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, similar to the plateaus of Mongolia in their depth, vastness and ever changing light. 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.
The horses, a hardy mix of Abyssinian Pony and of Emperor Haile Selassie’s mounts, are well accustomed to the altitude –close to 3 000 meters high- and are energetic and brave horses 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 way to slowly penetrate the aged beauty of a millennia old lifestyle.
ANCOBAR
Ancobar was the destination of 19th century travelers as they 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, Ancobar boasts the presence of the most extent northern montane forest.
MONASTERY OF DEBRE LIBANOS
The monastery of Debre Libanos –or Mountain of Lebanon- in northern Shoa, 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.
ROCK HEWN CHURCH OF ADADI MARYAM
Adadi Maryam was rediscovered in the 19th century by horsemen on a hunting trip from Addis Ababa. It had been completely forgotten for centuries and indeed the origin and the carvers of this rock hewn church are unknown to this day. Setting off towards the south, we’ll cross the Awash of Thesiger fame –the river takes its source to the north of Addis Ababa- and visit the troglodytic dwelling that the Portuguese chaplain Alvarez wrote of in the 16th century.
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.