Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
which is the obvious launching pad for the desolate expanses of the
Danakil
. Back in
Mekele, drive south to
Lalibela
. Its 11 astounding rock-hewn churches and myriad tun-
nels have poignantly frozen 12th- and 13th-century Ethiopia in stone. After three or so
days here, it's back to Addis Ababa.
12 Days
The Wild West
A journey out into the lush, green west is one for trail blazers. Leaving Addis it's a short
and easy drive to
Mt Wenchi
where a crater lake and a beautiful day walk awaits. Next
head past fields of golden tef (an indigenous grass cultivated as a cereal) and sunshine-
bright meskel flowers to the bustling town of
Jimma
where you can soak up some culture
in the museums. A long day's driving will take you deep into Surma country and the vil-
lage of
Kibish
. After a few days of swapping stories with Surmi warriors, head up to the
Bebeka Coffee Plantation
where you'll probably be happy to just relax and watch tropic-
al birds in the guesthouse gardens. Drive along misty mountain ridges, and through dense
forests and descend into the steamy lowlands to fascinating
Gambela
, home of the Nuer
and Anuak peoples as well as herds of antelopes. From Gambela you have two options -
complete the loop by heading back to Addis via the low-key towns of
Nekemte
and
Ambo
, which makes for a scenic ride blessed with superb mountain vistas, or flying back
to Addis from Gambela.