Every village and town has its own market. Some are tiny, some are large, some are specialized and some are general. All are colorful, and give you the opportunity to mingle with the local residents and learn about their habits and ways of life. The largest open market in Guassa is held on Saturday in Mehal Meda, about 17 km from Guassa Community Conservation Area.
To date, 114 different bird species have been recorded in the Guassa Area, some 2% of the 861 species of birds recorded for Ethiopia. There are 14 endemic species of birds in the Conservation Area that account for 48% of the total endemic population of Ethiopia.
Three species of birds found in Guassa are near-threatened, and two species are vulnerable.Among the 114 species recorded, 34% are Afro-tropical Highland Biome restricted species.
The range-restricted and globally endangered Ankober serin (Serinus ankoberensis) and the endemic spot-breasted plover (Vannellus melaocephalus) are found in greater numbers in the Guassa Area than anywhere else in the country. The Ankober serin is restricted to the northern part of Guassa, demonstrating that a small patch within a larger area can be important for a particular species.
One of the striking features of the avifauna of the Guassa Area is the high number of birds of prey, which is a result of the high density of rodents occupying the area. The area also serves as a wintering ground for 38 species of Palearctic and intra-African migrants.
Guassa Plateau
Gelda BaboonsDay 1: Arrive at Guassa Community Lodge at Regreg around lunchtime, meet up with guide and check in.
After a short rest, 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, your guide will describe the natural surroundings as well as the local history and conservation efforts.
You will end back at Regreg, where you’ll be briefed about the upcoming treks.
Day 2: After an early breakfast, 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 Ethiopian wolf.
Have a picnic lunch in the majestic surroundings, and keep 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 you’ll 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 become rare in Ethiopia. These 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, 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 weaving work. Before returning to camp, you’ll sip coffee with villagers. The evening will be most memorable as everyone gathers around a campfire to attend a traditional Menz dance ceremony!
Day 4: Enjoy a short trek to the main road, where there will be a vehicle waiting for you to drive back to Addis Ababa.
Balahegeru Trekking Ethiopia is glad to announce that it is starting special, affordable, budget package starting from October 30, 2014. until March 30/3/2015 For value-minded travelers, an Ethiopian vacation offers so much to explore and discover, and Balahageru is trying to make it easy. This comprehensive vacation for students, budget travelers, pilgrims, and researchers, photographers, begins in Addis, and then traverses the northern and southern part of Ethiopia, with guided sightseeing and free time to make your own discoveries. The program is either based on the proposals on the website or tailor made based on the needs and demands of travelers. A summer vacation in Ethiopia need not be expensive when these free things to do are on the travel itinerary. For detailed itinerary and pricing, contact us at balehagerutoursethiopia@gmail.com.
Balahegeru Tours Ethiopia is glad to announce that it is starting special, affordable, budget package starting from March 17, 2013 until October 10, 2013. For value-minded travelers, an Ethiopian vacation offers so much to explore and discover, and Balahageru is trying to make it easy. This comprehensive vacation for students, budget travelers, pilgrims, and researchers, photographers, begins in Addis, and then traverses the northern and southern part of Ethiopia, with guided sightseeing and free time to make your own discoveries. The program is either based on the proposals on the website or tailor made based on the needs and demands of travelers. A summer vacation in Ethiopia need not be expensive when these free things to do are on the travel itinerary. For detailed itinerary and pricing, contact us at balehagerutoursethiopia@gmail.com
Above all you’ll find our team at Trekking Ethiopia just as enthusiastic as you when planning and booking your ’once in a lifetime’ trip! We want to get your holiday right professionally and personally! Your Tours and Travels to Ethiopia will never be forgotten!
trek to simain mountains
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menz guassa
Menz Guassa trekking
