Journey to the heart of Ethiopia Simon Ellery

Welcome to the start of our audio journey walking across northern Ethiopia. The seed for this idea was planted over the 15 years or so that Will and I have been great friends living in Brighton. I had heard his stories of Africa many times, from him living in Ethiopia to then starting up a business that runs safaris across the continent. But to actually walk with Will into the heart and soul of the country, where it all began for him, was the realisation of a much-discussed dream late into many Brighton nights.

The night before the start of our walk we stayed in the historic town of Axum - believed by pilgrims to host the Arc of the Covenant.  After a bumpy drive of several hours in the early morning heat, we're dropped off at a tiny roadside village of Halloka. This is the start of our four-day trek along ancient paths in the Gheralta mountains, soaking up table top mountains and verdant valleys as we walk with a guide and two elders shepherding a mule who shoulders our bags.

At the drop off village we meet 24- year-old Abraham, our guide, and lunch on the famous Ethiopian classic sourdough flatbread Injera with sautéed meat chunks called Tibs and spicy stew. Fuelled up and ready to go, we head off on the first of several days walking to a community-run, typical Tigray guesthouse called Enaf. Perched on a cliff edge, to earn our bed for the night we snake up through lush green valleys, clambering down dusty paths and marvel at table top mountains.

*Music courtesy of Invisible System.

*Trek logistics organised by Tesfa Tours (tesfatours.com). 

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