Best of Ethiopia Tours: Menz- Guassa Trekking # Ethiopia

Menz- Guassa Trekking:

Guassa Community Conservation Area, located along one of the most significant historic routes in Ethiopia, offers spectacular Afromontane landscapes on the Guassa Plateau. Trek on foot or travel by mule to experience Ethiopia’s unique natural and culture heritage and traditional village life in the Ethiopian highlands. Discover breathtaking views filled with endemic birds and mammals such as the iconic Ethiopian wolf and the charismatic gelada. Guassa Community Conservation Area is found in Amhara National Regional State, North Shoa Administrative Zone and in Menz-Gera Midir Woreda(district), 260km northeast of Addis Ababa by road. The area is among the Ethiopian highlands’ most pristine and secluded natural wonders. Along the 90-minute drive (80km) from Tarmaber, the hustle and bustle of urban life fades into the slower pace of a traditional Menz village.

The area is managed through a common property resource system by the communities living adjacent to the Guassa Area. This indigenous management system has been traced back to the 17th century

and is one of the oldest conservation management systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. At present, Guassa communities live in nine kebeles (farmers’ associations) adjacent to Guassa Community Conservation Area. The area is managed by the Guassa Conservation Council which has kebele and woreda level components and consists of both community and local government representatives.

The stunning views and abundant wildlife make it a destination not to be missed!

Optional trekking: 3 days/2 nights

Day 1: Visitors arrive at the Guassa Community Lodge at Regreg around lunchtime to meet their guide and check in.

After a rest, visitors will take a short trek to the nearby mountaintop. This is an idyllic spot which offers genuinely stunning views over the Guassa plateau and the chance to spot the Ethiopian wolf. Along the trail, the guide will describe the natural surroundings as well as the history and local conservation efforts.

Visitors will end the day back at Regreg, where they will be briefed about the upcoming treks.

Day 2: After an early breakfast, visitors will trek on foot or mule back, for around five to six hours, from Regreg to Atse Wiha Camping Ground, walking through an Afro alpine meadow to “Lobelia Valley”, with thousands of these giant plants. The trail then winds its way into the moorland where visitors will experience the enormous highland flora as well as an impressive array of animal life including the endemic gelada and the Ethiopian wolf.

Visitors can then enjoy a picnic lunch in the majestic surroundings, keeping an eye out for a rare and the graceful bird of prey - the lammergeyer, or bearded vulture. This raptor, considered the lord of the high plateau, can often be seen soaring in searching of food. In the late afternoon, the mules are sent back to their base and the visitors will set up camp at Atse Wiha.

Day 3: The day begins with a short trek to the main road, from where visitors will be driven to the traditional Menz village at Tebab. The Menz people are famous for their two story stone huts with thatched roofs, and their woven wool rugs and traditional blankets are considered to be some of Ethiopia’s finest woven textiles. From there, visitors will then be taken back to Addis Ababa or can continue on to the historic north.

Optional trekking: 4 days/ 2 nights

Day 1: Vistors arrive at Guassa Community Lodge at Regreg around lunchtime to meet their guide and check in.

After a rest, vistors will take a short trek to the nearby mountaintop. This idyllic spot offers genuinely stunning views over the Guassa plateau and the chance to spot the Ethiopian wolf. Along the trail, the guide will describe the natural surroundings as well as the local history and conservation efforts.

Visitors end the day back at Regreg, where they are briefed about the upcoming treks.

Day 2: After an early breakfast, visitors trek on foot or mule back for around five to six hours from Regreg to Atse Wiha Camping Ground, walking through an Afroalpine meadow to “Lobelia Valley”, which is filled with thousands of these giant plants. The trail then winds its way into the moorland where visitors will experience the enormous highland flora as well as an impressive array of animal life including the endemic gelada and the Ethiopian wolf.

Visitors then enjoy a picnic lunch in the majestic surroundings, keeping an eye out for a rare and the graceful bird of prey - the lammergeyer, or bearded vulture. This raptor, considered the lord of the high plateau, can often be seen soaring in searching of food. In the late afternoon, the mules are sent back to their base and visitors set up camp at Atse Wiha.

Day 3: This scenic trail to Cheguarit Meda (four to five hours) offers splendid views of the untouched juniper forest of yegana, now rare in Ethiopia. The trails offer a variety of interesting attractions including endemic bird species and wildlife and scenic overlooks down to the lowlands.

Before the final ascent towards the camp, visitors will discover a cluster of stone houses in the traditional Menz village at Tebab. The Menz people are famous for their two storey stone huts with thatched roofs, and their woven wool rugs and traditional blankets are considered to be some of Ethiopia’s finest woven textiles. Before returning to camp, visitors will sip coffee with villagers. This final evening offers visitors a chance to gather around the campfire and watch a traditional Menz dance ceremony. A truly memorable experience!

Day 4: Visitors will enjoy a short trek to the main road, where they are met by their vehicle and return to Addis Ababa or continue on to the historic north.