TOP
Exploring Tourism in Ethiopia
Ethiopia
icon Worldwideicon
Tour Packages Details

Choke Mountain Trekking Tour Package

Price on Request

Must Visit City
Debre Markos
Contact Us
The Choke Mountains are to the south of Lake Tana in the center of Gojam. The nearest large towns are Bahir Dar to the north and Debre Markos to the south. The small towns of . .
Country: Ethiopia
City: Debre Markos
Duration: 6 Day(s) - 5 Night(s)
Tour Category: Eco Tours
Departure Date: Sat 31 Aug '19
Package Itinerary

The Choke Mountains are to the south of Lake Tana in the center of Gojam. The nearest large towns are Bahir Dar to the north and Debre Markos to the south. The small towns of Bichena and Mota lie to the east. This large mountain block rises gradually from the surrounding plateau to around 2,800 m, with the highest peak, Mt Choke, at 4,070 m. The Abbay River has cut a deep valley that defines the eastern limits of the area.

The area has an inactive volcanic center composed of basalt with a very thin cover of pyroclastic materials (volcanic ashes). Erosion has resulted in numerous, deeply incised valleys, which were covered with glaciers during the last ice age. Many small streams originate in the mountains. The most remarkable feature of these mountains is the virtual absence of forest.

The major natural habitats are moist moorland with giant Lobelia spp., Alchemilla spp., sedges and tussocks of Festuca spp. and other grasses, montane grasslands and meadows, cliffs, and rocky areas. Woody plants, Erica spp., Hypericum revolutum, and Arundinaria alpina are only found in patches.

Day 01: Drive Addis Ababa to Sinan /Mulu Eco Lodge/

After breakfast drive to Sinan Mulu Eco Lodge via Dejen which is the famous Teff growing region in the country. Teff is the staple food of Ethiopians. You will bike Dejen to Debremarkos. Further down, you will enjoy the fabulous Blue Nile Gorge. Similar to the Grand Canon of the USA. Travelling via the Blue Nile Gorge we pass through dramatic landscapes enjoying the spectacular scenery.

Along the way, we visit the Debre Libanos Monastery founded by St. Abune Tekle-haymanot, in the 13th century. Debre Libanos became one of Ethiopia's most important religious centers and remains a popular pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians today. We also visit the Portuguese Bridge, said to have been built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

Located below the monastery, the Ethiopian Rift Valley can be viewed from the bridge. After lunch at Dejen we will drive to Sinani Mulu Eco Lodge for overnight.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Transportation: Land cruiser 4WD

Accommodation: Mulu Eco Lodge

CONSULTANT NOTE

You will drive approximately 380 km

Game drives vary the time duration

Day 02: Trekking to Kebero Meda

Trekking to Kebero Meda (about 10 km, quite flat) We will pack camping gear in the morning on the horses and donkeys and start walking after a good breakfast. After less than an hour walking up the mountain we will soon reach a mountain plateau with grasslands, rivers, and thousands of farm animals grazing freely. It is a comfortable easy flat walking through the farm fields. On the way are a few small tea houses that offer soft drinks and are perfect for breaks. We will take some lunch from the Lodge and enjoy it from a viewpoint.

Walking at a comfortable speed with enough breaks we will reach in the late afternoon a farmer family where we set up our tents in front of their houses.

This area is known for the good racehorses they breed, so if we are lucky we will have the chance to see how the farmer's children train the young horses, racing without a saddle or other tools.

Those who still have energy can walk some minutes to the edge of the mountain chain and enjoy the African sunset and then walk back before it is dark. We will have dinner together with the family and see their houses equipped like farmer museums.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Transportation: Trekking /Mule or Horse Riding/

Accommodation: Comping

CONSULTANT NOTE

You will cover approximately 10km

Game drive varies the time

Day 03: Trekking to Molalit Cave

Trek to the Molalit Cave (about 8 km, 3600m above sea level, mainly flat, some hills) In the next morning we will have breakfast with the farmer family while our tents are being packed on the horses. We will start walking along the edge of a mountain chain with stunning views. The countryside changes to untouched nature not farmed by the locals. Lots of endemic plants like Giant Lobelia, Erica, and Giant Haze and different endemic birds lead us through nature.

We will cross thousands of small rivers that contribute to the Blue Nile in the lowlands. You will understand why the Choke Mountains are called “the water tower of East and North Africa.”

After having a lunch break on a mountain peak we will finish our day walk when we reach the Molalit Cave. Molalit is a natural rocky mountain cave where still a family is living as the 4th generation. It is a beautiful spot for the Choke Mountains sunset and to watch the bone-breaker prayer giant bird Lammergeier. We will have dinner with the cave family, the mother and father, and their three boys. Overnight Camping at the gate of the Cave.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Transportation: Trekking /Mule or Horse Riding/

Accommodation: Comping

CONSULTANT NOTE

You will cover approximately 9 km

Game drive varies the time

Day 04: Trekking Dragon Mountain and Wofachana

Walk on the “Dragon Mountain” and Wofchana (4-5 km, hillier) After breakfast with the cave family we will hike up the cave mountain and walk down on the other side until we reach a mountain that is shaped like a flying dragon. We will walk up to the peak on the back of the dragon.

Up there we will have lunch while watching down to the Lammergeier and vultures flying below us, rounding the mountain. In the afternoon we will go to a farmer's village and stay overnight in the community campsite of Wofchana.

The strong farmer community prepared that campsite in cooperation with the farmers of Mulu Eco Lodge to host guests and allow them to be a part of their numerous celebrations. In the evening the community will prepare a big welcoming party, with all the villagers of all ages coming together to celebrate with you.

Overnight stay on the community-based campsite.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Transportation: Trekking /Mule or Horse riding/

Accommodation: Comping

CONSULTANT NOTE

You will cover approximately 7 km

Game drive varies the time

Day 05: Trek bake to Mulu Eco Lodge

Trek home to Mulu Eco Lodge (about 11 km) After breakfast celebrations with all the families we will start walking up the mountain back to the mountain plateau for about one hour with stunning views while climbing up. Once up it is an easy flat walk for about 3-4 hours back to the Mulu Eco Lodge through the green highlands and sheep herds.

In the evening there will be a welcome-back-home celebration with the Mulu farmers, big meals, and foot massages! The horses will go back home to their stables while we are celebrating our trek at the campfire with the locals. We are sure you will enjoy your travel.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Transportation: Trekking /Mule or Horse Riding/

Accommodation: Mulu Eco Lodge

CONSULTANT NOTE

You will cover approximately 11 km

Game drive varies the time

Day 06: You Will drive back to Addis Ababa

The last day of your unforgettable visit to Ethiopia brings us back to Addis Ababa. A hotel room for day use is available. We say goodbye to dear friends with a visit to a cultural restaurant, enjoying the great Ethiopian food together with traditional music and dance from all over this fascinating country.

After dinner, we take you to the airport for your flight back home.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Transportation: Land cruiser 4WD

Accommodation: -

CONSULTANT NOTE

You will drive approximately 380 km

Game drives vary the time duration

Contact Back


Check out similar Tour Packages