Trekking

Trekking to the summit of the Abune Yosef is a rare experience. Over a couple of days, you climb gradually from 2,300m to the summit of Mount Abune Yosef (4,260m),

Mount Abune Yosef

Trekking to the summit of the Abune Yosef is a rare experience. Over a couple of days, you climb gradually from 2,300m to the summit of Mount Abune Yosef (4,260m), passing through tiny villages and exploring ancient churches.  Although the views are truly impressive, visitors are often more awed by the culture and the lifestyle of the people who live in this mountainous region.

The hike is along a sacred chain of mountains, that forms a backdrop to the holy town of Lalibela, and you start your expedition in the tiny village of Genete Mariam at 2,300m above sea-level. Before you set off you visit the 13th century rock-hewn church of Genete Mariam, with its vivid frescoes. It’s a contrast to the cool interior of Mekina Medhane Alem, a 6th-century church in a mountain cave that sits at 3,500m further along your route.  Both are tiny compared to the expansive natural cave of Yemrehanne Kristos, one of the country’s most well preserved 12th-century churches on the slopes of Abune Yosef. The cave’s wood-panelled dome and ceiling is carved with elaborate and brightly painted geometric patterns, and frescoes cover the walls. You include it on your trek, or can do a day-trip from Lalibela to see it, depending on your route.

On route to the summit you pass through dozens of villages. The walking is hilly and each day you cover up to 12 miles, crossing Afro-alpine wilderness, small forests and fields of barley, teff, lentils and onions. The people who live here are farmers and herders who welcome you into their homes. You share meals with them and are invited to help with the ploughing, planting or winnowing, depending on the season. It’s all done by hand, for the most part with tools made of wood. Here so many things are still done as they were thousands of years ago.

Each night you sleep in one of the community-run guest houses. These are clusters of traditional tukuls (round stone houses) with beds, simple showers and eco-toilets. They are thoughtfully sited so that you wake up to magnificent views each morning. At the end of each day you can enjoy sundowners before dinner, sipping a beer or a soft drink while enjoying the sunset.  All your meals are freshly prepared by the local people, and there is no shortage of hot tea and coffee.

With its altitude and clear air, Mount Abune Yosef is one site currently being considered for an international observatory, and is great for star-gazing.

Besides the Ethiopian Wolf, other animals you’re likely to see include troops of gelada baboons and spotted hyenas, and if you’re lucky the illusive mountain leopard. With over 220 species of birds, the birdwatching is impressive. Here you may see golden eagles, lappet-faced and bearded vultures, and the rare blue-winged goose.

Itinerary

To the summit of Abune Yosef is a challenging hike, and we recommend that you give yourself at least 2 nights and 3 days.