Located about 100 km north of Gondar, the Semein Mountains is one of the largest African chains dotted with at least a dozen peaks over 4000 m, and as a result Ethiopia is also called the “roof of Africa”. This includes Ras Dashen (Dejen), the highest peak in Ethiopia and the fourth highest in Africa. The western side of the chain, excluding Ras Dashen, was designated as the Simien Mountain National Park in 1969 and the entire range was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The impressive landscapes of the mountain range, its series of spectacular cliffs and escarpments, the beautiful alpine meadows and the rugged wilderness areas of the high-altitude areas make the Simien an extraordinary area for trekking. The unique geological feature of Simien is described by Rosita Forbes, who traveled there in 1925 as “The most wonderful of all the Abyssinian landscape …”. Habitats include Afro Alpine and three of the great endemic mammals of Ethiopia: Walia Ibex, Gelada Baboon and Ethiopian wolf.It is also known for varieties of bird species including the bearded vulture (bone breaker)
The mountains of Bale are of relatively ancient volcanic origin formed by solidified lava more than 10 million years ago. The national park protects the highest stretches of the Bale range including the Tullu Demtu mountain which at 4377 m is the second highest point in Ethiopia. The Bale Mountains National Park is a highland area that is broken by numerous spectacular peaks and volcanic peaks, beautiful alpine lakes and mountain streams that descend into deep rocky gorges to the plains below. Climbing the mountains you will experience changes in vegetation depending on altitude, from juniper to Erica moors and alpine meadows, which show an abundance of colorful flowers at various times of the year. The Bale Mountains National Park is the largest African-alpine habitat area on the continent. It gives the opportunity to walk in the mountains without equal, to do trekking on horseback, and to spot endemic mammals, birds and plants of Ethiopia. A part of the park can be explored by driving. However the most satisfying way to explore the park is on foot or by rented mule to the central district of Dinsho Park. The main attractions of the park include wild alpine landscapes, various species of fauna and flora. The relative ease with which you can spot many endemic species of birds and large mammals such as Ethiopian wolves and the Nyala mountain makes Bale one of our popular hiker destinations. We encourage trekking and camping in eco-tourism sites based on the local community such as the Tesfa community in Lalibela and in the Adaba-Dodola region. This type of local projects helps to contribute to poverty reduction by generating alternative income and local employment for the local population. It also adds value to forest conservation efforts and the maintenance of local cultures of local communities and increases people’s awareness of the importance of forest resources.