Trekking in Simien Mountains

Situated about 100kms north of Gondar the Semein Mountains is one of Africa’s largest ranges studded with at least a dozen peaks topping 4000m mark and hence 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 range excluding Ras Dashen was designated as the Simien mountain National park in 1969 and the entire range was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

The mountain range’s impressive scenery, its series of dramatic cliffs and escarpments, the beautiful alpine meadows and rugged wilderness of the high peak areas make the Simien a remarkable area for trekking. The unique geological feature of simien is described by Rosita Forbes, who traveled there in 1925 as “The most marvelous of all Abyssinian landscape….” Habitats include Afro Alpine and three of Ethiopia’s endemic large mammals: Walia Ibex, Gelada Baboons and Ethiopian wolf are resident in the Simiens. It is also known for varieties of bird species including lammergeyer (bone breaker)

Trekking in Bale Mountains

Bale Mountains are of a relatively ancient volcanic origin having formed from solidified lava more than 10 millions years ago. The national park protects the higher reaches of the Bale range including mount Tullu Demtu which at 4377m is the second highest point in Ethiopia. Bale Mountains National Park is an area of high altitude plateau that is broken by numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks, beautiful alpine lakes and rushing mountain streams that descend in to deep rocky gorges on their way to the lowlands below.