Trekking in Ethiopia does not involve any necessary skill, although it obviously is best if you are physically fit. The terrain is usually steep for only short period, when walking rather than riding may be necessary. Much of the time it will be walking, although this may be at an altitude as high as 4000 meters (13,120 feet). A slow pace is recommended, which is not difficult as there is so much to see and wonder at.
Trips can be tailored to meet and fulfill individuals’ needs or requirements, weather they need day trips around Simien Mountains National Park or ten or more days to explore the untouched stunning African land.
| TOUR CODE | EMTT – 0009/04 |
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Adi Arkay, Addis Ababa |
| DURATION | 8 Nights & 9 Days |
| TRANSPORT | Drive |
1
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa; meet your guide and transfer to hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. After refreshment, city tour of Addis Ababa. Visit the Entoto Mountains, with its view over the capital, the National Museum and Trinity Church and also shopping in Merkato; the biggest open-air market in Africa. Overnight Addis Ababa
2
Day 2: Drive Dinshio
Very early morning start driving to Bale Mountains National Park head quarter, traveling thorough the southeast part of the capital, where fertile land is cultivated by the Oromo people. In time for a walk around the park to see three of the endemic mammals: Menelik’s Bushbuck, Semien Fox, and Mountain Nyala. And birds Blue-winged goose, Spot-breasted lapwing, Abyssinian long claw, Wattled ibis, Black-headed siskin, Rouget’s rail. Other mammals you can expect to see here are warthog, boor reedbuck, Gureza monkey, as well as several other water and grassland birds. Overnight Dinsho lodge
3
Day 3: Dinsho - Geysay Valley
The whole day visit around Dinsho and Geysay Valley. Walk around and see more Birds Dinsho itself is an excellent spot for endemics- black-winged lovebird, white-backed black tit, Abyssinian catbird, Abyssinian salty flycatcher, thick-billed raven, white-collared pigeon are few to mention. The forest around Dinsho head quarter is characterized by light undergrowth, which allows for game viewing, and by the herby aroma of fallen hygiene leaves. An unusual plant of the Dinsho area is the white-flowered Abyssinian rose, the only flowering rose that is indigenous to Africa. The rest of the day arranges the trekking staff. Overnight Dinsho lodge
4
Day 4: Wolla Valleys (Kotera) - Camping
Accompanied by your guide, a scout and packhorses we trek 5 hrs through the lush highland vegetation to our first campsite. This is the center of the best area for seeing Semien Fox, and on rare occasion’s small groups of Mountain Nyala. Here, you are at over 4,000 m above sea level, and in pure, clear cool mountain air with views in all directions on a clear day. These views are heightened by the steep climb to the top of Konteh (4132m). Overnight camping
5
Day 5: Wassema Valley – Camping
After breakfast we resume trek that will last for approx. 7-8 hrs. The trek offers the chance to see Ethiopia’s endemic Abyssinian Wolf. Beneath the peaks of Wassema valley; see and taste the strange mineral springs (“hora” in Oromo) before making the steep ascent out of the head of the valley onto the Sanetti Plateau. Overnight camping at the base of Wassema Mountain
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Day 6: Gebre Guracha – Camping
Today we trek through the highlands, crossing Batu Mountain on the way to Gebre Guracha- set beneath towering cliffs in the head of the Tegona valley. Wild flowers abound, the dominant plant being the Helichrysm, or ‘everlasting’ flowers. The Everlasting plant can be seen in several forms, but the grey bushes of H. splendidum are the most striking with their yellow flowers. Several rodent species are found in the area. Overnight camping
7
Day 7: Sanetti Plateau to Goba Town
After breakfast we trek for 5 hrs to the highest peak in the Bale Mountains, Tullu Deemtu (4377m, 14357ft) which is part of the Sanetti Plateau. The vistas are simply unbelievable and so photogenic. Here you will find small alpine lakes and typical afro-alpine vegetation that includes the Giant Lobelia and shrubs such as ‘Everlasting’. Vistas reach out to the strange pinnacles of Chorchora Peak and across the sheer-sided Tegona River Gorge. There are views to the steep-sided volcanic plug of Konteh Tullu and the long, craggy ridges of Mount Batu. The vehicle will meet us here and drive us down to Goba town for an overnight stay. Overnight Goba Town Option: on Day 8 you can also drive back to Addis without visiting Sof Omar Caves.
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Day 8: Drive to Sof Omar Caves
The fantastic limestone caves of Sof Omar make a day’s outing from Dinsho, Robe or Goba. The road leaves Robe town, crossing the farming areas to the east, before descending into the lowlands. Very different animals occur along the way as well, most noticeably the Greater and Lesser Kudu. The caves themselves carry the whole flow of the Web river. There are 15 km of associated passages, which require skill, time and special equipment for a full exploration. Our friendly local guide will show you enough to take your breath away and make the trip worthwhile, for an hour or for as long as you care to spend. Overnight Goba Town
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Day 9: Drive back to Addis
Drive back Addis Ababa, Continue to Lake Ziway with some stops to visit the Oromo villages. Lake Ziway is not only for its scenic qualities, but also for the large congregations of water-associated birds that are attracted to the redlined fringes by a thriving tilapia population.
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