Travel Guide Tsada Amba

The monastery of Tsada Amba, perched on the mountain of the same name, reaches 2 100 m above sea level and enjoys breathtaking views. A trip to join calls for a little organization, a little money and a good physical condition, but the game really is worth it: Once at the top, by a clear day, it is possible to see to the Sudan, and the landscape of the lowlands that spread out of sight and end up joining the horizon is just splendid.It is possible to climb a day from Keren very early in the morning. A 4 x 4 is essential, and using the services of a local guide is undoubtedly a good idea. If you are planning to visit the interior of the monastery, you need a Bantu headquarters in Asmara; in practice, it is unlikely that a monk will deny you access because of permission. From Keren you have to take the road from Agordat and drive for about 18 km before turning left (shortly before Hagaz) on a dirt path. The road continues for approximately kilometres in the bed of an dried river before becoming too narrow for the car to pass; this is where we have to start climbing! If you don't have a guide yet, you will find one easily in the small village at the foot of the mountain.The first part of the road is rather steep and asks to climb some huge rocks before arriving, after two good hours of effort, to a small monastery considered to be the "base camp" of the monks and called Gimja Worq. You will be welcomed with open arms and tea and water, a well-deserved thirst for thirst. From the terrace, you can clearly see the monastery of Tsada Amba, perched at the top of the mountain; The building seems close and yet there is still two hours walking to join it. We finally arrive on a small plateau, at the top, at 2 100 m altitude, where the superb view is worth the hard effort to get there. From now on, the monastery is separated from the plateau on which it stands by a narrow narrow path, bordered on both sides by a cliff. The monks walk through this ridge as cabris, air absolutely unruffled, if you are neither a walker nor a climber, it is not recommended to try to cross it yourself! To go down, count three good hours.NB: It is possible to take this trip in 2 days, passing one night at the base camp Gimja Worq, the mattresses will be provided to you (a donation will be welcome).