WALKING AND TREKKING
The Ethiopian highlands, blessed
with a temperate climate and grand mountain scenery,
offer superb trekking opportunities. The principal well-established areas for trekking
are the Simien and Bale Mountains National Parks.
The more recent arrival to this field of tourist activity is the remote South - West
highlands east and west of the Omo valley, where
strong and colourful cultures compliment the appeal of scenery, flora, and fauna.
Less strenuous and more relaxing are
the pleasant local traits that flow the banks of
Rift Valley lakes, or resort areas close to Addis Ababa, such as a walk through the
vineyards of Ambo.
The rewards of a trek in the Simien
mountains include spectacular views from the
northern escarpment, the three endemic mammals - Walia Ibex, Gelada Baboon, and the Simien Fox as well as Ras Dashen, the country's
highest peak at 4620 meters.
Bale has a less inhabited, richer mosaic of
high-altitude plateau, heather moorlands, and dense
juniper forest with an easily seen population of Mountain Nyala and Simien
Fox as well as some fabulous birds, many of them
endemic.
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RIDING AND PONY TREKKING
In such a rugged environment horses
and mules play an important part in the
transportation of people and goods. So it is not
surprising that horse riding can be enjoyed in
most parts of Ethiopia. A trek in the Simien
Mountains on a surface-footed pony allows visitors
to get to areas even 4 x 4 vehicles find
difficult.
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MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
Much of Ethiopia is rugged
mountainous country, and the opportunities to
conquer demanding peaks and crag are endless. The
Simien Mountains, the Bale Plateau and many
other areas provide perfect climbs. Equipment is
rarely available locally and should be brought with you.
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CAVING
In many areas, particularly those
with limestone, crag, underground caves and caverns
may be discovered. Near Dire Dawa there is evidence of prehistoric habitation.
Skilled expeditions will find great opportunities,
but local guides are essential.
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BIRD WATCHING
With 861 bird species, out of which
16 are endemic, Ethiopia is a must for every bird
enthusiast. Many of the National Parks provide areas less affected by human
activities where a broader range of bird species can
usually be seen.
According to their habitat, the most
recommended sites for bird-watching are - the
highland plateau, the lakes region, and the
lowlands.
Nearby sites include Entoto,
Gefersa, Debre Zeit, and Menagesha forest. The highland is called the land of
endemism. Of the total endemic birds, over 60
percent of the species are found in the Bale
Mountains National Park. Totally 161 bird
species are recorded in this park. Some of the
richest areas of bird life in highland plateau
include small patches of natural forest on gorge
edges, inaccessible valley bottoms, and sacred
graves on hilltops and around churches.
Ethiopia's lakes are famous for the
sheer numbers of birds they harbor. The Lakes Region
covers Lakes Ziway, Langano, Abijatta, Shalla, Awassa, Abaya, and Chamo. Over 50
percent of all bird species have been recorded in
the Rift Valley because of the proximity of numerous aquatic and terrestrial
habitats. Lake Abijatta is a feeding ground for
numerous great white pelicans and greater and lesser flamingo as well as flocks of little
grebes. An island in neighboring Lake Shalla is a
regular breeding ground for great white pelicans and
a nesting spot for the greater
flamingo.
Lowlands too offer a great
opportunity for bird-watchers. These areas are rich
in seed-eating and insectivorous birds. This site
covers areas in Borena Administrative Zone.
The main reasons behind the
distribution of birds in various localities are the
feed, altitude, climate, and cover factors.
Accordingly, birds of prey and other scavengers are in
plenty. To list some of the birds: Lammergeyer or
the bone breaker is quite common in the Simien Mountains. Shoebill or Whale headed
stork is also common in Gambella and Ethio-Sudan
border. Ethiopian Bush Crow is a localized endemic bird distributed throughout
Borena area up to Murle. Prince Ruspli's Turaco too
is considered as a localized bird found in Borena area alone.
The best season for bird-watching is
from the beginning of September up to February.
Between November and February, migrant birds raise the bird population and widen
species diversity as well.
The trip starts at the Gibe Bridge -
186 kilometers South - West of Addis Ababa on the
road to Jimma. The river there is known as Gibe.
The best season for trips is between
September and October, when the river is starting to
dry out.
Bordering the Awash National Park,
the 23 kilometers stretch of the Awash River offers
a superb one or two-day trip featuring lots of spirited rapids, wildlife and
impressive rugged cliffs and side canyons. The trip
starts at the Awash Falls, with a paddling drill in
the foaming pool below, and the rapids
follow one after another.
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HUNTING
The diversity of its landscape and
climate has enabled Ethiopia to possess various
species of wildlife. The recorded list counts at 277
out of which 31 are endemic.
Apart from areas set aside for
National Parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserves,
the country has 18 controlled hunting areas.
Controlled hunting area is an area of land set
for the use of hunt able wild animals for their
sustainable hunting on a quota basis which is
subject to revision periodically. Actively
hunting areas are located in Oromia, Afar and
Southern regions.
The list of hunt able wild animals
include endemic mammals - an addition to have a
unique experience by possessing a unique trophy at the end of this activity.
Some of the additional opportunities
for tourists who come for hunting are special scenic
features of hunting areas, culture and traditional livelihood of the indigenous people,
attractive and unique topography and pleasant
weather. Tour operators specializing in hunting
include Wildlife Safaris, Ethiopian Rift
Valley Safaris, Rocky Valley Safaris, and Libah
Safaris.
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CAMPING
Camping is often the only way to see
some of the most beautiful areas of Ethiopia. In
most areas camping is safe, but local advice should be sought. As little camping gear is
available to rent in the country, all the necessary
equipment should be brought with you.
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SWIMMING
Opportunities for swimming abound in
Ethiopia. Apart from pools at the main hotels, Lake
Langano and Shalla are bilharzia-free and resort areas have been set aside for
swimming. Specially attractive are pools created by
natural springs as can be found in Awash National Park, or at Sodere Filwoha
(hot spring).
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WATER SPORTS
Sailing on Lake Tana, or some of the
Rift Valley lakes is a popular pastime. Many of the
local Fishermen will be happy to take out their boat for you. A trip in a dugout
canoe, or traditional papyrus boat, is another
wonderful experience. Lake Langano is also popular
with windsurfer, and water-skiers.
White water rafting is a new
adventure that can be experienced on parts of the
Omo and Awash Rivers and the Blue Nile.
With its spirited rapids,
innumerable side creeks and waterfalls, sheer inner
canyons, hot springs, abundant wildlife and exotic
tribal peoples combine to make the Omo one
of the world's classic river adventures.
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