to go trekking varies, depends on where one is going, but in general it is wise to avoid the rainy seasons. As far as the Simien Mountains are concerned the period between November and March is reliably dry. December to February is the best season to trek in Bale.