Hiking in Semien National Park
SEMIEN MOUNTAINS
North east of Gondar, these breath-taking mountains are a World Heritage Site and include the Semien Mountains National Park. The mountains consist of plateaux separated by valleys and rising to pinnacles. The tallest peak is Ras Dashen (4,543 m); other notable heights include Mounts Biuat (4,437 m) and Abba Yared (4,460 m). Notable animals in the mountains include the Walia Ibex, Gelada Baboons and a few Ethiopian wolves.
The Semiens are one of the few spots in Africa where snow regularly falls. Despite their ruggedness and high altitude, the mountains are dotted with villages linked by well-trodden tracks. Historically inhabited by Ethiopian Jews (or the Beta Israel), who after repeated attacks by the zealous Christian Emperors in the 15th century withdrew from the province of Dembiya into the more defensible Semien mountains.
Treks can be organised leaving from Debark, where a permit for the park can be purchased. Local guides are very experienced and no need to worry about carrying bags, you can hire a mule! Hikes are organised to suit your needs and can vary from one day to seven, accomodation is in tents.
