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, and
joins the Atbarah River .) Located at 1,975m, the river is
surrounded by big fig trees. The descent is approximately 1,000m
and takes 3 – 4 hours.
After you reach the river, you continue on flat ground for 2 – 3
hours. 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