Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trekking
A community-run
trekking
( 0116-851326;
www.guassaarea.org
; per person per
24hr Birr100, guide per group Birr120)
program initiated by the Frankfurt Zoological So-
ciety has made tourism in the area much easier - reservations are required. There are cur-
rently two basic
campsites
(Birr100)
out in the wild with no facilities or you can do day
treks using the lodge as a base. Mules for riding or carrying gear are available for Birr50
per day, plus a muleteer (who can handle two mules) costs another Birr50 per day. Note
that as elsewhere in the north, July and August are the rainiest months, but here October is
third rainiest. In the cold season temperatures can drop to -10°C.
Sleeping & Eating
Guassa Community Lodge
$
(campsites Birr100, dm Birr250; )
This place has four simple but almost cosy upper-
floor bedrooms plus a lounge with fireplace and a kitchen (Birr100 per group). It's still
quite rustic, but small improvements (such as hot showers, solar electricity and meals) are
planned and the view over the plain is superb. For now, you must bring all your own food.
Reservations required.
LODGE
Getting There & Away
From Tarmaber, 45km east of Debre Berhan, a rocky, seldom-travelled road begins south
and takes you over the highway tunnel. It passes huge valleys for 80km (at least two
hours' driving) to the headquarters.
Buses from Addis Ababa (Birr100, seven hours, 6am) and Debre Berhan (Birr60, four
hours) to Mehal Meda pass the lodge/ headquarters.
