Trekking the roof of Africa
Usually known as 'The Roof of Africa', Ethiopia is a trekking paradise full of astonishing landscapes, breathtaking views und unique flora and fauna. Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. In the north and centre of the country there are some 25 mountains whose peaks rise over 4,000 meters and some of the world's deepest canyons.
Covering an area of 2200 km2 Bale Mountains National Park is the largest remaining alpine habitat on the African continent. Founded in 1970, the Park contains the biggest continuous area of Afro-alpine vegetation (~1000 km2, circa 17.5% of all Afro-alpine vegetation) and a large proportion of moist tropical forest.
Bale Mountains National Park offers opportunities for unsurpassed mountain walking, horse trekking, scenic driving and chances to view many of Ethiopia's endemic mammals, in particular Ethiopian Wolves, Simien Foxes, Menelik's Bushbucks and Mountain Nyalas.
Including one of the principal mountain massifs of Africa, the Simien Mountains consist of several plateaus, separated by broad river valleys. With over twenty peaks towering to heights above 4000 meters, Simien escarpments are also known as the "Roof Of Africa". Its highest peak, Ras Dashen at 4543 meters, is the fourth highest peak on the African continent. The Simien escarpments, which remind of the Grand Canyon oft the USA, have been adopted in 1978 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Park which covers 179 km2 lies at an altitude between 1900 and 4500 meters.
Our trek begins at Lake Hashengie and covers about 150 miles, following the same route taken by General Napier in 1868 to free British captives hold in Maqdela. This rarely visited trek will take you along unspoiled and varied landscapes to the Sebastopol Canyon and the plateau-peak of Mount Maqdela (3000 m), an important historical battlefield.
Gheralta Mountains has one of the best scenery in the world: the existence of rock churches on the top of the mountains, the different plots of farming lands and the everyday activity of farmers make this area lively and amazing.
The beautiful landscapes and the peaceful environment are favorable conditions for mountain biking in Ethiopia. African Adventure Tours organizes a unique and truly rewarding biking holiday. Our cycling tour includes the spectacular ride either to Bale Mountains or to the Rift Valley region. It can also be arranged following the great historic route of Ethiopia.
