Ethiopian snapshot heading

In K’s defense

Mud, mud and more mud the prosecutor hammered out slowly and emphatically. K. hung her head in dismay. And not only mud, but ice stones as big as golf balls, frost, fog and cold.

And then of course there is the small matter of the rains, ah, the rains: rains like you would not believe existed, he, K.! the prosecutor interjected at the accused. K. mumbled something inaudible and gathered her white netela more closely around her shoulders. So much rain that we can be said to be single handedly responsible for the Mediterranean’s water all the way up to Sicily! screamed the accusation.

Objection your honour. K., who was assuring her own defense, murmured softly: I cannot be held responsible for the sea, and the white gull above it, nor for the fish that swim in it.The prosecutor eyed her darkly, but K. went on: Are three months of rain and cold such a price to pay? For these three months, we will have full rivers –and the fish that swim in them- brimming lakes and sparkling emerald fields.

The prosecutor was seen to be fumbling with his notes, on which, if one had leaned over his shoulder, one would have read about impassable rivers, treacherous streams and of a handful of shepherds hit by lightning on mountain tops –they’d forgotten to wear their good charms around their necks anyway, so they could be discounted technically, K. was sure. After that, the prosecutor’s case collapsed in disarray and K. was carried out of the courthouse in triumph to fill the skies once again, and let her manna pour from the open heavens.

And Keremt, the main and long rain season, is also the best reason to stay at home, wrapped in a gabi, or drink pipping hot machiattos all over town. Only advantages, I tell you.

Read more about Ethiopia at Uthiopia.com.

Long Treks

These routes will take us over hill, along river, and across plains where everybody goes on foot or horseback to this day. This has to be some of the most perfect riding country in the world, with the depth, vastness and ever changing light of a land close to the heavens. Great plains of grass, full of herds of cattle, will be the atypical – for a western eye- Ethiopian landscape to which we’ll set our hoof beat. We’ll pitch our tents under the Abyssinian skies and set off at dawn for the ever expanding horizons.

Sunset

The horses, a hardy mix of Abyssinian Pony, are well accustomed to the altitude –close to 3 000 meters high- and are energetic and brave with good hearts. On the way, we’ll see orthodox churches, and experience the rhythms and mores of the true Ethiopian countryside with its inhabitant’s simple life. The horse, here the most normal form of transport, is the ideal vehicle to slowly penetrate the aged beauty of a millennia old lifestyle.

Blue Nile Trek

Camp Coffee

Blue Nile Trek: taking us from our base in Menagesha near Addis Ababa (See map) this ride encompasses the Montane Forest of Menagesha-Suba, the high plateau of Shoa and the Blue Nile Gorge. We get to see the typical Abyssinian lifestyle and camp every night together with farming communities and witness their lives first hand. Lots of cantering and diverse landscapes. The monastery of Debre Libanos –or Mountain of Lebanon- in northern Shoa and a stop on our route, has long occupied an unique position in Ethiopian Orthodoxy. Founded in the 14th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, it is still a centre of monastic life and learning. Its unique position –in a gorge at the end of the high plateau- interesting fauna –endemic gelada baboons inhabit its cliffs- and revered status as a centre of Orthodoxy make Debre Libanos a special and hallowed place (See itinerary).

All autumn dates are fully booked but still some space available in December.

Space available for 2010. Contact us for more details.

Rift Valley Trek

Gugs Rider

Rift Valley Trek: Leaving from Menagesha, and striking out straight towards the east (See map), we’ll ride over the high plateau at around 2800 meters, to the edge of the Rift Valley Escarpment. From here, up in the mists of the highlands, we can see the Danakil Depression at our feet, one of the lowest and hottest points on the face of the earth and site of our famous ancestor Lucy’s birth. This was the gateway through which many of the 19th century travelers made their way, up from the Red Sea by way of the Sultanat of Tadjourah, through the Danakil Depression, before reaching the crisp heights of Ancobar… only to discover that the emperor had moved his capital: first to Entoto, then to Addis Ababa proper, as we now know it. Stunningly set on the edge of the nearly two kilometer drop to the Danakil Depression, these mountains boast the presence of the most extent northern Montane forest (See itinerary).

First dates with available spaces starting in 2010. Contact us for more details.

AVAILABILITY:

Please contact us by email or phone for dates, itineraries and prices.

RIDING LEVEL:

You should be comfortable walking, trotting and galloping and be able to remain in control of your horse at all times.