Gonder - the Camelot of Africa

 

Set high next to the Simien mountains, Gonder is hardly the “little village” described by both Addisites and Bihar Darists – this is quite a busy town with rustic moments to be found.

The main attraction are its castles built between the 15th and 17th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site is certainly attractive enough without being stunning. It is also referred to as “Africa’s Camelot”.

The town is fairly spread out, but most of the castle bits are next to each other in the Royal Enclosure. Still able to utilize my expired International Student card, it costs me Birr30, non-concessions Birr50. Guides charge Birr100, but i prefer to meander with The Beast.

 

Also around town you can visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie and a bit further out is the Empress Montewab’s Kuskuam complex.

Close by are the Felasha Jewish community, most of which were “repatriated” to Israel during the famine n the early 1980s. They can be visited on a half day tour (US40) and full day trip (US$80 – 100).

People rave about the Simien mountains which are indeed very beautiful. But trekking these do not come cheap, not least to myself – tight budget traveller.