How to choose the right trek in Ethiopia
When deciding where to trek, and for how long, you should consider the following:
- Altitude. The North of Ethiopia is highland, and Addis Ababa itself sits at 2200m. Most of the trekking available in Ethiopia will take you above 3000m.
- Comfort. While nearby lodges allow for day hikes in the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains, some areas of these national parks are off limits to those not willing to camp. Our community trekking involves overnights in basic, but charming and comfortable, guesthouses.
- Time of year. If you're travelling between June and August, trekking in the national parks can become more trick as the rains render some access routes impassable.
- Fitness. Some trails require a good level of fitness, while others are much easier. The altitude can often make gently routes feel tough. It's important to know your limits, and talk through any concerns with our team before booking a trek.
Trekking through the values in Tigray.
At the Imet Gogo viewpoint, Simien Mountains.
Mount Bwahit at 4,400m in the Simien Mountains.
Traversing the plateaus on day 2 of the Simien hike.
Tulu Dimtu in the Bale Mountains.
Wild horses in the Harenna Forest, Bale Mountains.
Community Trekking, Tigray.
Where can I trek in Ethiopia?
Simien Mountains National Park
The Simien Mountains are Ethiopia's most popular trekking destination. The typical trekking route involves 3 nights camping in the mountains, but there's ample opportunity for day trips or longer hikes depending on your fitness level and wider interests.
The Simien landscape is staggering, and the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endemic Ethiopian Wolf, Walia Ibex, and troops of curious Gelada Monkeys.
The Limalimo Lodge and Simien Lodge sit nearby, meaning you can explore the Simiens without compromising on comfort.
Bale Mountains National Park
The Bale Mountains National Park offers unique and wonderful landscapes. The park is made up of two distinct landscapes, the Harenna Forest and Sanetti Plateau. The park is also home to Ethiopia's second highest point, Tulu Dimtu, and the country's largest population of endemic Ethiopian Wolves can be found in the Sanetti Plateau.
There are numerous campsites within the park, so we can stitch together multi-day treks. The Bale Mountain Lodge in the Harenna Forest offers a luxurious lodging option and day hikes can be arranged from here.
Community Trekking
Set up in four locations around the North of Ethiopia, Community Trekking offers meditative treks through some of the best landscapes anywhere in the world. Local communities have set up guesthouses along the trails which offer basic, but charming accommodation.
Community Trekking is designed to give the local communities a stake in the tourism industry of Ethiopia, and the majority of money for these treks go straight to the communities who manage the guesthouses and run the treks.
Brilliant says
Each destination offers a multitude of treks with different difficulty levels, accommodation options, landscapes and wildlife. We'll help you find the trek that's perfect for you, talk through any of your concerns, and get you set up and ready to go.
There's great trekking on these trips
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Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
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