Gheralta Rock Climbing

Gheralta is a majestical area of northern Tigray famous for its red sandstone cliffs and rock hewn churches. Gheralta is less known and therefore less touristy than the Lalibela rock churches.

American, French, and Italian climbers (to mention a few nationalities) have been exploring this area for more than a decade. Pat Littlejohn and Steve Sustad were some of the first to venture here to climb (AAJ 2006, p. 305-307).There remains much potential for exploration, but the quality for the rock can be spotty.

US rock climber Majka Burhardt wrote a superb book, entitlted “Vertical Ethiopia: Climbing Toward Possibility in the Horn of Africa". Her book is an inspiring read and provides sensational photos of this majestical landscape: https://www.amazon.com/Vertical-Ethiopia-Climbing-Toward-Possibility/dp/9994400320.

As of May 2018, there were two lodges (Gheralta Lodge and Korkor Lodge), which offer outstanding quality lodging. A third lodge, Kiriftu, is being built. Book early because these lodges fill up quickly during peak tourist season (mid-Sep through late May). There apparently is also a youth hostel. You can also find more remedial hotels in nearby Howzien.

Megab-based trekking and tour guide Gebre Welday +251 914-200-720 (email: bahranw@gmail.com) can take you to the various crags, and he can make all hotel and transportation arrangements for you.