The Roof of Africa

Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2000 and 3000 metres. In the North and in the centre of the country, there are some 25 mountains whose peaks rise over 4000 metres. With such high elevations and the breathtaking scenery, Ethiopia is said to be the ‘Roof of Africa’. 

The Semien Mountains region contains many summits above 4000 metres and culminates in the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dashen, at 4630 metres the fourth highest mountain in Africa. Walking amongst these peaks can feel like flying above the beautiful landscape. The Semien's dramatic topography is the result of the erosion of basalt lavas, which have been calculated to be nearly 3000 metres thick. Rare species of animals such as the Walia, the Semien fox and the Gelada Baboons inhabit the Semien Mountains. There are also lots of endemic birds and plants.

Similarly, Bale Mountains National Park encompasses a 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. As you ascend into the mountains, you will experience changes in the vegetation with altitude, from Juniper to Heather moorlands and Alpine meadows, which at various times of the year exhibit an abundance of colorful wildflowers. Bale Mountains National Park is the largest area of Afro-Alpine habitat in the whole of the continent. It gives you opportunities for unsurpassed mountain walking, horse trekking, scenic driving and the chance to view many of Ethiopia's endemic mammals, birds and plants.

BEST TIME FOR TREKKING

The best time to go trekking varies, depending 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 a good time for trekking.