Hiking Forming part of one of the major mountain ranges in Africa, the Simien Mountains rises to the highest point in Ethiopia at Mount Ras Dashen (15,157ft/4,620m), and boasts several other peaks above 13,123ft (4,000m). The Simien Mountains National Park is known for its dramatic landscapes and spectacular scenery comprising deep canyons, escarpments, dizzying precipices, and jagged spires and pinnacles caused by millions of years of erosion. There are a variety of trekking options, ranging from one-day hikes to treks lasting 10 days; most routes will pass through the small villages
and cultivated fields dotted about the lower valleys before reaching the plateau and high altitude areas, from where the views are breathtaking. The park is home to a variety of rare endemic wildlife, including the walia ibex (a type of mountain goat), the Simien fox and troops of red-chested gelada baboons that live in the cliffs. Large birds of prey, such as the lammergeyer, can also be seen. The small town of Debark is the base for hiking into the mountains, and the National Park Office is the place to organize guided treks; all visitors must be accompanied by an official, armed ranger due to the lawless nature of some areas of the Simien range following years of civil war.
Birding Ethiopia has emerged as one of the foremost birding destinations on the African continent, boasting more than 850 known species, of which 23 are endemic to Ethiopia. Habitats supporting bird life are the Rift Valley lakes, the highland massif, forests and the lowlands. The Rift Valley is scattered with lakes that offer an enormous diversity of bird life; more than half of all Ethiopia's species have been recorded at both Awash National Park and Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park. Lake Langano and Nechisar National Park are also excellent birding sites and commonly seen are kingfishers, storks, pelicans, flamingos and fish eagles. The highland escarpments form the most typical of Ethiopian habitats for birds and offer a number of species not found elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, like the Golden Eagle, Red-billed Chough and Ruddy Shelduck; other endemics include Rouget's Rail and the Spot-breasted Lapwing. More than 50 species of birds inhabit the Simiens Mountains National Park, including the impressive Bearded Vulture, or Lammergeyer, with its 10-foot (3m) wingspan. Bale Mountains National Park in the highlands is another popular birdwatchers paradise. The south of the country also affords superb birding opportunities with sought after endemics like the Prince Ruspoli's Turaco, Degodi Larks and Stresemann's Bush Crow. October to December are the best months to go. Various tour companies specialize in birdwatching trips to Ethiopia.
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