The Agame Mountain Range, located in the northern highlands of Tigrai, forms a distinctive zigzag shape that encircles Adigrat. This range extends across the high peaks of Aleqa and Wurhet, reaching north to the Fatsi area, Damo Mountains, Mugulat, and Qiat Cliffs. It also stretches southward toward Debre Abay, Imba Tsion, and the regions north of Hawzien, before looping back through Bahira Siheta, Guahgot, Ziqallay, Gurhto, Adisemaet, and Dengelat mountains. This rugged terrain is among Tigrai’s most ecologically diverse ecotourism destinations.
The Agame and Gheralta Mountains are home to notable monasteries such as Maryam Qiat, Aba Gebremichael Qilele, Maryam Buzuhan, Tsion Haremat, Michael Engifa, Gebremenfesqidus Debremear, Maryam Enfo, Maryam Ayrefeda, Maryam Bahira, Aba Yohani Siheta, Debrezekarias Giorgis Debri, Eyesus Guahgot, Estifanos Mesenqe, Selestu Deqiq Guahgot, Maryam Kudo, Minas Mailebay, Medhanealem Ziqallay, Maryam Dengelat, and Arbaetu Ensisa Adisemaet, among many others. The region also boasts indigenous trees and small forested areas, such as Beraro in Bahira Siheta and Munguda in Ziqallay.
Another fascinating feature of the Agame Mountains is their population of bleeding-heart monkeys. Recently documented by Hagos Gebremariam (AGU), a frequent visitor to the region, these monkeys live in distinct groups spread across the mountain massifs, traveling between the peaks and nearby villages.
Key groups of these monkeys inhabit:
- The Ziqallay, Dengelat, Guahgot, and Maylebay regions.
- The Gurhto and Adisemaet areas.
- The Sagren Mountain Range, spanning Sieat, Dibla, Mitsnah Wegebet, and Mai Emni, including May Aleqti, Debri, and Metaklo.
- The Mesneqe Hilbenay area, extending to Mingas and Bete Eyesus.
- Bahira Siheta, Beraro, Endayrefeda, and Enfo Mountains.
- The Debre Abay and Sineefti mountains.
- The Shimbreyti, Gaeben, and Shiqut areas around Emba Endatsion.
- The Qiat Mountains, reaching Zomolla and the Tsaedat Hamlo hills.
- The Mugulat area surrounding the Alequa Mountains.
This rich biodiversity presents a remarkable opportunity for ecotourism diversification in Tigrai. Kafta-Sheraro National Park, Desa’a Forest Reserve, Tsibet, Higumbirda & Girakahsu Forest, Mount Assimba, etc are few of other biodiversified sites. By prioritizing conservation efforts, Tigrai can become a leading destination that highlights both its cultural heritage and ecological wealth.
Source: Hagos Gebremariam (AGU)