BALE & SIMIEN MOUNTAIN
Ethiopia is so gifted with contrasting topographical landscapes that in quite short distances the elevation varies impressively. This provides many opportunities for trekking, the most popular of which are in the Simien and Bale Mountains. These mountains are abundant with birds and wildlife.The Simien Mountains present perhaps the most dramatic mountain scenery in Africawith fantastic crags,pinnacles and flat topped mountains which tower over gorges,river valleys and plains. There are many peaks with Ras Dashen being the highest in the country and fourth highest in Africa, at 4620 metres. While trekking in the Simiens visitors can see the endemic Gelada or bleeding heart baboon, the Walia Ibex, Simien Wolf,Rock Hyrax,and many endemic birds. You will trek through alpine meadows carpeted with flowers and punctuated with the tall spiky kniphofia or "red hot pokers." You can go for a day trek or if you wish to climb Ras Dashen you should allow eight days. The Simien Mountains can easliy be combined with a tour of the Historic Route.
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Simien Mountains
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Bale Mountains
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Good trekking can also be made in the Bale Mountains National Park. Bale is an area of high altitude plateaus with volcanic crags,lakes,forests, alpine moor land ,trout filled streams and a striking variety of fauna and flora. While trekking you will be able to see endemic mammals such as the Mountain Nyala, Simien Wolf, and Menelik Bushbuck as well as many endemic birds. In the Harrena Forest which is located in the southern part of the park there are leopards and lions, although the dense forest makes it difficult to spot these animals. The fantastic underwater river and caves of Sof Omar are a one day drive from Goba by car.
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