I am planning to go from Kenya north to Ethiopia. I have time to spare, and I was wondering if you can give me information on then Simien Mountains and TESFA.
First of all, I have the Africa Lonely Planet guide (2007), which does not include TESFA, so can you tell me what it is and where it is? Please describe!
Secondly, can you trek the Simien mountains alone, or do you need guide?
Thanks! All information on Ethiopian trekking is appreciated!
If you want lots of info about TESFA and Ethiopia spend a little time on the country branch here on TT.
cheers again.
I can tell you that it is mandatory to bring an armed scout into the Simiens. It doesn't cost very much and the scouts are fine. A guide is optional. There's also the possiblity to hire mules to carry food and tents etc - these have to come with a driver each. Again the price is very little.
And it can get very cold at night.
Edited by: walkfree
I just finished a 5-day TESFA trek last weekend - it was in the Wolo region, starting about a 1 hour drive out of Lalibela. It was fantastic!
Another posted listed the website above. Our guide was Kidane, who was fantastic! The project is aces!
Koitame, Simsy was pointing you in the right direction. I have personally bombarded this board with so much TESFA love that a quick search would turn up info. Definitely one of my all-time favorite experiences.
I too did the 4 night/5 day trek in December, which is currently the max number based on campsites. However, I know they were building more so depending on when you go there might be more available. One will be higher up in the mountains (Abuna Yoseph) and sounds beautiful.
I had Mulugeta as my guide, who is fantastic. He quickly became friends with the entire group--they put together 5 of us, all traveling solo and flexible about our dates. He isn't currently trekking though, due to an injury. Their newest guide is female, which I think is really cool!