A 2-Day Group Or Individual Camping and Culinary Trip To Ankober Trekking Highlands
Amhara Region, Northern Ethiopia
Individual or In Groups of 10+ People
Est 2 Days 1 Night
Starting from:
$495 - $1101
Itinerary Overview
The medieval town of Ankober is one of the most beautiful destinations near Addis Ababa. In the second half of the 18th century, it served as the seat of the Shewan Kingdom. Ankober is the epicenter of late medieval Ethiopian history and the springboard for the founding of today's Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. The area is located 170 km northeast of Addis Ababa on a plateau and is one of the most scenic and fascinating travel destinations.

The city was founded by Merid Azmatch Ameha Eyesus, one of the kings of the Shewan Kingdom, and developed into an important political and economic center. In addition to its scenic beauty and rich history, the highlands around Ankober, at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters, are ideal for hiking and particularly rewarding for birdwatchers. The endemic and very rare Ankober Black-backed Warbler can be found here, and two species of seedeaters can also be observed: the White-throated and Yellow-throated Serifolia.

The small town of Aliyu Amba, in the lowlands near Ankober, was one of the first places where the tax system was implemented in Ethiopia. The diplomatic missions that Great Britain, France, and Italy established here during Menelik's reign can also be seen in the town itself.
Gallery
Tour Plan
  • Pickup from hotel or airport in Addis Ababa. Our professional guides will greet you warmly as you board the vehicle and set off on the 170km road Northeast.
  • The journey is expected to take four hours. Upon arrival, we'll leave our backpacks at the guesthouse in the small old town of Ankober, have lunch, and begin our hike through the surrounding mountains. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountain range.
  • After 5:00 PM, the tent is set up on the upper level, and the cooking ceremony takes place. This includes the preparation of Yebeg Tibis (roasted lamb with onions, garlic, and green peppers in sunflower oil) and dinner with Ethiopian fermented red and sweet wine. Enjoy local and international music, dances, and games.
  • After the sun had completely set, armed guards escorted us to our guesthouse to avoid possible encounters with monkeys or hyenas.
  • We rise early and return to our final overnight stop. Enjoy the sunshine and fortify ourselves with breakfast. Visit the museums and the old palace of Emperor Minilik, once the seat of the central government. After lunch, we prepare for the return journey to Addis.
  • In the afternoon, we continue to Addis, where the tour ends.
What's Included:
Pickup and drop-off
Private transportation (fuel included)
Entrance fees to all listed sites
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Dinner, red and sweet wine, honey wine (Tej) and traditional liquor (Areke) hot drinks and bottled water
Not Included
Alchoholic Drinks Not Listed On The Package
Tips and Gratitude
Optional Detours (Not Included in the Package)
Dinner at a traditional restaurant with optional vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Traditional beverages, including the very famous Ethiopian honey wine (Tej) and the traditional hard liquor
Traditional coffee, beers, bottled waters (sparkling and still) and soft drinks.
Visit traditional nightclubs with cultural folk dances and performances.
Nightclubs with the most iconic DJs, both local and international.
Live bands, jazz, and reggae performances.
This Additional service fee will be determined accordingly.
Customers Reviews

4.8

(99+ Ratings)

9.5/10

Locations

9.5/10

Amenities

8/10

Meals

8/10

Prices

8.5/10

Services

FAQs
It was the seat of the Shewan Kingdom in the 18th century and is rich in history, scenic mountain views, and unique bird species like the Ankober Black-backed Warbler.
Hiking in the highlands, camping with a traditional cooking ceremony, visiting local museums, and touring the old palace of Emperor Menelik.
The highlands offer several hiking trails along steep escarpments with panoramic views into the Afar lowlands, suitable for both casual walkers and serious trekkers.
The area is ideal for birdwatchers, home to rare species such as the Ankober Black-backed Warbler and various seedeaters.