Mekdela: Walking in the Steps of the Barefoot Emperor

The overnight trekking experience to Mekdela gives tourists the opportunity to step over a century back in time to relive one of Ethiopia's most incredible chapters of history. Not to mention, a very off-the-beaten track excursion where you and your group will be the only foreigners for three days.

Emperor Tewodros II (reign1855-1868) is often considered Ethiopia's most admired national hero. Mekdela was the third of Tewodros' capitals during his mandate as well as the site of his dramatic undoing and ultimate suicide. After uniting much of Northern Ethiopia and winning much respect, his empire slowly deteriorated. To fend against his enemies he sought the help of the British and even took British hostages to get the Queen's attention. This finally led to a massive British invasion of 30,000 troops and the decimation of his army, not to mention the end of his rule. Mekdela was Tewodros' impenetrable rock but ended up being his tomb.

After visiting the highland town of Dessie, we spend three days hiking to and from Mekdela, spending two nights camping under the starry skies on Mekdela mountain, isolated in the Ethiopian highlands. This is a moderate hike that follows a nice foot path17 kilometers to the mountain stronghold. We spend the night with the Mekdela tourism association the next day visit not only Tewodros' gravesite, but also the 10-ton cannon he ordered his hostages to build, known as Sevastopol. The third day of the trek, we hike back to the car and drive back to Dessie.

The next part of the tour depends on the day of the week. The city of Bati, lies a few hundred kilometers east of Dessie and is the first major city in the desolate region of Afar. Thus, Bati acts as a meeting point for highlanders from Wollo and salt traders from Afar. On the drive back to Dessie, make a stop at an old growth forest to see the biggest tree in all of Ethiopia.

Total number of days hiking: 3 days

Trek difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Chances of seeing other tourists visiting Mekdela: 3%

Itinerary

Day 1	Arrival to Addis Ababa, airport transfer to hotel. Overnight Kaleb Hotel
Day 2	Drive to Dessie and arrive in the afternoon. Spend the evening hiking to Mount Tossa or the surrounding mountainous area. Overnight Faskia Hotel
Day 3	Drive to Tenta, 135km northwest of Dessie, have lunch in Tenta. Hike the 17km journey to Mekdela (4-5 hours). Camping in Mekdela.
Day 4	Full day in Mekdela: visit the sites of Mekdela with a local guide in the morning. Have lunch and enjoy the rest of the evening to explore the mountain on your own. Camping in Mekdela.
Day 5	Hike back to Tenta (4-5 hours). Drive to Dessie, have dinner and spend the night in the hotel. Overnight Faskia Hotel
Day 6	Drive to Bati: Wake up early and drive to Bati to see the market. Spend the night in Bati. Overnight Local
Day 7	Drive to Addis Ababa: en route visit old growth forest. Overnight Kaleb Hotel
Day 8	Addis Ababa: City tour and farewell dinner at cultural restaurant.

Walk into the history with Vast Ethiopia Tours & be one of the few visitors to have visited this very historic site!
Mekdela receives just 50-100 visitors annually.