Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting Around
A shared taxi from the airport, which is 17km from town, costs Birr50 per person. Many
hotels have free airport shuttles.
Chartering a
bajaj
/taxi to see Gonder's sights costs about Birr70/110 per hour, but
you'll have to negotiate hard for this. Minibuses charge between Birr1 and Birr1.50 for
hops around town.
Bajaj
, taxis and minibuses congregate just west of the piazza.
Around Gonder
WUNENIA & KOSOYE
Despite what anyone may tell you, the Simien Mountains are not visible from either of
these two ridgetop viewpoints, 22km and 29km northeast of Gonder respectively, but the
views are awesome nonetheless. At both, friendly local guides will lead you on walks of
about an hour for a small tip. They're not mandatory at Wunenia, but they know the best
viewpoints and can help you find gelada monkeys. Longer treks are also possible.
The
Befiker Kossoye Ecology Lodge
( 0911-250828;
www.semienkossoye.com
;
campsites US$20, s/tw incl breakfast US$65/80; )
at Kosoye isn't worth considering at
this price, though low-season prices drop by half and the three-course set lunch or dinner
(Birr150) in the attractive restaurant is welcome post-walk. Other lodges, including some
simple
tukuls
(huts) at Wunenia, are in the pipeline. The tourist office in Gonder will have
the latest updates.
Any minibus to Debark can drop you off.
GORGORA
POP 1500 / ELEV 1830M
The little lakeshore town of Gorgora, 60km southwest of Gonder, has a slow tropical vibe.
It provides the chance to see rarely visited monasteries and makes a good excursion for
birders. Mostly, it offers an easy, comfortable escape from the ordinary.
Sights
With the exception of Debre Sina, you'll need a local guide to find these sights. Guides
usually hang out at the Gorgora Port Hotel and charge Birr100 per day for a small group.
