Trekking
Hiking and Trekking in Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s northern highlands oer some exceptional trekking experiences. The Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains are common favourites, and the Community Trekking trails set up in the North oer world-class treks while supporting local communities.
Popular Trekking Tours in Ethiopia
Trekking Tours Across Ethiopia
Embark on an exhilarating trekking adventure through Ethiopia’s breathtaking landscapes, where rugged mountains, dramatic escarpments, and vibrant cultural heritage await. From the towering peaks of the Simien Mountains to the vast wilderness of Borana National Park, the ancient paths of Lalibela, and the highland trails near Bahir Dar, Ethiopia offers diverse trekking experiences for adventurers of all levels. These destinations, spanning the northern and southern regions, combine challenging hikes with encounters with endemic wildlife and local communities, all set against UNESCO World Heritage Sites and untouched ecosystems. With expert guides, eco-conscious itineraries, and a focus on authentic experiences, Ethiopia’s trekking tours promise unforgettable journeys for nature lovers and cultural explorers.
In the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO site in the Amhara Region, trekkers navigate one of Africa’s most stunning landscapes, with jagged peaks, deep valleys, and Ethiopia’s highest summit, Ras Dejen (4,550m). Trails like the 4-day Buyit Ras to Chenek route or the shorter Sankaber to Geech path offer breathtaking views from Imet Gogo and chances to spot gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and the rare Ethiopian wolf. The Jinbar Waterfall, plunging into the Geech Abyss, adds a dramatic highlight, while Amhara village encounters provide cultural depth. Best trekked from September to February for clear skies, the Simiens, accessible from Gondar (120 km), deliver an epic highland adventure with Afroalpine meadows and giant lobelias.
Venture south to Borana National Park in the Oromia Region, a vast 45,366 km² wilderness where flat savannas and rugged hills create accessible yet thrilling trekking routes. Explore the Booqee Sadeen crater lakes, like El Sod, or hike through acacia woodlands to spot Grevy’s zebras, Swayne’s hartebeest, and over 280 bird species, including the Ethiopian bushcrow. The park’s five blocks, such as Dida-Hara and Sarite, offer diverse terrains, with trails suitable for day hikes or multi-day expeditions. Cultural interactions with the Borana Oromo, known for their Gada system, enrich the experience. Accessible 570 km from Addis Ababa, Borana is ideal from November to March for dry trails and vibrant wildlife.
In Lalibela, a UNESCO-listed spiritual hub, trekkers combine history with adventure on trails to remote monasteries. Hike or ride a mule to Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched at 4,000m on Mount Abuna Yosef, for panoramic highland views and insights into monastic life. The 1-hour trek to Yemrehanna Kristos, a 11th-century cave church 42 km from Lalibela, reveals Axumite architecture and serene murals. Trails around the iconic rock-hewn churches, like Bet Giyorgis, offer shorter walks with cultural immersion during festivals like Timket. Meanwhile, Bahir Dar provides scenic treks to the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), a 45-meter cascade 35 km away, with misty trails through gorges teeming with hippos and pelicans. Pair these hikes with boat trips on Lake Tana to monasteries like Ura Kidane Mihret, blending adventure with Amhara traditions, best from September to November for lush scenery.
