Tag it:

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.

The road to simien Mountain N.P

Horse Trekking on Bale N.P

Ethiopian highlands

Simien Mountain N.P

Bale Mountains N.P

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 and the Bale mountains national parks. 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. Other suitable and beautiful areas include Mount Chilalo.

Treks have been organized in Simien and Bale for the last three decades. In the Simien mountains, the attractions include spectacular views from the northern escarpment, the presence of the endemic Walia ibex, gelada baboon and Simien fox, as well as Ethiopia's highest peak, the 4543-meter (14901 feet) high Ras Dashen (locally known as Ras Dejen), outside the park to the east.

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 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, while in the south-west highlands, which are more temperate than the Bale or Simien mountains, any time between October and March is good.