Zege Peninsula, Lake Tana
Key information: Zege Peninsula, Lake Tana 
- Walk through fine forest between the 4 monasteries on this famous peninsula.
Walkopedia rating
- Walkopedia rating87
- Beauty31
- Natural interest14
- Human interest14
- Charisma31
- Negative points3
- Total rating87
- Note: Neg: Noise and tourism around the monasteries/lakeside
Vital Statistics
- Length: Your choice
- Maximum Altitude: Your Choice
- Level of Difficulty: Variable
This walk description page is at an early stage of development, and will be expanded over time. Your comments on this walk, your experiences and tips, and your photos are very welcome.
WALK SUMMARY
The Zege Peninsula in the south of Lake Tana boasts 4 monasteries, and walking between then through lovely forest is a gorgeous way to spend a few hours.
The monasteries are of varying ages (C13 onwards), beauty and atmosphere, but are collectively moving and inspiring places. You need to climb to Tekla Haimanot on the peninsula’s highest spot.
The monasteries are accessible by boat, most of them quite near the shore, so you can come by boat (40 mins) from Dachir Dar, then land in one spot and get picked up from another. Or, indeed by road to Bete Selassie the drive on in.
The forest is home to a selection of birds, and vervet monekeys, so walking through it is an important part of an exciting day. You will also enjoy glimpses of the wide, peaceful lake (well, when the boats are about).
www.tourdust.com organise Ethiopia expeditions, including walking here. We had a wonderful time with them, with a well planned and supported journey. They clearly have good local partners.
Other accounts: share your experiences
Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.
Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.
Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
Contents
Other great walks in Ethiopia
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Central, Wonchi Crater Lake
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East, Fantale Crater
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East, Valley of Marvels
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Lalibela Area, Wollo Highlands
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Lalileba Area, Ashetan Maryam
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North, Tigray, Tigray Rock Churches
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Simien Mts, Geech to Chenek
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Simien Mts, Imet Gogo
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Simien Mts, Mt Buahit
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Simien Mts, Ras Dashen
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South, Sof Omar Caves
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South, Bale Mts, Above Dodola
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South, Bale Mts, Bale Mountains
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South, Bale Mts, Harenna Forest
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South, Bale Mts, Sanetti Plateau
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South, Bale Mts, Sangay Grassland and Park HQ Reserve
RESEARCH ESSENTIALS
Information and review
Finding flights, organising travel
Car hire
Accommodation
- Booking.com
Search and book the best places to stay -
TripAdvisor
Equipment & Clothing
Books and Maps
- Amazon
- Maps and guides from Maps Worldwide
- Cicerone � explore the world�s best collection of walking books
Holidays and Activities
MAGAZINE
Walking with Trees: the Kumano Kōdō Kōhechi - Stephen Barber's account and photos of one of Japan's great pilgrimage trails. March 2021
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
