Newly opened guests houses in Abuna Yoseph provide visitors with an opportunity to trek into the higher areas of the afro-alpine mountains. Highlights of this mountain trek include giant lobelia plants, large troops of Gelada baboons, and a small pack of Ethiopian Wolves as well as beautiful rock hewn and cave churches.

Treks between sites generally take about 5 to 8 hours and give participants a chance to see local farming techniques and other elements of local culture. Special excursions can be arranged for those interested in spending more time with the communities. Depending on the itinerary, visitors can stay overnight in one or more the following community run guest houses.

• Ad Medhane Alem: The starting point for the adventure, the Ad Medhane Alem house acts as a base camp for the trek. During their 5 hour walk from Lalibela, visitors can see large heather plants and catch their first glimpses of the gelada baboons.
• Agaw Beret: Constructed by Frankfurt Zoological Society, the Agaw Beret guest house sits at 4,000m and is the highest community lodge in Ethiopia. The guest house is located in a secluded area with a view to the Abuna Yosef summit, the third highest peak in Ethiopia.
• Tadios Amba: Visitors to the Tadios Amba guest house will experience spectacular views down the ridge to Geneta Mariam and have an opportunity to visit the Mekina Medhane Alem built church hidden in a cave.
• Geneta Mariam: Sitting at 2,500m, the Geneta Mariam guest house is the last stop on the Abuna Yosef trek. However, adventurous travelers can link to the Wollo trek from here and continue their exploration of Northern Ethiopia.

Prices include food, accommodation, guide, and pack animal but exclude bottled drinks, and transport. Please note most treks are closed during the rainy season – mid July to late September. Bookings must be made at least 7 days in advance and early bookings are encouraged during the high season.

To book a trek in Abuna Yosef or get more information visit their new website http://abuneyosephtourism.org contact Frankfurt Zoological Society at +251 (0) 333-360682 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tesfa Tours at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , +251 (0) 11 810 0920, +251 (0) 11 124 5178, +251 0923 490 495 or visit www.tesfatours.com.