Trek from Sona to Mekarebya (1,900m):5 - 6 hours
The day begins with a downhill walk to the Ansiya River (one of the tributaries of the Tekeze River that drains towards Sudan, andjoins the Atbarah River .) Located at 1,975m, the river is surrounded by big fig trees. The descent is approximately 1,000mand takes 3 – 4 hours.
After you reach the river, you continue on flat ground for 2 – 3hours. The trail offers splendid views of the riverine forest. The trail then winds its way into the lowland where visitors will experience the enormous, lowland flora that is now rare in Ethiopia.The dominant tree on this route is Cordia africana, known for providing excellent shade for growing coffee, but also for its beauty.
In the western part of the country logs from this tree are used to make beehives and barrels for keeping tej (local honey wine). This route is also known for an abundance of birdlife such as the African paradise flycatcher, pin-tailed whydah, red and hemirpch hornbill. Leaving behind the scattered tree zone you’ll arrive in the small village of Mekarebya and then to the campsite.