Adwa Rock Climbing

There are numerous sub-areas within a 30-45 minute drive from Adwa proper. This is a mountainous area with numerous peaks waiting to be explored. Rock quality around Adwa is generally better than elsewhere in Tigray, particularly when compared with the red sandstone of Gheralta.  

Adwa is infamous in Ethiopia history as this is where Ethiopia defeated Italy in 1896, securing Ethiopia's sovereignty. Ethiopians proudly point to being the only country in Africa never to be colonized and refer to this battle as a seminal moment in their centuries-long history.

The climbing season goes from mid-September to late May, with a brief spell of rains in late April/early May. Fall is a spectacular time to climb because of the verdant landscape. The harvest is also in the fall, so be respectful of farm fields.

Adwa is a sleepy town and offers very few hotels. You can find a room for between 800 and 1200 birr per night. While a bit spartan, the hotels are generally clean.

If a rest day is in the cards, hike up to the top of the main mountain seen from Adwa. Ask your hotel to find a "guide" to take you to the top. It's about two hours up and one hour down and is definitely worth the trip.  There is a giant chose cliff near the top. You may even find a random Derg era tank.

The nearest best hospital is the public one back in Axum, a 30-minute drive from Adwa. That hospital has the area's only x-ray machine.

Megab-based trekking and tour guide Gebre Welday +251 914-200-720 (email: bahranw@gmail.com) can take you to Adwa area crag and make all hotel and transportation arrangements for you. Gebre knows the area well.