In order to reach the Guassa plateau from the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, you have to travel approx. 260 km. A paved and then ground road (approx. 80 km) leads to Tarmaber. It takes about 5 hours to travel there by car. Is it worth travelling for so long? Definitely yes!!! We will reach one of the most natural places untouched by civilization in the highlands of Ethiopia. The area, occupying approximately 100 square kilometres, is perfect for trekking.
There, we can admire stunning views and meet endemic animals, including Gelada monkeys and Ethiopian wolves. In addition, there are beautiful birds – more than 100 species have been counted here, including Ankober Serin threatened with extinction, and predators with majestic Lammergeyer (vulture). The vegetation of the Afro-Alpine zone is also extremely interesting, e.g. great lobelia. It takes indeed half a day to reach to the Guassa plateau from Addis Ababa, but it is worth remembering about the fact that it takes two days to reach the Siemen Mountains offering similar attractions.
Guassa tours
2 days / 1 night
Day 1:
Arrival at Guassa Lodge for lunch, accommodation, and meeting with the guide. After a short rest, trekking on foot or by a mule to the nearby mountains. They offer magnificent views of the Guassa plateau. This is the first chance to meet with endemic Ethiopian wolves and Gelada monkeys. During hiking, the guide will tell you about geology and nature of the plateau. Back to the lodge for the night.
Day 2:
After an early breakfast, a trip to Sefed Meda for two hours. Back to Addis Ababa.
3 days / 2 nights
Day 1:
Arrival at Guassa Lodge for lunch, accommodation and meeting with the guide. After a short rest, trekking on foot or by a mule to the nearby mountains. They offer magnificent views of the Guassa plateau. This is the first chance to meet with endemic Ethiopian wolves and Gelada monkeys. During hiking, the guide will tell you about geology and nature of the plateau. Back to the lodge for the night.
Day 2:
After an early breakfast, trekking on foot or by a mule to Atse Wiha Camping. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach there. Walking to the valley called the “Lobelia Valley”, where thousands of these giant plants grow. The route leads through the moors, where we will certainly meet Gelada monkeys and Ethiopian wolves. Picnic-style lunch and watching the giant birds of prey Lammergeyers – vultures. Their large size and majesty can be compared to the Andean condors. Overnight at a camping in Atse Wiha.
Day 3:
A visit to a village built in a traditional way, with distinctive two-storey stone houses covered with thatch. Wool carpets and blankets woven there are considered the best in the entire Ethiopia. Back to Addis Ababa.
4 days / 3 nights
Day 1:
Arrival at Guassa Lodge for lunch, accommodation and meeting with the guide. After a short rest, trekking on foot or by a mule to the nearby mountains. They offer magnificent views of the Guassa plateau. This is the first chance to meet with endemic Ethiopian wolves and Gelada monkeys. During hiking, the guide will tell you about geology and nature of the plateau. Back to the lodge for the night.
Day 2:
After an early breakfast, trekking on foot or by a mule to Atse Wiha Camping. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach there. Walking to the valley called the “Lobelia Valley”, where thousands of these giant plants grow. The route leads through the moors, where we will certainly meet Gelada monkeys and Ethiopian wolves. Picnic-style lunch and watching the giant birds of prey Lammergeyers – vultures. Their large size and majesty can be compared to the Andean condors. Overnight at a camping in Atse Wiha.
Day 3:
The day begins with trekking through a scenic route to Cheguarit Meda (4-5 hours), it offers great juniper – yegana forests, which once widespread in Ethiopia, and are rare today. A visit to a village built in a traditional way, with distinctive two-storey stone houses covered with thatch. Wool carpets and blankets woven there are considered the best in the entire Ethiopia. Time for a cup of coffee with the local residents. Evening bonfire and traditional dances will be a great memory. Back to camping.
Day 4:
Short trekking to the main road and return to Addis Ababa.
