Climbing in Ethiopia by International Mountain Leader Suzie Dick
Suzie tells as a bit about why climbing in Ethiopia is one of her favourite things to do, aside from being an IML. So, for any budding climbers out there, this might be for you…
Why is this my favourite destination?
My husband, children and I lived in Ethiopia for three years and it never stopped amazing me! The wide variety of landscapes, the diversity of the people, the amazing opportunities and the opportunity to explore a country that is predominately portrayed as drought ridden and where everyone is poverty stricken and starving. The truth is, it is a fantastic up and coming destination for incredible trips and adventures, whether hiking, canoeing, or in the case of this article, climbing.
Introduction
Climbing in Ethiopia is still in its infancy though of more recent times there have been a number of expeditions looking to set up new routes in the north of the country. There is also a fairly active, mostly expat, climbing community based in Addis Ababa who have been setting out new routes, and in some case putting in bolts for sports climbing, in the vicinity of the capital.
Though the infrastructure for tourism is still pretty basic there is a very much a ‘can do’ attitude among Ethiopians and there will always be someone who knows someone who can get you somewhere or the information you need.
Type of rock
The vast majority of rock in Ethiopia is igneous due to it being on a divergent plate margin and part of the northern end of the rift valley. Particularly in the Simien and Bale mountains the rock forms a series of escarpments providing for a range of bouldering, single and multi pitch climbs though nothing that can’t be accomplished in a day.
Equipment
There is nowhere currently where you can buy any climbing gear in Addis so it is best to take with you whatever you think you might need. For more general camping/outdoor supplies there is a state department store in the Piazza area of Addis that sells camping equipment and some lodges will also rent out supplies, particularly in the Langano and Simien Mountain areas. The owner of Bale Mountain Lodge, Guy Levine, is also keen to promote climbing and adventure tourism in the Bale Mountains.
Safety considerations
Ethiopia is one of the safest African countries with violent crime being rare. There are the usual issues with theft as per any country and you should always respect the local culture. Please be aware, if camping, of wild animals, in particular Hyenas, and it is best to hire a guard to prevent unwelcome intrusions in the night!
As of summer 2015 there is a working air ambulance service run by the Viking Clinic and Nordic hospital in Addis Ababa that will be able to extract you from in- country and then overseas. However a word of caution. Though the risk of an accident happening is the same in Ethiopia as anywhere else, the consequences of anything going wrong are potentially very serious. There is no working health care system outside the capital and no ambulance service. You need to be prepared to deal with any problem that arises until the air ambulance can get to you or you can get back to Addis Ababa.
Further information
As previously mentioned there is a climbing community in Addis Ababa and a new indoor climbing (bouldering) wall at the Juventus Club. There is a climbing forum on Facebook (search rock climbing Addis Ababa) and a new book has recently been written by Majka Burhardt called ‘Vertical Ethiopia’ http://www.majkaburhardt.com/vertical-ethiopia/
Information regarding two climbing expeditions to Ethiopia can be found here:
http://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/page.php?id=6712
http://www.rockandice.com/…/building-ethiopias-potential-ro…
Lastly, British Association for International Mountain Leaders has a country profile for Ethiopia detailing information on working legally in Ethiopia.
Thank you Suzie!
