Central
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia’s capital: museums, markets and the birthplace of many a coffee ceremony.
Central Ethiopia
Guassa and Ankober
Ethiopian wolves and gelada on a community-protected plateau, and Menelik’s first capital.
Overview
About Guassa and Ankober
On the Guassa plateau, between 3,200 and 3,700 m, the grass has been shared out for more than 400 years under the Qero, a community rule. That old system has kept a home for Ethiopian wolves and gelada troops that can number in the hundreds.
From the plateau the road drops to Ankober, capital of the Shewa kingdom until Menelik II moved to Entoto in 1878. A lodge stands on his palace hill, looking down to the Rift Valley.
- Region
- Central
- Best time
- October to May
Highlights
What makes it worth the journey
Highlights
- Ethiopian wolves at dawn
- Gelada on the escarpment
- Ankober’s palace hill
- Views to the Rift Valley
Things to do
- Walk the plateau with a community scout
- Stay on Menelik’s palace hill
- Visit Ankober’s round churches
Plan your visit
Before you go
Best time to visit
October to May
Getting there
By road north from Addis Ababa through Debre Birhan.
Getting around
By 4x4, and on foot with a community scout.
Good to know
- Nights near freezing: bring proper warm layers.
- The area is under official travel warnings; tours are paused.
Gallery
A look at Guassa and Ankober
Photos: Unsplash
Keep exploring
More places to see
Central
Central
Rift Valley Lakes
Crater lakes and lakeside lodges, a short drive south of Addis Ababa.
Central
Bishoftu
Volcanic crater lakes an hour from Addis Ababa, and the Irreecha gathering at Lake Hora.
Let us plan your Guassa and Ankober trip
Tell us when you want to travel and what you love. A local specialist will reply with a suggested plan and a clear price.